June 27
Nat Adderley Jr. (Quartet)– pianist

Nat Adderley Jr., is best known for his work as pianist, arranger and music director with the late Luther Vandross, whom he met when both were students at the, legendary, LaGuardia High School of Music and Performing Arts. In addition to being the son and nephew of legendary performers Nat Sr. and Cannonball Adderley, he has worked with major stars including Kirk Whalum, Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin and Gloria Lynne.   Adderley started playing piano when he was five years old. At age 11 he wrote his first song “I’m on My Way,” which Cannonball recorded on his album “Why am I Treated so bad!”

Adderley’s versatility led him to play the piano in the Broadway production of August Wilson’s “Piano Lesson.” A graduate of Yale University,  he has returned to his Jazz roots to perform musical tributes to his father and uncle as well as his own material. Adderely can be heard in Jazz clubs and at festivals worldwide with Tom Scott, Don Byron as well as his own groups.  

July 11
Rene Marie – singer

A woman of great strength exuding stamina and compassion, this award-winning singer whose style incorporates elements of Jazz, Soul, the Blues and Gospel .  In 1999, she began her professional music career at age 42.  Since the release of her recording debut, Renaissance, Marie has also evolved into one of the greatest and most sensuous vocalists of our time.  Her voice has been compared to Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Also a songwriter Marie carries the banner of social advocacy much like that of Abbey Lincoln and Nina Simone. 

Unmistakably honest and unpretentious while transforming audiences worldwide with her powerful interpretations, electrifying deliveries and impassioned vocals, Marie has drawn a legion of fans and music critics who find themselves not only entertained, but encouraged and even changed by her performances. Almost 15 years after her debut , Marie’s creativity, boldness and exuberance take hold on Voice of My Beautiful Country, her latest album (2011).  

July 18
Ulysses Owens Jr. (Quartet) – drummer

Multi-Grammy Award winning drummer Ulysses Owens Jr.  has performed with world-class musicians including Patti Austin, Terence Blanchard, Benny Golson, Russell Malone, Wynton Marsalis, Mulgrew Miller, Maceo Parker, Nicholas Payton and Dianne Reeves to name a few.  In 2010 he received his first Grammy Award for his performance on Kurt Elling’s Dedicated To You, and, in 2012, a second award for Christian McBride’s Big Band album The Good Feeling.  Owens’ 2009 debut recording It’s Time For U featured several original compositions and arrangements.  According to critics, “the recording not only elicits Owens’ talent to keep the music mobile and ramp up the songs dynamics with well-positioned solos, but the use of vocals on some of the tracks deepens the album’s luster.” 

A second album, Unanimous, was released in 2012 on the European jazz label Criss Cross. 

July 25
Duduka Da Fonseca Trio with guest vocalist Maucha Adnet – Samba Jazz and Jobim

Sponsored by William Paterson University Summer Jazz Room

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Duduka Da Fonseca began playing the drums at the age of 13. Two years later he was appearing on television, performing and recording with top Brazilian musicians. In 1975 he moved to New York City, establishing numerous Brazilian Jazz groups, reviving the movement of Samba Jazz. 

Da Fonseca also formed The Brazilian Jazz All Stars that featured artists Bob Mintzer, Eliane Elias and Randy Brecker.  Da Fonseca is the founding member and co-leader of Trio da Paz,  and has recorded more than 200 albums and performed with artists such as: Antonio Carlos Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, Herbie Mann , John Scofield,  Joe Henderson, Gerry Mulligan, Phil Woods,  Nancy Wilson, Slide Hampton and Kenny Barron.

August 1
Claire Daly (Quartet) - baritone sax

Claire Daly was 12 years old when she began playing the saxophone. Upon hearing Buddy Rich’s big band and seeing the musicians boarding the band bus, her dream to be a musician was born.  A graduate of the Berklee College of Music, she has worked steadily since that time. Daly spent seven years with the all-female Big Band, DIVA and has had a long-running association with pianist/composer Joel Forrester.

A six-time winner of the Down Beat Critics’ Poll for “Talent Deserving Wider Recognition” and winner of the 2005 Jazz Journalist Association for “Baritone Saxophonist of the Year,” her newest and ninth recording, Baritone Monk-Clare Daly Quartet, has received high praise. This multi-reedist is heard on baritone saxophone, flute and some vocals.