Concert and Jam Session 6-9 PM
Liberty Theatre, 813 8th Avenue, Columbus
Tickets: $10
Concert begins at 6:00 ~ Jam session begins at 8:00
No cover charge for musicians who sit in

The Solar Quintet is a blend of musical styles and personalities. Each band member brings something distinct and significant to the mix resulting in compositions that move seamlessly from fusion to Latin and traditional jazz.

Since there is no actual bandleader in the quintet, the rehearsal process is one of collaboration and discovery. This process holds true for jazz standards as well as  original music. “Miles Davis’ concept that innovation is standard in jazz is at the heart of everything we do”, says bassist David Johnston.

While its individual band members have performed extensively, the Solar Quintet was recently formed in early 2009. The Quintet’s first CD titled SIMPLY SAID is due to be released in mid February 2010.

The SOLAR QUINTET is:
Fred Ezekiel, alto saxophonist and composer, has forty-five years playing experience. He studied music at Kentucky State University as well as the United States Navy School of Music. Fred has toured with the United States Army Band, The Impressions, Jerry Butler, and, since 1992, the Lou Vallee Four.

David Johnson, bassist, began studying music at age five when he began playing the organ. He took up the trombone at age ten, bass and percussion at age fifteen. David has toured extensively with the United States Navy Band playing a wide variety of styles in both big band and small ensemble settings. He has performed with the Cavaliers Orchestra led by Dr. George Corradino, the Auburn Knights Orchestra, and many others.

Elwood Madeo, guitarist and composer, studied classical guitar and theory at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. While in San Francisco, he performed at several jazz clubs including Keystone Korner, Great American Music Hall, and Peta’s Jazz Restaurant. He received a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from Georgia State University where he studied and performed with Dr. Gordon Vernick. He also studied with Steve Kahn in N.Y.C. Elwood is currently teaching and directing music at St. Anne and Our Lady of Lords. He has served on the board of directors for the San Francisco Jazz Society and the Columbus Jazz Society.

David Morgan, drums and percussion, has worked in a variety of styles and settings from orchestral to jazz and pop as well as in pit orchestras and recording sessions. He received a B.A. from Columbus College where he continued his studies in music theory and percussion methods. David has performed with the Cavaliers Orchestra led by Dr. George Corradino, the Auburn Knights Orchestra, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra featuring Judy Collins and Chet Atkins, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra with the Pied Pipers led by Warren Covington, Marcus Hampton, Michael Hoskin, Phineas Johnson, Dr. Gordon Vernick, David Ragsdale, and many others.

Donald Tipton, pianist and composer, received his Bachelor of Music from Columbus College in 1980. He has continued to study jazz piano with the directors of jazz studies at Columbus State University: Dr. Shirantha Beddage, and Dr. Alexander Pershunin. Don has worked as a video producer and commercial photographer with special expertise in underwater image making. His most recent film, DREAMING INTO BLUE, makes use of Donald’s own music for its film score.