Welcome to Philadelphia Jazz Project
Mysterious Traveler - Michael Cemprola
Oct 9, 2014
The Free Library, the Producer's Guild and PJP are teaming up to present a daring, new performance series. Entitled, Mysterious Travelers Concert Series, it will feature FREE monthly concerts running through April 2015. It will also showcase a diverse array of Jazz performers who are shaping the future sounds of Philadelphia. The upcoming concert is...
Wednesday, October 29, 2014 | 7:00 p.m.
Central Library/Montgomery Auditorium
1901 Vine Street, 19103
Featuring: Michael Cemprola
Award-winning saxophonist Mike Cemprola has been a busy member of the Philadelphia music scene since he arrived in 2002. He has performed/recorded with The Mike Cemprola Quartet, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Norman David and the Eleventet, the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, Dan Monaghan’s Quartet, the co-led quartet Gunshow, and a host of other creative ensembles in the area. He has also performed as a commercial/pop sideman with Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, Wayne Newton, the Four Tops, in addition to dozens of musical theater productions on saxophones, flutes, and clarinets. Mike attended the University of the Arts from 2002-2007, earning a BM and MM in music. He continues his association with UArts now as a faculty member, teaching private lessons, classes, and coaching performing ensembles. He is also member of the faculty at Camden County College, teaching music appreciation classes. He lives in South Philadelphia with his beautiful wife, Kate Ambacher.
PJP: Can you briefly describe the musical direction of Michael Cemprola?
Cemprola: I’ve started and erased the answer to this question a few times before actually sticking with one. In a lot of ways, this is my first time as a leader in public. I’ve been a sideman for most of my 12 years in Philadelphia, and that has taught me a lot about music…and wanting a direction of my own. I don’t think mine is much different from anyone elses: I’d like to play honest and emotional music, and have it sound that way to an audience.
PJP: What and whom are pivotal musical influences on your creative approach?
Cemprola: My wife, my parents, my teachers, my friends, my family near and far, any musician I’ve played with, any musician I’ve listened to, Robert DeNiro, Eddie Murphy, Mel Brooks, running, religious people, non-religious people, the weather, taxes, Peter Falk, my late great grandmother Josephine Cemprola, the fact that any of us could go at any moment, the Simpsons, science and math, stories, etc…
PJP: How do you manage the task of creating and encouraging fresh, new, forwarding moving musical ideas, while simultaneously exploring, celebrating and documenting the past?
Cemprola: The fact that you could trace the history of music much like a person’s ancestry makes it possible. I don’t see myself as any sort of game-changer for the saxophone or music. I do, however, know what music I like and what level I’d like to attain. New opportunities always grow out of meeting new people…different gigs, different repertoires, ideas, approaches. I’m glad to just be part of the ever-expanding music community.
PJP: When listening to the music, what advice would you give to audiences to aide with greater understanding and enjoyment?
Cemprola: All I can say in relation to my music, is that I don’t write everyday. It says “saxophonist/composer” on my business card, but new songs generally come about when something “goes down” in my life. Good, bad, ugly, whatever: the titles usually come first and I write based on that. Hopefully it works.
Wednesday, October 28, 2014 | 7:00 p.m.
Central Library/Montgomery Auditorium
1901 Vine Street, 19103
Featuring: Michael Cemprola
Philadelphia Jazz Project (PJP) works to inspire a network to support, promote, archive and celebrate the diverse elements within the Philadelphia jazz community, with the larger goal of connecting to the global community. PJP is a sponsored project of the Painted Bride Art Center, with funding provided by the Wyncote Foundation.
The Producer’s Guild’s mission is to ensure that the appreciation and enthusiasm for the rich cultural heritage of African American Arts continues to thrive in Philadelphia, especially Black Classical Music, commonly known as Jazz.
