Cohesion Jazz Ensemble

Red Mark CD 9211
Hear Audio Excerpts of the music

In 1973 the Cohesion Jazz Ensemble was conceived by drummer Bobby Scott and bassist Jim Anderson. Establishing itself as a progressive "underground" jazz group noted for its own compositions and original approach to the jazz standards, the group has maintained a consistent originality of sound and feel for the music to this day. The ensemble has gone through numerous personnel changes since it's inception. The musicians in the current band performing on this debut CD are:

James A. Anderson, Jr. Bass. Co-founder and co-leader along with Bobby Scott of the Cohesion Jazz Ensemble, Jim, a native Cincinnatian, studied at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Over the past 30 years he has toured and performed with artists such as Nat Adderley, Ernestine Anderson, Art Blakey, Hank Crawford, Frank Foster, Eddie Harris, Johnny Hartman, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, James Moody, Della Reese, Woody Shaw, Clark Terry and Bobby Watson. He also played and toured as part of the Art Farmer/Clifford Jordon Quintet and the Pharaoh Sanders Quartet.

Bobby Scott, Drums and Co-leader. Self-taught, Bobby has been performing professionally since 1960. He has, over the years, performed with a wide array of jazz artists including George Coleman, Big Mabelle, Lorenz Alexander, Johnny Hartman, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Clifford Jordan, Jimmy Forest, Conte Condoli, Rasaan Roland Kirk, Rusty Bryant, John Blake, Valery Ponomarev and Jimmy McGary.

Jim Connerly, Piano. Born in Wayne, New Jersey, studied music at the Indiana University School of Music at Bloomington. He performs regularly in the Ohio area and has played with many regional and national known jazz artists. He currently teaches jazz studies at De Paw University in Indiana and can be heard regularly at Jazz, Live at Kaldis in Cincinnati.

Kevin Engel, Alto and Tenor Saxophones and Bassoon. A native of Providence, RI. He moved to Chicago in 1973 and studied music at the University of Illinois. He also studied at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and performs regularly in the Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Tri-State area. Currently he teaches music at Dixie Heights High School in Edgewood, KY.

Mike Wade, Trumpet and Flugelhorn. Born in Washington, DC. Studied at Howard University, Central State University at Wilberforce, Ohio and the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Currently teaching band music at Withrow High School in Cincinnati as well as performing regularly in the Cincinnati area.