PROJECTS

ULTRA WORLD X-TET

“To put it plainly, ULTRA WORLD X-TET  is an extraordinary world class ensemble.” -Examiner.com

Gary Schwantes, Saxophone, Bamboo Flute, Composer
ULTRA WORLD X-TET combines jazz, world, experimental and contemporary concert styles in a pioneering mix of music and culture. It’s a joyful, intelligent, soulful and elegant fusion of East and West for the 21st Century. The band instrumentation includes saxophone, bamboo flutes, multiple guzhengs (23 string Chinese zither), yangqin (Chinese hammered dulcimer) bass, and percussion. The ensemble's first album, Moon and Legend is available at CD Baby and  iTunes as well as many other outlets.  A live concert DVD, Night Market is also available. ULTRA WORLD X-TET has performed at many venues in the San Francisco Bay Area including: Herbst Theater, SF City Hall, de Young Museum, SF Conservatory of Music, Old First Concerts, Palace Hotel, Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, People in Plazas, and many private and corporate events. The X-TET has received support from organizations such as Zellerbach Family Foundation, San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music and San Francisco Guzheng Music Society. www.ultraworldxtet.com

 

HIP BONES

 "the jazz/rock/funk trio sounded as tasty and musical as ever...the band’s Gary Schwantes tearing up a sax solo on a cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” Laying down the groove for Schwantes are drummer Robin Tolleson and bassist Shannon Hoover. Really fun show last night."
-Roanoke Times

Gary Schwantes, Saxophone, Bamboo Flute, Composer
" Hip Bones are a rare treat for music lovers. The three piece outfit delivers infectious, groove-oriented jazz that's akin to Medeski, Martin & Wood, and their album, Threedom, is a wonderful collection of well-written originals and well-chosen covers." ... Metro Beat


Music Spotlight writes "The band combines sax-drenched, jazzy funk grooves and a healthy dose of loops for a dense, layered sound that will make your head spin and bob simultaneously." Modern Drummer magazine says, "Grooving, sax-fronted jazz group Hip Bones is consistently interesting yet not overly slick." Metro Beat writes, "The three-piece outfit delivers infectious, groove-oriented jazz that's akin to Medeski Martin & Wood," and the Mountain Xpress writes  "You dont have to know what groosion is to dig the bicoastal jazz-funk wave of San Francisco trio Hip Bones."
www.hipbones.net


GARY SCHWANTES TRIO / QUARTET
INTERSTELLAR JAZZ TRIO

Gary Schwantes, Saxophone, Bamboo Flute, Composer
The GS Trio and Quartet and the Interstellar Jazz Trio perform a mix of  jazz standards, funky grooves, ambient textures, original compositions and cover tunes.

 

BOOKING

Contact Gary at:
garyspro@gmail.com