Steve Torok: News

Just wanted to reach out and let everyone know about an exciting concert and master class hosted by the Jazz and Commercial music program at MiraCosta College. Those that attend the master class will get into the concert for $5.  Download a poster here. And please spread the word.

 

Siegel/Torok Project in Concert
Saturday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Concert Hall, Bldg. 2400, Oceanside Campus
General admission, $10; Students/seniors $8

MiraCosta College Music faculty members Dan Siegel and Steve Torok present an exciting evening of high energy jazz. Dan has 19 solo albums, and hundreds of other producing, arranging, composing and performing credits in his extensive recording career. Steve has recorded and performed with Stevie Wonder, Temptations, Barry Manilow, and other well known musicians. An all-star band will accompany Dan and Steve. Guitar: Alan Hines (http://allenhinds.com/), Bass: Melvin Davis (http://www.melvinleedavis.com/), and drum set: Rayford Griffin (http://rayfordgriffin.com/). Free master classes with these guest artists will be presented at 5 pm in the concert hall.

 For more info see http://www.dansiegelmusic.com/ and http://www.stevetorok.com/

To buy tickets, go to http://www.miracosta.edu/buytix or call 760.795.6815.

Steve directs both the MiraCosta Jazz Collective and MOJO (MIraCosta Oceanside Jazz Orchestra). Both the big band MOJO and the smaller Collective perform in styles including hard bop, blues, Latin, and funk. The bands gets back to work over the next few weeks. Please consider joining!

The bands have performed with Tom Scott, Ernie Watts, Harry Kim, and Reggie Hamilton, among other well know jazz musicians.

Jazz Collective: Audition at first rehearsal (Monday, August 22 at 12:30 pm) or email to schedule another time.

MOJO: Audtion Tuesday, August 23 at 6:30 pm or email to schedule another time. Rehearsals begin Tuesday, September 6.

Please contact Steve Torok at playjazz@miracosta.edu with questions or for info about auditions.

And please spread the word!

Click to download a MiraCosta Jazz Bands Poster

 

The Oceanside Jazz Festival at MiraCosta College is Friday and Saturday, April 15-16 2011. High school and collegiate level groups will be performing all weekend.

Friday night's concert features the Ron McCurdy Collective (with MCC Prof Matt Falker) and the MiraCosta College vocal jazz students. Info about Ron's group at http://www.ronmccurdy.com/rcvje.htm

I will be directing the events on Saturday. That night's concert features MOJO (MiraCosta Oceanside Jazz Orchestra) and the MCC Jazz Collective in concert with trumpeter Harry Kim. Info about Harry at http://www.harry-kim.com

Please see http://www.oceansidejazzfestival.com/ for ticket info, band applications, and more about the festival. Or directly purchase tickets at this link.

Hope to see you there!

Download a 2011 Oceanside Jazz Fest Poster

Download a Poster

 

Steve will be performing in concert Saturday, May 1 with contemporary jazz star Dan Siegel.  Dan is a world renowned contemporary jazz artist with an amazing resume. Check him out at www.dansiegelmusic.com. The event is sponsored by the MiraCosta College music department. Tickets and info at http://www.miracosta.edu/OfficeOfThePresident/PIO/Events/index.htm.

As part of the event there will be master classes presented by the members of Dan's band and his front of house engineer. Dan's band members for the concert are Allen Hinds (guitar), Ernest Tibbs (bass), Dave Hooper (drum set), and Steve Torok (sax). See below for more about these outstanding professionals.

All master classes will begin at 4 PM.

Having five world class professionals available in this way is a singular and quite amazing opportunity for students of music and the community at large. Please spread the word!

The Band

Dan Siegel (piano): 22 solo recordings, Has worked with Glenn Frey (The Eagles), Chaka Khan, Berlin, Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire), Hugh Masekela, Joe Sample, Herbie Hancock, the London Symphony Orchestra, and a who’s who of the smooth jazz world.

Allen Hinds (Guitar): Has worked with Patti Austin, Mary J. Blige, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Randy Crawford, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, The Crusaders, Bobby Caldwell, James Ingram, Eric Marienthal, Boney James, and more. http://allenhinds.com/

Ernest Tibbs (Bass): Has worked with James Ingram, Natalie Cole, Allan Holdsworth, Andy Summers, David Benoit, Tom Scott, Eric Marienthal, Ronnie Laws, Jeff Lorber, Lee Ritenour, Brian Bromberg, Brandon Fields, Norman Brown, and more                             http://www.ernesttibbs.com/

Dave Hooper (Drum set): Lee Ritenour, Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, The Rippingtons, Herbie Hancock, Donny Osmond, George Duke, Arturo Sandoval, James Ingram, Eric Marienthall, Kirk Whalum, Sheryl Crow, The Manhattan Transfer, Chaka Kahn and more              http://hooper.com/drums/

Download a Dan Siegel Concert Poster

The Oceanside Jazz Festival at MiraCosta College is Friday and Saturday, April 16-17. High school and collegiate level groups will be performing all weekend. Friday night's concert features vocalist Karrin Allyson and the MCC vocal jazz students. Info about Karrin at www.karrinallyson.com

I will be directing the events on Saturday. That night's concert features the MCC Jazz Collective and the debut of MOJO (MiraCosta Oceanside Jazz Orchestra) in concert with sax icon Tom Scott. Info about Tom at www.tomscottmusic.com

Please see www.oceansidejazzfestival.com for ticket info and more about the festival.

Hope to see you there!

Jazz Festival Poster PDF

The MiraCosta College Music Department is pleased to announce the launching of a new jazz repertory big band in spring 2010. The MiraCosta Oceanside Jazz Orchestra (MOJO), under the direction of Steve Torok, will concentrate on performing the music of the great jazz arrangers and composers, including Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Woody Hermann, Gil Evans, and Mel Lewis/Thad Jones, as well as contemporary greats such as John Clayton, Maria Schneider, Bob Florence and Gordon Goodwin.

MOJO will be offered as a one-unit class, MUS 158 (section 2953) Special Ensemble Project. Entry into to the group is by audition/interview. Auditions will be held during the first rehearsal on Tuesday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m. Weekly rehearsals will be Tuesdays, 6:30-9:15 p.m. in MiraCosta’s new Concert Hall, which is located in Bldg. 2400, at 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside.

 

It is very exciting that the instrumental jazz offerings at MCC have expanded to include MOJO, which joins the already established MCC Jazz Collective and Latin Jazz Bands. The MiraCosta Jazz Collective, established by Torok 1.5 years ago, concentrates upon a more eclectic combo format with unique instrumentation and custom arrangements. The band has performed with Ernie Watts, Reggie Hamilton, Dan Fornero, and Carmen Grillo and in a number of exciting venues including the Reno Jazz Fest, Oceanside Jazz Fest, and Oceanside Harbor Days. The group meets M/W 2-3:30 PM and is currently offered as a one-unit class, MUS 150 (section 2283) Jazz Lab Band.

Please contact Steve Torok by e-mail, or call (760) 757-2121, ext. 6438, or explore this web site for more information about the director or either band.

The great saxophonist Ernie Watts performed to a sold out house with the MCC Jazz Collective on Saturday, December 12. Original arrangements of several of Ernie's tunes as well a new versions of the standards "Lover Man" and "Pick Up the Pieces," were written by Torok for Ernie and premiered at the event.

Earlier in the day Ernie offered an exceptional jazz improvisation clinic and lecture.

"...an intense and masterful jazz improviser who has developed his own sheets of sound approach along with a distinctive and soulful sound. Ernie Watts has developed into one of the most powerful of tenormen with complete control over his horn and the ability to bring intensity and passion (plus taste) to any musical situation."

Scott Yanow/All Music Guide

On Saturday, December 12 saxophonist Ernie Watts will be featured in concert with the MiraCosta College Jazz Ensemble. Ernie is a one of the most respected and influential tenor saxophonists of the post-Coltrane era. A two time Grammy award winner he has performed and recorded with many of the pop and jazz world’s biggest stars including Thelonius Monk, Oliver Nelson, Charlie Haden, Buddy Rich, Aretha Franklin, Rolling Stones, Marvin Gaye, Steely Dan, Frank Zappa, Pat Metheny, and hundreds of others. The concert will feature brand new arrangements of Ernie’s original music plus familiar standards.

Earlier on Saturday Ernie will present a free jazz improvisation clinic and Q & A at 1 PM, followed by an open rehearsal with the MiraCosta College Jazz Ensemble. The evening concert begins at 7:30 PM.

Tickets: http://www.miracosta.edu/OfficeOfThePresident/PIO/Events/index.htm

Press Release: http://www.miracosta.edu/OfficeOfThePresident/PIO/News/091126.htm

For more information please visit http://www.erniewatts.com/ and email jazzband@miracosta.edu.

Download the Ernie Watts Concert Poster

Steve directs the Mira Costa College Jazz Ensemble which performs in styles including hard bop, blues, Latin, and funk. The band gets back to work in August. Please consider joining the group!

Highlights: Last year the band rocked at an SRO concert at the Oceanside Jazz Fest with virtuoso bassist Reggie Hamilton, Phil Collins' trumpeter Dan Fornero, and Tower of Power guitarist Carmen Grillo. The group also performed at the Reno Jazz Festival. Other performances included the inauguration of the new MCC president and a special performance for the mayor and city council in Oceanside. And the band has only been around one year!!

The first rehearsal is August 25 at 2 PM. Please contact storok@miracosta.edu with questions or for info about auditions.

MCC Jazz Ensemble with Carmen Grillo, Reggie Hamilton and Dan Fornero

Directed by Steve Torok

MiraCosta College Theatre

1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside

Saturday, March 28 • 7:30 p.m.
General admission, $15; students/seniors, $10

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

MiraCosta College will host the 3rd Annual Oceanside Jazz Festival October 27-28. The MiraCosta College Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Steve Torok, will close the festival Saturday night with a special performance featuring three world class guest musicians. Bassist Reggie Hamilton, guitarist Carmen Grillo, and trumpeter Dan Fornero will be featured with the band. All three are first call Los Angeles session and touring musicians, and have performed with a truly extraordinary list of jazz and pop musicians including Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins, Barbara Streisand, Whitney Huston, Tina Turner, Tower of Power, Gladys Knight, Jennifer Lopez, Brian Setzer, Neil Diamond, Eric Marienthal, Billy Childs, Gordon Goodwin, and so many others. Please visit their web sites (linked to their names above) for more info. MCC Frequency Vocal Jazz, directed by Matt Falker, will open the concert.

All three guests will present a FREE instrumental clinic in the MCC Theatre at 2 PM on Saturday, March 28. Please bring your instruments! The clinic will be followed by an open rehearsal with the MCC Jazz Band. Interested musicians are welcome to stay and observe the rehearsal.

For more info about the festival please see the MiraCosta College Press Release describing the festival.

MiraCosta College Jazz Ensemble

With Special Guest Artist Carmen Grillo

Directed by Steve Torok

MiraCosta College, Studio A, Building 2200

1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside

Friday, November 21 ● 7:30 PM

General Admission, $10; Students/Seniors, $8

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

Join this brand new ensemble for their debut concert. The group performs classic and contemporary straight-ahead funk, fusion and Latin jazz. The concert will also feature world-famous guitarist Carmen Grillo (Tower of Power, Chicago, Smokey Robinson, Huey Lewis, and many others). http://www.carmengrillo.com/

The concert features new arrangements of well known hard bop tunes as well as new music inspired by that era. The group will also be perfoming two of Carmen's new original tunes, which will be included in his new CD project.

Oficial Press Release

Lunchtime Performance at MiraCosta

The band will also be performing at the Oceanside Campus for MiraCosta's College Hour on Thursday, November 20 (12 noon).

Steve will be playing lead tenor on a few gigs with the Temptations in October.

Check them out if you are in the area.

October 5 Fox Theatre - Bakersfield, CA

October 11 Festival in the Desert (J. W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort) - Phoenix, AZ

More info can be found at http://www.thetemptations.net

Mira Costa College Courses for Fall 2008

CLICK HERE to access MUS-115 Listening to Music, MUS-119 History of Jazz, or MUS-150 Jazz Band

CLICK HERE to access MUS-101 Theory I or MUS-103 Musicianship I

Steve is excited to join the faculty at Mira Costa College in Oceanside, CA this August. The fall term begins August 25. Check out the fall schedule at www.miracosta.edu and join Steve for one of his new classes!

MUS-150 Jazz Ensemble (M/W 2-3:15 PM)
MUS-101 Theory I (M/W 10-11:15 AM)
MUS-119 Jazz History Online
MUS-115 Introduction to Music Online
MUS-103 Musicianship Online

Click here for info about the MCC Music Department.