Saxophonist, Arranger, Educator - Steve Torok - News

MOJO & Jazz Collective in Concert

Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The Jazz Collective and the MiraCosta Oceanside Jazz Orchestra will be performing this weekend in the MCC Theatre. Both shows are at 7:30 p. Several of the students, who have been in what became the Collective since I began working here two years ago, are successfully transferring to universities to continue their music education. We are sending them off with a retrospective of the music performed over the last two years, which was selected with their input as well as the rest of the students. We also have some new things to share, including a brand new original arrangement of the standard "The Best is Yet to Come."

So the line-up of tunes, which changes night to night, offers a bit of something for everyone...swing, hard bop, blues, funk, and high energy Latin. We are performing tunes spanning many decades and made famous by Duke Ellington, Thelonius Monk, Art Blakey , Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, Buddy Rich, Oliver Nelson, Thad Jones, Horace Silver, Quincy Jones, Frank Sinatra, John Clayton, Ernie Watts, and even Bill Withers and the Average White Band. Many are original arrangements which were created specifically for the bands at MCC.

Info and tickets at http://www.miracosta.edu/OfficeOfThePresident/PIO/Events/index.htm

Download a Poster

Steve to Perform with Contemporary Jazz Star Dan Siegel

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

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

Oceanside Jazz Festival

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

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

MiraCosta College Has MOJO!

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

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.

MCC Jazz Collective Rocks with Ernie Watts!

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

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.

Legendary Saxophonist Ernie Watts to perform with MiraCosta College Jazz Ensemble on 12/12/09

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

"...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

MIraCosta Jazz Ensemble

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

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.

3rd Annual Oceanside Jazz Fest

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

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

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Spring 2009 at MCC

The Spring term begins January 20. Check out the spring schedule at www.miracosta.edu and join Professor Steve for one of his new classes!

If you are already enrolled:

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, MUS-102 Theory II, or MUS-104 Musicianship II

Debut Concert of MCC Jazz Ensemble Featuring Carmen Grillo

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700

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 â— 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).