Bruce Menefield and The Omni Beat Ensemble Live at The Redmoor
Bruce Menefield and the Omni-Beat Ensemble will perform live at The Redmoor April 9, 2009 at 730pm!
Saxophonist Bruce Menefield is a highly creative musician who has captivated Cincinnati audiences for over 3 decades. The essence of jazz had always been improvisation, and Bruce simply puts a new spin on tired phrases. His understanding of complex jazz chords, harmony and rhythmic textures has a breadth and depth all its own.
Mr Menefield is a graduate of Xavier University who majored in Economics. He went on to attend Cincinnati University Conservatory of Music where he pursued his love of the saxophone.
An intricate part of Cincinnati 's jazz heritage; when "Doc" Broadnax began the "Jazz in Cincy" project, Bruce Menefield was there. When the Blue Wisp began to integrate its jazz sound with African American artists, Bruce Menefield was asked to perform.
He has performed among some of the best in jazz such as Clark Terry, Hugh "Peanuts" Whalum, Ronnie Laws and John Blake. He was one of the "Four Tenors" in a landmark concert in January, 2005 which included a Tenor frontline of Billy Harper, Bennie Maupin, and Edwin "Eddie" Bayard.
Early on Bruce knew that he was destined to lead bands. His career has been marked by his ability to mix talented musicians into exciting ensembles. The groups he has developed are known to keep a "hard groove" and to deliver a musically strong message.
Mr Menefield has produced many live concerts including a three year run of the "It's Commonly Jazz" series at Jordan Crossing. He was the first to consistently present national and internationally renowned jazz artists with local Cincinnati talent of the same caliber on stage together. He highlighted his run of "It's Commonly Jazz" series with the likes of McCoy Tyner and Hank Crawford.
In 2008, Bruce Menefield's OMNI WORKS MUSIC was founded to provide educational and performance services that will continue the rich legacy of jazz as an African American cultural contribution to our society. In many communities of our country, young people have had limited access to jazz music and no knowledge of its historical roots. He is seeking to overcome that by providing a mobile educational and performing package that is flexible in its approach and suitable in presentation for both musically trained and untrained students.
Menefield is also a leader and a producer. He has written, recorded and produced his own music. His latest CD is entitled "My Steps".
Performing with Bruce on this date are Cleveland Dodds and Baris P on Keyboards, Maurice Ellis on Bass and Philip Tipton on Drums.