Press
An evening to savor
How to throw the ultimate holiday party
By Jaimee Rose
Sept. 16, 2006
Original article at azcentral.com
HIRE THE BAND
Live music fairly ensures that your fete will be the envy of the neighborhood, as nothing makes a party feel as festive and as fussed-over. We'd have Nuance, a local jazz trio, come to our party anytime.
For tunes both sophisticated and swinging, spaces large and small, the gentlemen play six instruments between them and will learn special song requests in advance. For more information, visit www.nuancemusic.org.
Trio hits right notes with jazz lovers
By Marshall Terrill, Staff Writer
Vol. 3, No. 31 -- August 1, 2003
The Nuance Jazz Trio, one of the most diverse ensembles in the southwestern United States, will kick off the Free 2003 Summer Concert Series at the Chandler Center for the Arts this weekend.
"The Nuance Jazz Trio is one of the most popular local jazz acts around and they have a real buzz in the Valley," said Michelle Paredes, the Center's program and events coordinator.
The trio's unique instrumentation and ability to perform jazz, classical, country and pop music has won the group critical acclaim. Their instrumentation of violin, trumpet, guitar and bass distinguishes them from the typical jazz format.
"Not having drums allows us the ability to have more communication with each other and play with more intensity," said Devon Bridgewater, the group's leader who plays violin, trumpet and flugelhorn. Bridgewater, who received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University in 1981, performed in clinics and master classes with Dizzy Gillespie, John Lewis and Yo-Yo Ma. He's also played with jazz greats Bud Freeman, Johnny Frigo and Ted Curson.
Jazz Review
By Mike Scharnow
Fountain Hills Times - June 19, 2002
The group voted "Best Jazz Performers in Arizona" by The Arizona Republic will be in concert at Jazz in the Hills Coffee House at the Appian Way Restaurant Friday night.
"Nuance" Jazz Trio has a pretty good pedigree. Devon Bridgewater, who plays violin, trumpet and flugelhorn, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University. While an undergraduate, he worked in clinics and master classes with Dizzy Gillespie, John Lewis and Yo-Yo Ma. He has performed with jazz greats Bud Freeman, Johnny Frigo and Ted Curson. Bridgewater was named 1993 and 1994 "Jazz Artist of the Year" by Jazz in Arizona, was voted "Best Trumpet Artist" by AZ Jazz magazine for 1999, and was listed in Down Beat Magazine as a "Player to Catch" (March, 1999).
Dick Curtis, guitarist, attended Indiana University (South Bend) from 1962 to 1965. After college, he worked with the great saxophonist, Sonny Stitt. Settling in Chicago, he regularly performed with Johnny Frigo and Roger Pemberton. Curtis also worked as a "first call" show player backing up national touring artists.
Nuance hits international jazz circuit ... again
By Betty Webb
October 21-27, 1999 issue
The jazz group Nuance is headed to the Festival Sinaloa -- again.
The group voted Best Jazz Performers in Arizona has become a regular at international jazz festivals, and this marks the third time they've hit the Mexico festival, held this year Oct. 18 through 22.
"We describe ourselves as playing in the French 'hot club' style," says Devon Bridgewater, who plays acoustic and electric violins with the group. "It's more of a gypsy-type European jazz sound.
The group has a pretty good pedigree.
Bridgewater has studied and worked in master classes with Dizzy Gillespie, John Lewis and Yo-Yo Ma, and was named 1992 and 1993 Jazz Artist of the Year by Jazz in AZ.
Trio finds jazz nuances in country
By Curtis Grippe, Special for the Republic
May 31, 2002
The names Hank Williams, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard are not necessarily synonymous with jazz. The Nuance Jazz Trio is out to change that perception.
Nuance plays what violinist/trumpet player Devon Bridgewater calls Western swing jazz. The trio has an original approach to playing country music.
Nuance plays favorites by the above-mentioned artists and others without drums or vocals. "Playing without a drummer kind of gives the music that chamber feel," Bridgewater said.