Biography

  • Guitarist Jeff Barone has been a part of the New York City jazz scene for over a decade. He started in the jazz organ clubs of Harlem working with Jimmy “Preacher” Robins, Mel Davis, Rahn Burton and a five year stint with groove/acid jazz legend Reuben Wilson. Jeff could also be found in a wide range of performances, from leading his own group at Birdland, sideman at Carnegie Hall or the JVC Festival, to a feature with the BMI Jazz Orchestra at Merkin Hall. Jeff also went on to perform with artists such as Tom Harrell, Bob Mintzer, Warren Chaisson,and Jimmy Lovelace. From the liner notes of his debut CD, “Crazy Talk”, Jack Wilkins states: “Jeff’s playing is technically masterful with a sound that comes right from the heart and improvisations that are unique and emotionally satisfying.” Reuben Wilson says, “Jeff is one of New York’s best kept secrets.”

    Jeff Barone received a Bachelor of Music Education from Ithaca College and went on to receive his Master of Music degree in guitar from the Manhattan School of Music in 1995. In both schools he received scholarships for his abilities. While at Ithaca, Jeff studied classical guitar while keeping an active schedule performing in local jazz clubs. Jack Wilkins states, “Jeff’s accomplishments as a classical guitar player are extraordinary.” In regard to his jazz playing, Charles Chapman in Just Jazz Guitar Magazine and of The Berklee School of Music says, “You can tell Jeff has paid his dues listening to the masters, but he has his own full sound that instantly tells you it’s Jeff Barone.” Mr. Barone is on faculty at the The Trevor Day Music Conservatory in Manhattan.

    Jeff was born in Syracuse, N.Y. on April 2, 1970 and began playing guitar at the age of 8 years old. By the age of 16, Jeff was playing professionally in the upstate New York music scene ranging from working in jazz clubs, touring Broadway shows to even performing with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.

    Jeff’s CD “Crazy Talk” was recorded in New York City and was co-produced by world renown guitarist Jack Wilkins. Jeff recruited some of NY’s finest players such as pianist, Ron Oswanski (Maynard Ferguson and Blood, Sweat and Tears); Bassist, Chris Berger (Herb Ellis and Maynard Ferguson); and Drummer, Joe Strasser (Etta Jones and Peter Bernstein). In addition there is a guest appearance by drummer extraordinaire Mike Clark (Herbie Hancock) and Jack Wilkins teams up with Jeff for a special duet. Just Jazz Guitar Magazine says that, “Crazy Talk” is a solid mainstream jazz project with no weak spots.”

    L I V E P E R F O R M A N C E S (selected)
    Carnegie Hall, NYC (Concert of Excellence sponsored by Remy Martin)
    Tom Harrell Quintet
    Wicked (Gershwin Theater, NYC)
    Village Vanguard Orch.featuring Warren Chaisson(concert/New Hartford, CT)
    James Joyce’s The Dead starring Christopher Walken (The Belasco Theater, NYC)
    Joe Magnarelli (jazz trumpeter)
    JVC Jazz Festival
    Three Irish Tenors (U.S./Canadian Tour)
    Seussical (Richard Rodgers Theatre, NYC)
    The Wind and The Willows (New Victory Theater, NYC)
    Grammy Sessions Live(w/ Bob Mintzer, Kenny Washington)-radio broadcast WKCR
    Al Martino
    Syracuse Symphony Orchestra
    Jacque Brel is Alive and Well.......
    CATS (North American Tour)
    Charles McGee
    World Festival (Atlanta)
    Jeff Barone Quartet (Birdland)
    Jack Wilkins
    Warren Chiasson Trio (Jazz Vibraphonist)
    Merkin Hall, NYC (BMI Jazz Orchestra)--guitar feature.
    Jazz in the Square Festival (Syracuse, N.Y.)