Chris Vadala
(1948 - 2019)
Bio:
One of the country's foremost woodwind artists, Chris Vadala is in demand as a jazz/classical performer and educator. He has appeared on more than 100 recordings to date, as well as innumerable jingle sessions, film and TV scores, performing on all the saxophones, flutes, and clarinets. A native of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., he graduated from the Eastman School of Music, earning the honor of the Performer's Certificate in saxophone as well as a B.M. in Music Education, received an M.A. in clarinet from Connecticut College, and pursued postgraduate study in woodwinds at Eastman..
Professor Vadala, Director of Jazz Studies and Saxophone Professor, is a Distinguished Scholar-Teacher at the University of Maryland. Previous academic appointments include teaching studio woodwinds and conducting jazz ensembles at Connecticut College, Montgomery College, Hampton University, Prince George's Community College and Mount Vernon College, as well as Visiting Professor of Saxophone at the Eastman School of Music, 1995 and 2001.
Mr. Vadala's performing career has been highlighted by a long tenure as standout woodwind artist with the Internationally recognized Chuck Mangione Quartet, which included performances in all 50 states, Canada, Australia, Japan, Phillipines, China, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, England, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, and Switzerland, and performing credits on five gold and two platinum albums, plus two Grammy, one Emmy, one Georgie (AGVA) and one Golden Globe Award. In addition, he has performed and/or recorded with such greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Chick Corea, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Placido Domingo, Sarah Vaughn, Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Henry Mancini, Doc Severinsen, Joe Lovano, and many others. As of 2009, he became a regular member of the Award-Winning Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and has been the first call saxophonist with National Symphony Orchestra for many years.
As one of the Selmer Company's most requested Artist in Residence clinicians, Mr. Vadala travels worldwide, performing with and conducting student and professional jazz ensembles, symphonic bands, and orchestras. He has appeared with countless musical ensembles across the nation and Canada, and has conducted 46 All-State, 1 All-Eastern, as well as numerous All-County and All-District Jazz Ensembles. Mr. Vadala served three terms as President of the Maryland Unit of the International Association for Jazz Education, was a permanent member of its MD Executive Board (College Faculty Representative), and a Woodwind Representative to the International Resource Team. In 2009, he became a member of the Award-Winning Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra saxophone section.
Mr. Vadala's column on woodwind doubling appeared regularly in the Saxophone Journal for over 10 years, and he has authored articles for many other magazines. A Downbeat magazine poll finalist in four categories and the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Study grant, he has published a number of original compositions and arrangements (Medici Music & Cimarron Music Press). His book, Improve Your Doubling (Dorn Productions) is acclaimed as a valuable addition to woodwind literature. In addition to his debut solo CD, Out of the Shadows (Amazon.com), (Art of Life Records), recent recording/publications include Jazz/Rock in the USA, Jazz Solos, Nothin' But Jazz, Jazz Adventures, Modern Jazz-Rock and R & B, and Fusion Solos (6 books with play-a-long CDs by dehaske/Curnow), as well as a contributions to Warner Brother's Approaching the Standards play-a-long improvisation series and Jazz Pedagogy (The Jazz Educator's Handbook and Resource Guide). He also has the honor of being included in a new publication, "The History of the Top 40 Sax Solos (1955-1998)."
Visit his www.chrisvadala.com website for additional information on discography, bio info, publications, calendar of performances, booking request form, CD purchases, sound bytes and more!
Professor Vadala, Director of Jazz Studies and Saxophone Professor, is a Distinguished Scholar-Teacher at the University of Maryland. Previous academic appointments include teaching studio woodwinds and conducting jazz ensembles at Connecticut College, Montgomery College, Hampton University, Prince George's Community College and Mount Vernon College, as well as Visiting Professor of Saxophone at the Eastman School of Music, 1995 and 2001.
Mr. Vadala's performing career has been highlighted by a long tenure as standout woodwind artist with the Internationally recognized Chuck Mangione Quartet, which included performances in all 50 states, Canada, Australia, Japan, Phillipines, China, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, England, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, and Switzerland, and performing credits on five gold and two platinum albums, plus two Grammy, one Emmy, one Georgie (AGVA) and one Golden Globe Award. In addition, he has performed and/or recorded with such greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Chick Corea, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Placido Domingo, Sarah Vaughn, Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Henry Mancini, Doc Severinsen, Joe Lovano, and many others. As of 2009, he became a regular member of the Award-Winning Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and has been the first call saxophonist with National Symphony Orchestra for many years.
As one of the Selmer Company's most requested Artist in Residence clinicians, Mr. Vadala travels worldwide, performing with and conducting student and professional jazz ensembles, symphonic bands, and orchestras. He has appeared with countless musical ensembles across the nation and Canada, and has conducted 46 All-State, 1 All-Eastern, as well as numerous All-County and All-District Jazz Ensembles. Mr. Vadala served three terms as President of the Maryland Unit of the International Association for Jazz Education, was a permanent member of its MD Executive Board (College Faculty Representative), and a Woodwind Representative to the International Resource Team. In 2009, he became a member of the Award-Winning Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra saxophone section.
Mr. Vadala's column on woodwind doubling appeared regularly in the Saxophone Journal for over 10 years, and he has authored articles for many other magazines. A Downbeat magazine poll finalist in four categories and the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Study grant, he has published a number of original compositions and arrangements (Medici Music & Cimarron Music Press). His book, Improve Your Doubling (Dorn Productions) is acclaimed as a valuable addition to woodwind literature. In addition to his debut solo CD, Out of the Shadows (Amazon.com), (Art of Life Records), recent recording/publications include Jazz/Rock in the USA, Jazz Solos, Nothin' But Jazz, Jazz Adventures, Modern Jazz-Rock and R & B, and Fusion Solos (6 books with play-a-long CDs by dehaske/Curnow), as well as a contributions to Warner Brother's Approaching the Standards play-a-long improvisation series and Jazz Pedagogy (The Jazz Educator's Handbook and Resource Guide). He also has the honor of being included in a new publication, "The History of the Top 40 Sax Solos (1955-1998)."
Visit his www.chrisvadala.com website for additional information on discography, bio info, publications, calendar of performances, booking request form, CD purchases, sound bytes and more!
Discography
Artist: Phil TraynorTitle: "Autumn Breeze"
Lable/Year: Llarion, 2009
Artist: Dick Brewer
Title: "Desert Flirt"
Lable/Year: Omega, 2008
Artist: Chris Vadala, guest soloist
Title: "Mighty Sounds of Maryland"
Lable/Year: Opusrite, 2007
Artist: Cabio Frio
Title: "The Best of Cabo Frio"
Lable/Year: Kezia Productions, 2006
Artist: Don Lacquement
Title: "Simeons Song"
Lable/Year: Assembly Line Recordings, 2006
Artist: Pius XI HS Jazz Ensemble
Title: "Movin" On"
Lable/Year: Van Deusen Recordings, 2006
Artist: Prelude
Title: "Christmastime in Washington"
Lable/Year: Bias Recordings, 2005
Artist: James Hosay/Chris Vadala
Title: "Modern Jazz Rock and R & B"
Lable/Year: de haske Recordings, 2005
Artist: Set Theory
Title: "Prime Form"
Lable/Year: Caliente Jazz Recordings, 2005
Artist: James Hosay/Chris Vadala
Title: "Jazz Adventures"
Lable/Year: de haske Recordings, 2005
Artist: Ginny Carr
Title: "After All These Years"
Lable/Year: House Kat Records, 2005 Artist: Cabo Frio
Title: "Island Dance"
Lable/Year: Kezia, 2004
Artist: Chuck Mangione Quartet
Title: "The Best of Chuck Mangione"
Lable/Year: Columbia Recordings, 2004
Artist: James Hosay/Chris Vadala
Title: "Nothin But Jazz"
Lable/Year: de haske Recordings, 2004
Artist: Michael Fletcher
Title: "Swingtown"
Lable/Year: Swing Town Recordings, 2004
Artist: 2nd Story Band
Title: "Blue Shades (World Beat Blues Fiesta)"
Lable/Year: Blue Shades records, 2003
Artist: Paul Stock
Title: "As Long As You Give Me Breath"
Lable/Year: InterServe Recordings, 2003
Artist: Wayne Wilkinson
Title: "Music from the Heart"
Lable/Year: Wolf Productions, 2002
Artist: The Moments
Title: "Great Moments of the Past and Present"
Lable/Year: Sonority Records, 2002
Artist: James Hosay/Chris Vadala/ Vince DiMartino
Title: "Just Jazz: solo and duet play-a-long series"
Lable/Year: deHaske/Curnow, 2002
Artist: Cabo Frio
Title: "Late Return"
Lable/Year: Kezia Records, 2002
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "The Best of Chuck Mangione: The Millennium Collection"
Lable/Year: A & M, 2002
Artist: Uptown Jazz Vocal Group
Title: "When the Sun Goes Down"
Lable/Year: HouseKat Records, 2002
Artist: Chris Vadala
Title: "Compositions of Don Owens, Part II"
Lable/Year: Northwestern University Pub., 2001
Artist: Cindi Frame
Title: "Wait"
Lable/Year: Calgary Recordings, 2001
Artist: Chris Vadala
Title: "A Doubling Patchwork Quilt, Part II"
Lable/Year: , 2001
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Chuck Mangione's Finest Hour"
Lable/Year: Verve Records, 2000
Artist: Chris Vadala
Title: "Out of the Shadows"
Lable/Year: USRoots, 2000
Artist: Cabo Frio
Title: "Cabo Frio 20th Reunion"
Lable/Year: Kendricks Recordings, 2000
Artist: Uptown Jazz Vocal Group
Title: "Half-Past Swing"
Lable/Year: HouseKat Records, 1999
Artist: (Chris Vadala/James Hosay)
Title: "Jazz - Rock In the USA, Volume 1"
Lable/Year: de Haske Recordings, 1999
Artist: George Roumanis Big Band
Title: "Swing! Here and Now"
Lable/Year: Warner Brothers, 1999
Artist: Imani
Title: "Between Here and There"
Lable/Year: IFP Records, 1999
Artist: Willie Hill
Title: "Approaching Jazz Standards"
Lable/Year: Warner Brothers, 1999
Artist: Imani
Title: "Collage"
Lable/Year: IFP Recordings, 1998
Artist: Kofi Wilmot
Title: "A Touch of Ebony"
Lable/Year: Amherst/4W Records, 1998
Artist: Burnett Thompson
Title: "Creation: A Jazz Suite"
Lable/Year: Solace Records, 1997
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Greatest Hits"
Lable/Year: A&M Records, 1996
Artist: Kofi Wilmot
Title: "That Loving Feeling"
Lable/Year: Amherst, 1995
Artist: Kofi Wilmot
Title: "Harlem Nocturne"
Lable/Year: Amherst, 1993
Artist: Uptown Jazz Vocal Group
Title: "Uptown"
Lable/Year: HouseKat Records, 1993
Artist: Uptown Jazz Vocal Group
Title: "Uptown"
Lable/Year: HouseKat Records, 1993
Artist: Cabo Frio
Title: "Sophistication"
Lable/Year: Evergreen Records, 1993
Artist: Uptown Jazz Vocal Group
Title: "Uptown"
Lable/Year: HouseKat Records, 1993
Artist: The Stylistics
Title: "Christmas"
Lable/Year: Amherst Records, 1993
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Greatest Hits"
Lable/Year: FSG Records, 1990
Artist: Jeff Tyzik
Title: "Distant Dreams"
Lable/Year: Amherst Records, 1990
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Live At The Village Gate"
Lable/Year: FSG Records, 1989
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Eyes of the Veiled Temptress"
Lable/Year: CBS Records, 1988
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Save Tonight for Me"
Lable/Year: CBS Records, 1986
Artist: Jeff Tyzik
Title: "Farthest Corner of My Mind"
Lable/Year: Amherst Records, 1986
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Disguise"
Lable/Year: CBS Records, 1984
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Magic of Mangione"
Lable/Year: A&M Records, 1983
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Classic Vol. 6"
Lable/Year: A&M Records, 1983
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Journey to A Rainbow"
Lable/Year: CBS Records, 1983
Artist: Jeff Tyzik
Title: "Smile"
Lable/Year: Polygram Records, 1983
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "70 Miles Young"
Lable/Year: A&M Records, 1982
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Love Notes"
Lable/Year: CBS Records, 1982
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Tarantella"
Lable/Year: A&M Records, 1981
Artist: Jeff Tyzik
Title: "Prophecy"
Lable/Year: Capital Records, 1981
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Hill Where the Lord Hides"
Lable/Year: Mercury Records, 1981
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Magic"
Lable/Year: A&M Records, 1980
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Fun and Games"
Lable/Year: A&M Records, 1980
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Encore"
Lable/Year: Mercury Records, 1980
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Golden Prize"
Lable/Year: A&M Records, 1980
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Live at the Hollywood Bowl"
Lable/Year: A&M Records, 1979
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "The Children of Sanchez"
Lable/Year: A&M Records, 1978
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Sampler"
Lable/Year: A&M Records, 1978
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Live at Horseheads High School"
Lable/Year: Mark Records, 1978
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "The Best of Chuck Mangione"
Lable/Year: Mercury Records, 1977
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Feels So Good"
Lable/Year: A&M Records, 1977
Artist: US Coast Guard Congressional Band
Title: "Heritage of the March"
Lable/Year: Mark Records, 1974
Artist: Chuck Mangione
Title: "Friends and Love"
Lable/Year: Mercury Records, 1970
Artist: Eastman Wind and Jazz Ensembles
Title: "Eastmantage"
Lable/Year: ESM Records, 1970
Artist: Eastman Wind Ensemble
Title: "Strike Up the Band"
Lable/Year: Phillips, 1970
Artist: Eastman Wind Ensemble
Title: "Music of Penderecki, Mayuzumi, and Williams"
Lable/Year: Deutsche Grammophon, 1969
Artist: Eastman Wind Ensemble
Title: "American Music for Symphonic Winds"
Lable/Year: Decca, 1968
Artist: Eastman Wind Ensemble
Title: "Fiesta!"
Lable/Year: Phillips, 1968
Chris Vadala Plays
INSTRUMENT NAME/MODEL
Selmer SaxophoneEvents
No events scheduled at this time.Links / Favorite Places
www.chrisvadala.comwww.umd.edu (School of Music link)
www.DADDARIO.com (Rico reed products)
Influences
Cannonball Adderley, Al Galladoro, Phil Woods, Donald SintaContact Information
E-mail Address: cv@umd.eduWebsite: www.chrisvadala.com
