aboutflava

FlavaEvolution is a truly unique jazz quartet. With just three horns and bass (no piano or drums) they are playing something altogether fresh in the Pioneer Valley, creating a sound that crosses a chamber string ensemble with modern jazz, 1970's soul, and beautiful balladry. FlavaEvolution's repertoire ranges from Pop/Rock/R&B tunes of the last 50 years and today, through swinging jazz classics, to original compositions, all with their own signature sound and style. Unique music, coming from a hip place, brought to the ears of their community. Performing in Western Mass since 2008, they have connected with audiences at several local venues. FlavaEvolution is a truly versatile group, able to perform for virtually any event or in any venue.

Arrangers Frank Newton (saxophones/woodwinds) and David Picchi (double bass) founded in FlavaEvolution in 2008, and have since penned over 100 pieces of music for the group to perform, including several original compositions. The other two original Flava members Paul Olesuk (trombone), and Mat Schumer (saxophones/woodwinds) left the group in 2012 to pursue personal endeavors. Current members Dan Hendrix (trombone) and Jake Weiner (saxes/woodwinds) have completed the line-up since, and keep the group swinging strong into the future.

Frank Newton
tenor, alto, soprano saxes, flute, clarinet, arrangements

A child of Williamsburg, VA, Lester Franklin Newton II attended James Madison University where he attained a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies in 2000. After graduating, Frank was accepted to play in Disney’s 2000 Collegiate All-Star Band in Orlando, Florida, where he began arranging and writing. After a short stint with Celebrity Cruise Lines as a saxophonist, Frank joined the U.S. Navy in February 2001, as a saxophone and clarinet instrumentalist. During his six years in the Navy, he was a staff arranger, clinician, jazz soloist, and band leader, performing in Japan, Russia, China, South Korea, Australia, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Frank's music has been played on the international stage at the 2006 Adelaide International Police Tattoo, and the 2006 Black ships festival held in Shimoda, Japan.
Mr. Newton left the Navy in 2006, to pursue his love of writing at UMass Amherst. While studying and working as a graduate teaching assistant at UMass, Frank was awarded the 2007 Fletcher Henderson Jazz Excellence Scholarship, awarded a student composers award for best jazz arrangement from Downbeat Magazine (2008), and served on the music chair’s student advisory board, all before graduating with a Masters of Music in Jazz Composition and Arranging and being selected to the National Scholars Honor Society (2008).
In February 2009, while teaching at Amherst College, Franklin was selected as the 2009 Robin McBride Commissioned Composer for the Amherst College Jazz Ensemble. His new work for jazz ensemble "Into the Light" was performed that May. Franklin is married with two children and currently lives in Chicopee. He maintains a busy schedule as a freelance private instructor, composer/arranger and performer. He is the director of music education at Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School and performs with FlavaEvolution, Chocolate Peach, and the Amherst Jazz Orchestra.

David Picchi
double bass, arrangements

David Picchi has been performing and teaching music throughout the Pioneer Valley since 2001. As an electric and double bass player, he has been called to play on many recording projects and is known for his ability to perform with any lineup, in any genre, for any audience.
After graduating from Holyoke Community College and UMass Amherst, David spent 3 years touring nationally with, and arranging for the Soul/R&B band Leah Randazzo Group. His original composition, "Volschneck", was featured in the October 2006 issue of Jazziz magazine.
In addition to being the Administrative Director for the UMass Jazz in July Summer Music Programs, David is a member of the Amherst College Music Department faculty, and also contributes his skills and services to the HCC Jazz Festival, Northampton Jazz Festival, Mt. Holyoke College Music Department, and Vermont Jazz Center.
David has performed, or can currently be seen performing with Karrin Allyson, Chocolate Peach, FlavaEvolution, Evelyn Harris, Sheila Jordan, Chuck Langford, Yusef Lateef, Kevin Mahogany, Charles Neville, Dick Oatts, Arturo O'Farrill, Beau Sasser, Miro Sprague and many other wonderful musicians.

Jake Weiner
bari, tenor, alto saxes, clarinet, bass clarinet

Jacob Weiner has been performing and teaching the saxophone in the Pioneer Valley for over 20 years. Originally from the greater Boston area, Jake is an experienced player of many styles. He began his musical studies in 1986 with the tenor saxophone, which he continued at Westfield State College. Since that time he has worked across New England both with musical instrument retailers and as a freelance musician. Jake has performed with many local groups (no one's heard of) including SMA, Longshot, Wolfgang, the Tinkers, Steve Westfield Slow Band, The Skeletones featuring Charles Neville, and the New England Swing & Soul Orchestra. Current performance endeavors include the groups FlavaEvolution, the Impulse, Chocolate Peach, and Fever.

Dan Hendrix
trombone

Dan Hendrix is a freelance trombone player/arranger residing in Western Massachusetts. He received his degree in studio music and jazz performance on a full music scholarship at the University of Miami, with a focus on arranging, production, and music business. Dan has worn many hats in the music industry over the years including record producer, music supervisor, musical director, lighting designer, educator, band director, jingle writer, arranger, retailer, sound engineer, studio owner, and now runs an entertainment and production company. He has performed and/or recorded with The Four Tops, The Temptations, Johnny Mathis, Kenny Wheeler, Dick Oatts, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Donn Trenner, Jeff Holmes, Scott Windholt, Joe Sallins, Rod Levitt, John Mosca, and many more.