Mel Bay Vic Juris & Corey Christiansen: Live at the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe
Corey Christiansen began playing the guitar at the age of five. He studied with his father, Mike Christiansen, (a seasoned performer, writer, and educator at Utah State University) until he finished his bachelor degree. While at Utah State University, Corey received many honors and awards including the outstanding music student award and outstanding guitarist. The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival awarded Corey with outstanding big band guitarist in 1995 and outstanding solo guitarist in 1995 and 1996. Seeking a masters degree in jazz performance, Corey sought out renowned jazz guitar educator, Jack Petersen and began studies as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of South Florida. He received his masters degree in jazz performance in the spring of 1999. Jack Petersen retired that same year and Corey was hired to take his place as the adjunct guitar instructor. While teaching at the University of South Florida, Corey worked with the jazz guitar students and directed many of the jazz combos. Corey left USF to pursue a career at Mel Bay Publications, Inc. as their guitar editor. Corey has a musical background covering many styles of music including jazz, blues, classical, bluegrass, folk, rock and popular music. This quality has enabled him to perform in a number of different settings. As the guitar editor at Mel Bay Publications, Inc., Corey is available to do clinics on various guitar related subjects at schools and music stores around the country. Vic Juris Born Victor E. Jurusz Jr., 26 September 1953, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. His guitar playing first began to attract attention in the early and mid-70s thanks to appearances and recordings with Phil Woods, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miroslav Vitous. Subsequently, he became part of the jazz fusion movement by joining keyboardist Barry Miles' group and also performing in duets with guitarist Larry Coryell. Vics ability to play in acoustic and electric jazz formats without loss of integrity ensured popular acceptance. Juris has also recorded and performed with: David Liebman, Freddie Hubbard, Gary Peacock, John Abercrombie, Bireli Lagrene and Lee Konitz to name a few. Vic plays with fluent lyricism, choosing to seduce his listeners with subtle phrasing and engaging harmonies. Not surprisingly, therefore, his playing of ballads is particularly attractive, allowing the romantic element to blossom. In addition to his inventive playing, Juris has also composed many songs, some of which he has recorded on the Steeplechase Record Label. He also has a new album on the Mel Bay Records label entitled Second Look.