The Kombu Combo Concept:

Kombu Combo’s music is adventurous and rhythmic, catchy yet unpredictable. From original compositions, to reinvented standards, Kombu Combo plays music that is both creative jazz and accessible to all music-lovers.

“A lot of jazz is presented more for musicians and jazz-lovers”, says John DiGiovanni, Kombu’s creator and drummer.  “We wanted a band that includes and wider audience in the experience.  Our fans come to us from rock, pop, funk, bebop, classical music, as well as traditional jazz”.

John hand-picked Kombu’s musicians for their different, but complementary backgrounds and styles.  All are strong, talented players.  So it’s inevitable that when one of them introduces a new tune to the combo, it quickly evolves into something completely unique.  It’s not unusual to hear elements of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Frank Zappa, Horace Silver or Robert Palmer emerging and fading as the themes develop.

Kombu Combo infuses World Music influences throughout: the melodies, rhythms and unique textures recall New Orleans, Brazilian, Latin, African and Indian influences.  The band describers the musical result as structured but free – a kind of disciplined entropy.

Musician Bios:

Bob Colligan: Bassist Bob Colligan is described as “one of the finest bass players in the area, an incredible player”. He started on guitar, switched to electric bass, earned a Masters degree in classical instrument performance from Temple University, and has since stayed very busy as both a player and an educator.

Norm Dorrell: Norm is the band’s mallet player who performs on vibes, marimbas and percussion. He is perhaps best known for his work with the group F.O.I. (Flying on Instruments), a quartet that he co-leads with saxophonist Kevin Brace, Norm brings original compositions.and new arrangements to the band, constantly expanding and refreshing the repertoire.

Sean Holz: Guitarist Sean Holz can play a wide variety of styles from Hendrix and Zappa to Miles Davis. Having developed his own original and flexible tone, Sean’s playing is instantly recognizable and a major asset to Kombu, both as a composer, soloist and for his work in the band’s ensembles. A graduate of the University of the Arts with a degree in Jazz Studies, Sean teaches at Pro Musica Studio, as does John DiGiovanni.

Frank McKitty: Saxophonist Frank McKitty has worked in many musical settings during the past 25 years including with Eddie Daniels, Bobby Shew, Loren Schoenberg, Latin bands, society orchestras and his own quartet. He plays tenor, alto, baritone, soprano, flute and even oboe very well, which makes him a particularly valuable part of Kombu.

John DiGiovanni: the band’s creator, began on the drums when he was seven, became interested in fusion a decade later, entering the jazz door by listening to Chick Corea, Tony Williams Lifetime and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. He has since carved out an impressive and eclectic career, working with many blues, r&b and rock bands, accompanying creative singer/songwriters, and bringing all of his diverse experiences to his infectious jazz playing. John is also owner and operator of Marsh Road Studios, where Kombu’s recordings take place.

Critics' Reviews:

“Kombu Combo has just begun playing gigs and has thus far made four songs available on CD. They are currently recording their first complete CD, scheduled for later this year.  If these first songs are any indication, the unique sound and level of musicianship from this band will create a real impact on the scene”......Scott Yanow, music critic, Jazz Times; author of “The Jazz Singers”, “Jazz on Film”, and “Jazz on Records”.

For more details see:

www.myspace.com/KombuCombo

www.facebook.com/KombuCombo