EMQ-BIOS

Eric Mintel, piano

Pianist and composer Eric Mintel was born on October 8, 1967. As early as age three he could be found sitting at the piano creating his own melodies. Music, especially classical and jazz, was always part of the Mintel household. In 1982 when his piano teacher was trying to teach Eric the basics, Eric was already playing compositions like Blue Rondo a la Turk, Take Five and other demanding pieces. Eric graduated from Pennridge High School in Perkasie, PA in 1985
In 1993 he formed the Eric Mintel Quartet. Additionally a composer of orchestral and choral music, Eric performs his composition "Millennium Suite" (for orchestra and jazz quartet) with various symphonies throughout the country incorporating jazz and classical music. The quartet's choral concerts feature the rarely heard sacred choral music of Duke Ellington performed with various choirs throughout the country combining jazz and choral music.

Eric has performed at the White House for President Clinton in 1998, Eric has been interviewed and featured in Down Beat Jazz Magazine, in June 2005 Eric was the featured guest on Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz on NPR and recently the quartet opened for Dave Brubeck at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA. In November 2005, Eric released a 3 CD Boxed set of his jazz on the QVC Television network. In June 2006, the Eric Mintel Quartet was invited to XM Satellite Radio's World Headquarters' in Washington, DC to perform in XM's Live Performance Theater. The quartet's one hour show aired to the XM Nation on August 12, 2006 on Real Jazz XM 70.

With over ten concerts at the Kennedy Center and Eric's willingness to bring jazz to different regions this exciting performer continues to connect and communicate with audiences of all ages throughout the country and the world.

Eric is a Yamaha Piano's Artist

Nelson Hill, saxes, flute

Nelson Hill is a saxophonist,
clarinetist and flutist from Mt. Bethel, Pennsylvania. He has studied privately with Phil Woods, Hal Galper, Eddie Daniels and James Caruso. Nelson graduated from the Eastman School of Music in 1981 with a B.M. in saxophone performance. At Eastman, Nelson studied with Ramon Ricker, Bill Dobbins, Rayburn Wright, William Osseck and Mardelle Marcellis. He performed with the National Jazz Ensemble. Upon graduation, he toured for three years with Maynard Ferguson, playing lead alto saxophone. During his stay, he recorded on the albums
Storm and Hollywood.

After he left Ferguson in 1984, Nelson worked at Tamiment Resort, Harrah's Marina and Mount Airy Lodge where he performed with Tony Bennet, The Spinners, The Temptations, Wayne Newton, Jay Black, Frankie Valli
and many others.

In 2002, Nelson released his first solo CD entitled Lethal. He is currently working with his quartet and with pianist Eric Mintel. Nelson will be releasing his second solo CD in the Fall of 2004. Nelson has also taught saxophone and jazz improvisation at Lafayette College, Blair Academy, and privately. His students have enrolled in schools such as Eastman, Berklee, Ithica, NYU and Manhattan School of Music.

In 2002, Nelson became an Artist Representative and Clinician for the Yamaha Corporation of America. He performs on and endorses the YAS-82Z alto saxophone, the YTS-82Z tenor saxophone and the YSS-62 soprano saxophone. When not on the road with the EMQ Nelson is husband to Mary and their 4 daughters Jessica, Danielle,
Talia and Kendall and son Eli.

Nelson's site

Jack

Jack Hedgyi, bass

Since 1976, jack has worked as a professional bassist in a wide range of musical situations, including: Star Shows, Musical Book Shows, Lounge & Jazz Bands, Jingle dates, Big Band & Dance Band dates, Club & Wedding dates, Christian service in Street Outreach Ministry, Sunday Morning Church Worship Team, Church Productions with 27 musicians, plus other areas.

Jack attended Bordentown Regional High School, Bordentown Township, N.J. and received the
"Outstanding Instrumentalist award" He, studied privately for four years with outstanding bassist from the Philadelphia area - Craig Thomas.

In addition to the EMQ Jack performs with The City Rhythm Orchestra, based in Philadelphia, as well as Alex Glover & Company, based in Atlantic City, two high energy Club Date bands
Jack has played and recorded with Joey DeFrancesco - The Finest Jazz Organsit on the Planet as well as Frank Wess of the Count Bassie Orchestra. He worked as the house bassist for Resorts Casino in Atlantic City at Club Piscopo, a new night club that features Joe Piscopo, of Saturday Night Live fame, 4 evenings a week this past summer.
Jack performed as the traveling Bassist for Mr Steve Lawrence and his wife Eydie Gorme since 2003. Harrahs Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, N.J. 1989 to 2000Showroom Bassist Star policy as well as book shows over the years.
Star Shows include: Carol Lawrence, Keely Smith, Bobby Vinton, Luci Arnez, Hal Linden, Diane Carol, Boots Randolf, Phyllis Diller, Charlie Callas, , Rip Taylor, Shecky Green, Frank Gorshen, Red Buttons, Juliet Prouse, and many others
Book shows include:
Meet me in St. Louis,
Little Shop of Horrors,
City of Angels, My One and Only and many more

More about Jack

Dave Mohn

Dave Mohn, drums

David Mohn comes from a family of drummers. His father, uncle and grandfather were all drummers. David had drum sticks in his hand from the time he could hold them and there were always drums around the house. David studied with his father Harry, uncle Don and with Getz/Byrd drummer teacher Buddy Deppenschmidt. Dave also majored in percussion at Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey.) David also had the good fortune to become acquainted with drummer Jack DeJohnette when Jack lived in West Amwell, NJ. His philosophies on the art of drumming and his techniques were truly inspirational.
When not on the road Dave devotes his time to teaching private lessons and has recently become a member of the
Vic Firth Education Team.

A varied musical career has always included the broad category of jazz as a first love working with many local and national jazz acts. Dave has worked with many great jazz players including Dennis DiBlasio, Richie Cole, Charles Fambrough, Steve Varner, Daryl Hall, Urbie Green, Mark Kramer,
Arnie Lawrence, Barry Sames, Randy Reinhardt, Jim Ridl, Lenny Argese, Bob Devos, Ron Kerber, Ron McClure, Brian Trainor, Chico Huff,, Matthew Parrish, John Bianculli &, Glenn McClelland.

David's varied studio sessions over the years includes sessions with Paul Schaeffer and Ballie and the Boys. Recording projects with George Duke and Larry Coryell for the Musitronics projects and various commercials and sound tracks for the Sesame Street animators. He has been associated with the Eric Mintel Quartet for over 5 years and is now the full time drummer for the quartet. Dave lives in Washington Crossing, PA with his wife Pat.

Dave is a
Sabian Cymbal Artist
and
A Bucks County Drums Artist

Dave's Site