March 30, 2007
By Dana Forde
At a time when quality music groups are short lived, the Eric Mintel Quartet has proven that it has staying power. For more than a decade, the group's infectious jazz melodies and smooth style have captivated audiences from Colorado to New England.
After a personal request to play for former President Bill Clinton and 11 concerts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., the Eric Mintel Quartet is on heavy rotation on XM Satellite Radio.
..Area jazz music lovers are wondering what will come next as the group performs at the Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts on Saturday..
Jeffrey Parks, deputy director of external affairs at Rutgers... said he hopes the group's performance will encourage a younger generation to learn the richness of jazz music.
"..People are really hungry for this music. We're really lucky to live in a region that has this kind of talent."
Graziella D'Amelio, executive director of the LifeLine Music Coalition, encourages local residents to support homegrown talents like the members of the quartet.
"They should take advantage of the treasures that are right in their back yard," D'Amelio said. "People can really celebrate the gift of music. Local doesn't mean amateur."
Mintel said the fans are what keep the group energized.
"The audience is the main important ingredient," Mintel said. "I hope they say, "Wow. I've never heard jazz like that before.'"