Live Jazz Across Cities

Patrick Hill is an American Alto Saxophonist, Woodwind Instrumentalist, Arranger, and Composer. As a native of Dallas, Texas, he grew up under the mentorship of critically acclaimed Alto Saxophonist, Brad Leali. He completed his Undergraduate studies at the University of North Texas with a Bachelors in Jazz Performance. While studying at UNT, Patrick had the opportunity to learn in various ensembles including the UNT Latin Jazz Ensemble under direction of Jose Aponté, The 3 O’Clock Lab Band under direction of Tanya Darby, and the Grammy Nominated 1 O’Clock Lab Band under the direction of Alan Baylock. He has had the pleasure of performing as a sideman and bandleader with several revered musicians such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Michael Bublè, Ben Wolfe, Brad Leali, Conrad Herwig, Wycliffe Gordon, Kenny Werner, Ari Hoenig, Quincy Davis, and Kirk Whalum. He obtained his Masters Degree in Jazz Performance at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania under the mentorship of members of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Dick Oatts and Terrell Stafford as well as Tim Warfield Jr. He currently resides in New York City where he recently completed an Artist diploma at the Juilliard School. His goal is to present a unique sound to the general and musical public that pays homage to the previous innovators of this music while moving forward his own perception of melody, soul, and swing to bring forth a sense of community.

Drummer, composer and educator, Tomohiro Mori was born in Fukuoka, Japan in 1992. He started playing the drums at age 3 and piano at age 5. Being raised by musical parents, Tomo was exposed to music at a very early age. His mother and father, who played piano and guitar respectively, formed a family band and played Beatles covers, in which Tomo was an active part of. Originally, Tomo wanted to form a band with friends around his age. Although he initially did not have a strong interest in jazz, his pianist friend called Tomo to form a jazz band. Finally, he started playing jazz and formed a jazz band with his friends when he was thirteen years old. He has performed in gigs and music festivals around his hometown with this group. After studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, he released three albums under his name and has become one of the most promising artists in New York City. He also plays a vital role in connecting the jazz scenes of New York and Japan.