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Water Colors Smooth Jazz

ABOUT WATER COLORS

Musicianship First and Foremost:

Water Colors is a New York musician dream team made up of Bill Heller (Keys), Russ DeSalvo (Guitar), John Siegler (Bass), Andrew Grossbard (Sax) and Tony Curcio (Drums). Collectively, they have performed, recorded, toured with a veritable who’s who in the world of jazz and pop. Their love for their craft and their long-time friendship makes the melding of their talents an irresistible combination.

John Siegler

John Siegler is a founding member of Todd Rundgren’s Utopia and has been a stalwart studio and touring freelancer for many years. Working with Hall & Oates in their heyday, he created the bass parts that propelled such hit records as Kiss On My List, You Make My Dreams, Private Eyes, Out Of Touch, and You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.

He has recorded and/or toured with Roger Daltry, Cher, Stevie Nicks, Mick Jagger, Better Midler, Jeff Beck, Meatloaf, Yoko Ono, Paul Butterfield, The Edgar Winter Group, Rick Derringer, Dan Hartman, Desmond Child and Rouge, Tim Curry, Herbie Mann and Air, Clarence Clemmons, Joe Piscopo, Felix Cavaliere and myriad other artists and projects as diverse as The Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Jazz Holdouts.

He is also the co-writer, arranger, and producer of the iconic Pokemon Theme as well as numerous pieces of music for advertising and television and was the Musical Director for 4Kids Entertainment for ten years.

John is currently a proud member of Water Colors and The Mar-tays and continues writing and recording daily

Russ DeSalvo

Russ DeSalvo is a multi-faceted talent as a hit songwriter, an accomplished producer, sought-after arranger and professional musician.

From his earliest days playing with Carlos Santana and Narada Michael Walden to his work at New York’s famous Hit Factory studio, Russ became a sought-after session guitarist.

Russ’s sessions with Cutting Records/Polygram recording artist, Safire, inspired him to write a song specifically for her. “Thinking of You” became a Billboard #4 pop hit. Directly on the heels of that success, Russ wrote “If Wishes Came True” for Sweet Sensation, which became his first Billboard #1 pop hit. Both songs won him the ASCAP Pop Award of the year in their respective years, and launched his long and successful career as a songwriter. Some of his credits include: Celine Dion, Carlos Santana, 98°, Lou Reed, Lionel Richie, Sophie B. Hawkins, Trisha Yearwood, Marc Anthony, Bebe Winans, Tina Arena, Jennifer Rush, Anastasia, Jennifer Paige, and more.

Russ signed his first publishing deal to EMI with Evan Lamberg. Later he moved to MPL, the largest independent publishing company in the world – owned by Sir Paul McCartney. Additionally, DeSalvo has been published by Warner-Chappell and Primary Wave Publishing.

In addition to his work in the pop realm, Russ has enjoyed composing, arranging, and scoring for multiple properties from Disney, Mattel, and Universal Animations, including notably Barbie, Pokemon, and the end-title credits song for the Miramax film “Ella Enchanted”.

Currently, Russ is thrilled to be playing in Water Colors with some of his favorite musicians and great friends.

Andrew Grossbard

Native New Yorker, saxophonist Andrew Grossbard has established himself as one of the most in demand players in the New York Metropolitan area.

Over the years, Andrew has had the opportunity to perform and record with some great musicians including, Carl Fischer, Glenn Drewes, Charles Blenzig, Robert Lepley, George Bouchard, and many others. Andrew also performed and toured with The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. He studied with greats such as Eric Alexander, Steve Wilson, Jon Gordon, Dave Pietro, and Ralph Lalama. On the scene, Andrew has performed at many clubs, festivals, weddings and other events. In addition, he worked as a musician for Princess Cruises.

As a student, Andrew had the honor of participating in several outstanding music programs and schools around the country. Before and during high school, Andrew participated in The Friends of the Arts Jazz Program at the Planting Fields Arboretum on Long Island. Andrew was a member of the Nassau All County Jazz Band for five years and the New York All State Jazz Band for one year. In addition, he participated in the Nassau Suffolk Jazz program for three years. Happy to be a member of Water Colors, he also recently co-founded and leads The Long Island Sound Big Band. Andrew is an endorsing artist of JL Woodwinds.

Bill Heller

Bill Heller is best known as the keyboard player for the legendary Grammy nominated jazz group
The Rippingtons. His first record with the band was “Topaz” in 1998, and he has been a performing member since 2001. In 1997, Bill played on Russ Freeman & Craig Chaquico‘s “Redwoods to the Rockies”, and went on to co-produce many of Craig’s albums with a few songs from these albums making it to the Billboard #1 position on the Smooth Jazz charts! His current release is titled Passage and features performances by Jonathan Butler, Steve Jordan, Will Lee, Marc Antoine, Ken Navarro, Jeff Kashiwa, Brandon Fields, Andy Snitzer, and many more. For over ten years, Bill has served as the Musical Director for the Long Island Music Hall of Fame awards shows, providing arrangements and incidental music. Bill has also performed with Michael McDonald, Patti Austin, Sara Bareilles, Mary Wilson, Smokey Robinson, Randy Brecker, Jennifer Nettles, Dave Valentine, Phil Perry, Larry Carlton and has also played on the Broadway shows Movin’ Out featuring the music of Billy Joel and Hot Feet featuring the music of Earth Wind and Fire.

Tony Curcio

Tony Curcio has been a bandleader in the New York metropolitan area for 40 years. He is owner and founder of Tonycurcio productions a full-service entertainment company, but is best known for forming and representing The Tony Curcio Orchestra , and most recently Water Colors .

After touring the U.S. in the 70s, with various show bands, Tony brought his concept to the metropolitan area and quickly became the go-to for many of the top NY hotels and catering halls. His company has expanded over the years to include DJ and video production as well.

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Photography by Rich Balter