Conference Call was formed in 1998 and features original compositions that incorporate the distinctive improvisational and textural talents of each of the four members, who hail from different parts of the U.S. and Europe. Their most recent release is “Poetry in Motion” on Clean Feed Records (2008).
Multi-reed player Gebhard Ullmann comes from Germany and brings an extensive woodwind arsenal (bass clarinet, bass flute, tenor and soprano sax); he has over 30 recordings to his credit.
Pianist Michael Jefry Stevens and bassist Joe Fonda have graced Charlottesville stages several times with the Fonda/Stevens Quartet, and once before with Conference Call. Now based in Memphis, Stevens has made over 50 recordings and performs with many of the top names in jazz, including vocalist Miles Griffith, who will be in residence at UVA in late April 2010. Joe Fonda is highly regarded for his recordings and performances with Anthony Braxton, and regularly plays at prestigious jazz festivals worldwide.
Also a bandleader in his own right, drummer George Schuller has displayed his rhythmic and compositional talents to many acclaimed CD’s. As a much sought-after sideman, he appeared on Joe Lovano’s award winning album Rush Hour, and has performed with great artists such as Fred Hersch and Lee Konitz.
The master class by the Conference Call Quartet at Monticello High School was given on April 29, 2010 to 35 students.