Photo by Nick Carter. All website photography by Nick Carter unless otherwise noted
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“When Hand arranges outside material for the band, he masterfully adds a new dimension to it”
“Hand is a wonderful guitarist in the vein of a Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, Grant Green and the like with a definite blues sensibility”
Guitarist, composer and arranger PETER HAND leads his own big band, 10 piece band and smaller combos. His music encompasses original compositions, Latin & Brazilian jazz and new interpretations of jazz standards. He has worked with many top artists and bands as a leader, sideman, and arranger/composer, including Carmen Lundy, Jon Lucien, George Coleman, Lee Konitz, Houston Person, Claudio Roditi, Mike Abene, The Chicago Jazz Orchestra, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, St. Louis Jazz Orchestra and the Charleston Jazz Orchestra. Peter’s recordings include 3 big band albums on Savant/HighNote Records:
His album, PETER HAND BIG BAND - HAND PAINTED DREAM, features world-class musicians and special guests performing his original music, plus new arrangements of classics by Charlie Parker, Tadd Dameron, Randy Weston and John Coltrane. It has received widespread critical acclaim and extensive airplay on jazz radio stations internationally.
“This is far from a standard big band release…a truly exhilarating listening experience” - Jazz Album of the Week, WRTI-FM, Philadelphia
“..audacious and appealing, swinging and sophisticated while constantly performing the artistic arrangements that Hand presents with exceptional ability” - JAZZ JOURNAL (UK)
“Peter Hand’s exceptional guitar work and arranging skills, allowing Hand to get every ounce of music from his band, adds just the right amount of vibrancy and color.. An impressive work to say the least and highly recommended” - SEA OF TRANQUILITY
His previous Savant album, THE PETER HAND BIG BAND - OUT OF HAND, included a wide variety of originals and new arrangements of familiar jazz compositions. Peter has worked extensively with tenor saxophonist Houston Person as an arranger and guitarist for many years, and Houston’s appearance as a special guest is a highlight of the album. Out Of Hand received many excellent reviews and reached No. 4 in the nationwide JazzWeek Top 50 Radio Chart, staying in the Top 10 for eight weeks.
“OUT OF HAND fully merits a five-star rating and will be a strong contender for record of the year honours” - ***** JAZZ JOURNAL (UK)
“Peter Hand’s latest album is cause for celebration” - DOWNBEAT, Editorsʼ Picks
“An imaginative showcase of big band music coupled with a master class in the tenor sax by Houston Person" - AUDIOPHILE AUDITION
Recording session for OUT OF HAND
Peter Hand Big Band Brass Section
Peter’s first big band album, PETER HAND BIG BAND FEATURING HOUSTON PERSON – THE WIZARD OF JAZZ: A TRIBUTE TO HAROLD ARLEN, was released on Savant Records in 2009. A live concert collaboration with Houston Person, it showcased Person performing Peter’s original arrangements of Arlen’s jazz-inflected standards. This debut album received many top-rated reviews and reached #19 on the JazzWeek Top 50 Chart.
“..this is an all-star band, and there are admirable statements along the way by guitarist Hand..tasteful tribute by the New York-based Peter Hand Big Band” All About Jazz — Jack Bowers
Houston Person with Peter Hand
“The Peter Hand Big Band has my vote for the 2009 Grammy Awards best big band recording” Downbeat— Frank John Hadley
“I’ve found my Gil Evans”— Houston Person
Peter Hand Quintet (L-R): Harvie S (Bass), Eddie Allen (Tpt), Peter Hand (Gtr), Steve Johns (Dr), Don Braden (Saxes, Flutes) (Photo by Rosalyn Hand)
SMALL BANDS
Peter Hand’s small groups often perform with core musicians from the big band, including saxophonists Ralph Lalama and Don Braden, trumpeter Eddie Allen, and the rhythm section of pianist James Weidman, bassist Harvie S and drummer Steve Johns.
His trio, quartet and quintet have also featured other notable jazz artists, including Greg Abate and Loren Stillman (saxophone); Jaui Schneider, Helio Alves, Lewis Porter and Andy Jaffe (piano); Freddie Bryant (guitar); Santi Debriano, Dave Zinno and Daryl Johns (bass); and Richie Morales, Chip White, Claire Arenius and Mark Walker (drums).
In addition to playing a wide variety of music from the jazz repertoire and his original compositions, Peter’s groups often present theme concerts, including:
Handmade Silver- The Music of Horace Silver; Jazz With A French Twist- Music of Michel Legrand, Django Reinhardt & Sacha Distel; Three Jazz Heroes- The Music of Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea and Wes Montgomery; Jazz For Kids- Let’s Jam!
All website photography by Nick Carter unless otherwise noted