Nov.2nd: Monte Croft (Vibraphone, Keys and Vocals)

Stanley Banks(Bass)

Kirk Driscoll(Drums)

A thirty-five-year veteran of the New York music scene, Croft is a multiinstrumentalist, playing six instruments, and counting. Drums, vibraphone, keyboards, chromatic harmonica, bass guitar, and guitar are all part of an arsenal that actually includes his singing voice, bringing the count to seven. A brief stint at Columbia records in the 80’s produced two fine jazz albums, and a number of compilations. Monte has performed, and recorded, with such diverse artists as: Gladys Knight, James Spaulding, Nicholas Payton, Terence Blanchard, David “Fathead” Newman, Gino Vannelli, Cassandra Wilson, Brian Blade, Victor Bailey, Branford Marsalis, Hubert Laws, Lenny White, Ray Parker Jr., and P. Diddy. He spent 2012 as a member of the classic, platinum-selling R&B/Funk unit, The Average White Band. His TV work includes “One Night Only” - a television tribute to Don Rickles - as a member of drummer Steve Jordan’s Lucky 7, as well as background work on Boardwalk Empire, and Luke Cage. Monte has dabbled on the big screen as well, in 20th Century Fox’s “The Greatest Showman” starring Hugh Jackman. Monte Croft performs regularly at Ashford and Simpson’s Sugar Bar, in New York.— Creative Cultural Arts, Dudley Jazz Fest