piano

David Chao (piano)

David began classical piano at the age of seven and continued formal studies up through college.

He stopped playing almost entirely to earn a doctorate in theoretical particle physics and then research publish papers in particle theory at the University of Texas, Michigan State, and University of Illinois-Chicago.

Once back in Austin, he began playing public and private gigs, including venues such as São Paulo's, The Elephant Room, Reed's Jazz and Supper Club, North By Northwest, Zax Pints & Platters, Laguna Gloria Art Museuem, the Four Seasons, and the Hilton Austin.

David's musicial guideposts: among others, Oscar Peterson, McCoy Tyner, Red Garland, Keith Jarrett, Joe Henderson, Bill Evans, Brad Mehldau, Freddie Hubbard, and Chick Corea.

He plays with an ever-changing group of extremely talented and diverse Austin-based musicians, including Ernie Durawa, Elias Haslanger, Brad Houser, Ephraim Owens, and Pete Rodriguez.

horns

Jeremy Bell (alto sax)

Jeremy studied Jazz at Western Illinois University 1994, playing baritone and alto sax, then moved to Tucson Arizona and started playing professionally in 1997.

In Tucson, he played in blues bands and singer/songwriters, as also contributed to a number of studio recordings.

He began an ongoing collaboration with jazz/folk singer/songwriter Sapphire in 1997, and continues to play regularly with her at places such as Lake Austin Spa and Resort, Hickory Street Bar and Grill, and Central Market

Together they released one album in Arizona, with a new album in the works.

Musical inspirations include: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Yellowjackets, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, Bob Dylan, Chet Baker (vocals).

percussion

Kevin Witt (drums)

Kevin moved back to Austin from New York City in the summer of 2004, and has been playing around town with various jazz groups including Three Jazz Trio.

Kevin studied at the Drummer's Collective in New York City under drummer Peter Retzlaff, and bassist Steve Marks. He attended the Center for Jazz Studies also in New York City. He has studied privately with Jimmy Cobb, John Riley and Lenny White.

Kevin’s numerous influences include: Herbie Hancock, Monk, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Stevie Wonder, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, Roy Haynes, Paul Motian, Stewart Copeland, Manu Katche, and the Tao Te Ching.

strings

João Vargas (upright bass)

João has performed extensively in Brazil, both in jazz and in MPB (Música Popular Brasileira).

From 1996-1998, he maintained a regular performance schedule in Los Angeles with Phil Farris and Bill Madison, among others; during 2002-2004, he performed regularly with Broadbelt Brothers in New York City and Brooklyn. He also played for the UCSD Jazz Big Band led by James Cheatham in 1998.

João studied privately with Billy Higgins and Juno Se Mama Lewis while in Los Angeles, and pursued jazz improvisation studies with George Lewis from 1996 to 1998.

João is also a founding member and the bass player for the modern jazz trio three.

Chris Thompson (guitar)

Chris took up guitar early in high school. He performed in bands throughout high school and college, mostly in the rock genre. After moving to Texas, Chris shifted his attention to jazz. He has been playing with the founding members of Central Time since its inception.

Inspirations include: Bill Evans, Kenny Burrell, Jim Hall, Miles Davis, Joe Pass, and Charlie Parker.