Rossano Sportiello

35-year old pianist, composer, arranger and teacher Rossano Sportiello, a native of Vigevano, Italy, and now living in New York City, studied at the Italian Conservatory and following his graduation began his musical career by joining the “Milano Jazz Gang”, one of Europe’s historic bands. He grew up listening to the music of Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller and Ralph Sutton, but also focused on the many artists of the swing and bebop eras. His mentor, pianist Barry Harris, says “Rossano makes me smile when he plays", adding that he is “the best stride pianist” he's ever heard.

Jim Galloway

… was born in Ayrshire, Scotland and while studying at the Glasgow School of Fine Arts began playing clarinet, then alto and baritone saxophone. He moved to Toronto in 1964 and shortly after joined the Metro Stompers becoming the band's leader in 1968. Galloway has played alongside many US jazz veterans and in 1976 began to tour internationally, developing a reputation as one of the world's leading soprano saxophonists.