Join us as Peter and Lisa make their premiere appearance at Schroeder's! “One of the emergent great guitarists” Leonard Feather “Peter Sprague’s excellence as a musician is well demonstrated in his live and recorded performances. He has had the patience and musicality to take my original scores and, together with recorded renditions of these compositions, make final drafts that have become the last few Elektric Band music books. They are the most accurate music books I have published. I don’t know anyone I would trust more to correctly transcribe my improvisations.” Chick Corea Welcome to the exciting world of guitarist and producer Peter Sprague. Come experience a musical pallet that explores the colors of the rainbow. Over his thirty plus years as a professional musician, Peter Sprague has evolved into a musical powerhouse, having produced and or played on over 190 recordings. He has published eleven songbooks of his own music, including The Peter Sprague Guitar Technique which is required study at Grossmont College. In addition to writing his own material, Peter has transcribed 6 songbooks for Chick Corea, holds the title as Chick’s official transcriber, and was the only musician entrusted as the arranger for Chick’s legendary song Spain for the first GRP All Star Band recording. Peter conducts the majority of his endeavors in Southern California, staying close to his family, and where he is without dispute San Diego’s premier Jazz talent. His local achievements include; Best Local Musician - San Diego Reader's Best of 1988; Musician’s Choice - San Diego Entertainer Magazine's Best of 1988; Best Pop Jazz Group (Blurring the Edges) - San Diego Music Awards 1994; Best Jazz Artist - San Diego Reader's Best of 2000 Poll; Best Mainstream Jazz Artist - San Diego Music Awards 2000; Best Jazz Artist - San Diego Reader's Best of 2003 Poll, and most recently he won Best Jazz at the 2004 San Diego Music Awards! Though it is true Peter Sprague is a local phenomenon, make no mistake about it, he is a world class talent. Peter has played with such greats as; Art Pepper, Hubert Laws, Chick Corea, Alfonse Mouzon, Al Jarreau, Joe Farrell, John Pattuttuci, Mitch Foreman, Ray Brown, John Klemmer, Eddie Harris, Stanley Clarke, Eric Mariental, Joe Pass, Sergio Mendez, Kevyn Lettau, David Beniot, Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer, Alex Acuna, and Charlie Haden. (The full list and discography appear on the following pages) A variety of artists come to his recording facility “Spragueland,” to take advantage of Peter’s excellent producing and engineering talents. The studio has a reputation for delivering distinctively crisp and well balanced recordings, always impeccably tailored to the music. Peter Sprague CD’s have been produced there since 1994. A generous musician who frequently showcases new talent, Peter always makes sure to boaster his accompaniment, and can often be found playing his heart out for worthy causes such as supporting the music program at his Alma Mater, San Dieguito Academy. In September 2004, Peter released the CD Friends to benefit the Escondido Humane Society. Though Peter’s roots are deep in bebop and Brazilian rhythms, he is prolific in many styles of music. His twenty minute piece, “Concerto for Two Guitars and Orchestra” was well received when he performed it live with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra in 2000. The program was called “Local Living Legends” which featured Peter Sprague and Grammy award winning Violinist, Mark O’Connor. Whether exploring new territories of his original jazz music or revisiting popular tunes by beloved artists like the Beatles, Bob Marley, Cole Porter, and Charlie Parker, Peter Sprague’s unique blend of inspired melodies and brilliant technical execution consistently enthuse and challenge the listener. You are again invited to take part in the relentless unfolding musicality of a special person, Peter Sprague. What the press has said As a jazz lover, I have sat front row to see greats such as Joe Pass, Joe Diorio, Anthony Wilson, and Pat Metheny. For those of you who don’t realize this already, Peter Sprague has a place right up there with great jazz guitarists of our time. More than just his instrumental and improvisational prowess, Sprague is a writer-composer of positively world-class abilities. Taking It All In, his latest release, is a wonderful and inspiring snapshot of the essence of Peter Sprague, the composer, musician, and human being. Craig Yerkes San Diego Troubadour November, 2005 “Taking It All In” CD Review earns an A rating Throughout the nine originals and one cover, the band has the kind of loose interplay coupled to solid groove that only comes with longtime familiarity. Tripp’s flute provides a gorgeous counterpart to Peter’s guitar, while Magnusson and Moore create a fluid backdrop for them. All and all, another wonderful outing from Sprague and Co. Jim Trageser North County Times September, 2005 The 11 compositions (from “On The Road Again” / Road Work Ahead) prove a diversity of styles and intentions, and survey a myriad of tones and intimacies. These guys are serious about their music. It should probably be listed as one of the top ten jazz albums of the year. It's that good. Mike Andreen Surf City Times June, 2004 Even in as vibrant a music scene as San Diego's, Jazz guitarist Peter Sprague stands out. One of the linchpins of the local musical community over the past three decades, Sprague has emerged as not only a gifted guitarist but also a noted producer, with his own studio, dubbed Spragueland. Through his work there, he has influenced a generation of performers. F. Chester The La Jolla Light November 13, 2003 “On The Road Again” A+ CD Review Rating The result is a collection of seven new songs by the band members and four covers that show off both their remarkable virtuosity and the kind of empathetic interplay that only comes with time. Sprague's playing is always pleasant and this new CD shows a side to his playing we do not always get to hear. The new songs are gorgeous and complex enough to challenge the musicians and also hold the listener's interest. Jim Trageser North County Times May, 2004 “Friends For Life” A- CD Review Rating Sprague and Benedetti are both top-notch guitarists, and the various incarnations of their bands (along with that of Villas-Boas) feature some fantastic players who improvise solos that are imaginative and virtuosic. Jim Trageser North County Times May, 2004 (Nikki’s Rose) is a beautiful, sun-drenched celebration of life. Sprague's music has always had an innate optimism to it. Not only did he compose some of his most inspired songs for this project, but Sprague also gathered an all-star congregation of jazz musicians to give it voice. Jim Trageser American Reporter November, 2001 Peter Sprague "Pass the Drum" CD review rating: 4 Stars on a scale of 1-4 stars Peter Sprague boldly borrows Brazilian rhythms to revitalize a diverse collection of songs on his best album yet. Beth Wood San Diego Union Tribune 2003 The jazz guitarist Peter Sprague calls his home recording studio SpragueLand, but sometimes it seems that the moniker better captures the way he has turned the entire southland into his own musical playground. Sprague is a highly versatile musician who draws on the wellsprings of jazz and Brazilian music as primary influences. Andrew Gilbert San Diego Union Tribune March, 2005 “Peter Sprague can just about do it all; his protean talents extend to exemplary jazz-guitar work that once had eminent critic Leonard Feather agog; composing and arranging for groups ranging from duos to combos to consorts to full symphony orchestras; producing a variety of artists in his Del Mar, California art-roost, SpragueLand Studios; and holding audiences of all sizes spellbound with live performances that stretch genres and always reveal something shiny and new and soulful, even in familiar material.” John D’Agostino Wood and Steel Winter, 2002 “Peter Sprague — the award winning, highly acclaimed, world-renowned and, yes local jazz musician— recently finished one of his most moving and touching recordings to date: “Nikki’s Rose.” Paul Parks Peninsula Beacon December 27, 2001 “Even when the words occasionally convey the naïve images and primary-color takes on life and relationships that we expect from teenagers, Sprague’s music lifts them to the level of poignant prescience. At other times, such as on the glorious “Butterfly”, lyrics and music rise to the level of the best Stevie Wonder ballads. The music alternately cooks, grooves, and flows.” John D’Agostino Wood and Steel Winter, 2002 “I am not ashamed to admit that I was more than a little thrilled last week to receive a call from nationally world-renowned jazz composer and performer, Peter Sprague. I have long been a fan of this local musician. The most fascinating aspect of Sprague is his self –effacing nature. He is ultra talented, yet I often see him generously offer the spotlight to a variety of special guests that rotate in and out from concert to concert.” Ren Zenner The Coast News October 25, 2001 “It’s rare to find a “concept” album in any genre that rises above its concept to be enjoyed simply as a creative work. But Peter Sprague’s latest, Nikki’s Rose — his twelfth solo outing — does exactly that. Pure heart and soul pervade this work, whose rich Brazilian rhythms flow like water from a vine leaf.” Clark Novak Slamm Magazine December 12, 2001 “An effervescent soul who delights in all aspects of musical expression, Sprague has played and /or recorded with many notable artists, including Hubert Laws, David Benoit, Sergio Mendes, Mark O’Connor, and Chick Corea.” Andy Robinson Wood and Steel Summer, 2002 “Sombra is more than just a musical mulligatawny. Instead it’s a tasteful blend of melodies and rhythms dished up by musician’s sharing the same interest in and enthusiasm for a program that opens with a samba, Samba Assad, and ending with the lilting La Gente Feliz. Cam Miller North County Times December 19, 2002 Lisa Hightower has led a musical life. Since she was six years old, she has known that music would be an essential part of her life. Although she was raised in a small mid-western town. she knew that her musical journey would take her away from small town life. Just out of high school, she joined up with the all-girl band called Rare Illusion. The band toured with the same members for eight years and played venues all over the upper Midwest and Canada. Their experiences on the road would make a good movie! Rare Illusion split up in the early nineties and Lisa decided that California was her destiny. After being on the road for so long, Lisa decided that a waitressing job would help make ends meet. This is where she would sing jazz for the first time - and how lucky she was to have her first experience be with Peter Sprague! After that, she was hooked on listening to all the jazz greats. Several years of "wood shedding" led her to try her hand at writing some original tunes. She took a couple of songs to Peter Sprague and asked him if he thought they were worth recording. He was very interested in getting in on the project. Lisa got the original investment from her grandmother who put down the money for the start of something really special. The money went quickly and thoughts of the project being delayed began to set in. Unfortunately, it took something tragic to make Lisa's dreams of doing her first CD become a reality. Her oldest brother became ill and her family had to watch him slowly leave this world. His contribution to the CD made the project come alive again. Peter brought in all of his best studio musicians and the music took on its own magical life. The whole recording experience was great fun for Lisa as well as everyone else involved in the project. The title cut Walkin' on the Waves was selected for an episode of CBS's The Bold and the Beautiful. She has also received local air play on KSDS in San Diego, California. Guitarist Peter Sprague says of Lisa: "When we played the Coyote Bar last week, vocalist Lisa Hightower sat in and burned the house down. This gal sings! Her repertoire leans into the jazz tradition and she scats up a storm. Lisa has a wonderful recording out called Walkin' on the Waves on SBE Records and for this concert we've gathered the "A" team and we're ready to hit." "Lisa singing the blues is like a disease workin' in reverse!" Lisa's current goal is a second project involving some of her favorite jazz standards. The new release will be ready the end of April 2006. Also in the works is a jazz collection of Lisa's favorite lullabies to be marketed in educational stores for parents of younger children. She plays out locally in San Diego, teaches voice and piano and is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator.

Westin Horton Plaza
910 Broadway Circle
San Diego, CA 92101

Friday, June 2, 2006 from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM (PT)

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Schroeder's Club and Cabaret

Our intimate New York-style venue is the only cabaret in San Diego! Schroeder's is patterned after the cabaret clubs in New York, LA and San Francisco and has a comfortable, inviting ambiance complete with professional lighting and sound, a baby grand piano and candlelit tables. Schroeder's showcases the vocalists and the accompanist in a unique and intimate setting in the tradition of the cabarets and nightclubs popular in the 1920s - 1960s. Food and drinks are available in the Westin Sports Bar before and after the performance. Past performers have included Andrea Marcovicci, Sam Harris and Maude Maggart as well as local performers including Leigh Scarritt, Danielle Forsgren, Rayme Sciaroni, Eileen Bowman & Ric Henry, Phil Johnson, Debra Wanger, Bettina "Pixie" Warren, Melinda Gilb & Steve Gunderson, and Ole Kittleson and Priscilla Allen to name a few. The Cabaret is named for Todd Schroeder who is a singer/songwriter and musical director/accompanist. Todd is currently the musical director for Sam Harris, Angela Lansbury and Jason Alexander. Call us at 858-794-9044 or email at smgosd@yahoo.com for more information.