Bio

Endless are the debates the world over of what is the true definition of jazz, which also entails the myriad boundaries that encompass it. The identical dialogue also exists in one of this art form’s more highly regarded vocalists and musicians, Todd Buffa.

Though native to America as true in the origin of Jazz, growing up in four different countries gave him an appreciation of bent notes and lilting rhythms. However, Buffa’s creative efforts are based within its milieu. It’s fascinating to note an observation on Wikipedia within this similar discussion of jazz with one expert defining it with “the ability to absorb and transform influences from diverse musical styles”, which could easily be the same characterization relevant to Todd Buffa. Growing up in a musical home with his mother studying opera and his father playing Dixieland clarinet and other Jazz, Buffa’s styling engulfs the expanse between the two, even overflowing beyond the musical brim. It’s should not be surprising to hear him resonate through a live set interpreting the likes of Monk, Gershwin, Cole Porter and yes, even Jimi Hendrix, Dylan, or Bartok without a pause between. He is as diverse as jazz in all its definitions and boundaries. Rising to the heights of commercial success as vocalist/arranger with the group Rare Silk, he was nominated for a Grammy for his arrangement of Freddie Hubbard’s “Red Clay.” The group was also nominated for Best Performance for “New Weave” and “American Eyes”. Buffa has elicited kudos from critics such as Leonard Feather from the Los Angeles Times noting his vocal arrangements as “priceless assets”, while his achievements have been scribed in the New Grove Dictionary of Jazz as having

“forged a style that employs a wide variety of complex and sophisticated textures.” -New Grove Dictionary of Jazz

He’s appeared on the same bill with the likes of musical legends Miles Davis, Benny Goodman and Wynton and Branford Marsalis, to name a few — entertaining audiences at Carnegie Hall, the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, and the Monterey Jazz Festival and also in Rome, Italy and Monte Carlo. Under his direction Rare Silk’s first release had a remarkable showing in the trade publications with #1 Best New Vocal Group, #2 Best Vocal Group, #8 Best Jazz Album of the Year, and #3 Best New Jazz Artist. Just search out a copy of the three Rare Silk albums and you will have to fork out a hefty price to find these noted collectibles. Many jazz connoisseurs have elevated the group to cult status because of their effect on music. While the group separated before the masses had a chance to truly embrace their efforts, the next generation of jazz musicians have benefited from this disbanding. Buffa has not strayed far from his status in the jazz community, rather taking a concerted effort in sharing his understanding of this music with the next generation of artists on the horizon.

Stepping back from the spotlight, he has taught music at the University of Colorado at Denver and has been cited with Outstanding Service to Jazz Education (N.A.J.E). He has continued a course of private music education for over 20+ years, expanding his reach beyond the boundaries of technique and theory and into the realm of music business, songwriting and providing an important all-around understanding of what it means to be a performer and artist to his students. He’s also continued his solo career maintaining a busy regimen of commercial studio work with limited performance engagements. Well versed in the entertainment field and educated in many genres of music, Buffa is now turning his attention to interpreting a collection of songs from the likes of the aforementioned artists as well as his own compositions. His great panache and skilled musicianship are sure to dazzle even the most casual listener. So be sure to expect a wellrounded and unique blend of jazz, blues, swing, romance, and rhythmic vibrancy on his upcoming release “Curious Orchids” in 2010.