THE NISEI PROJECT
Covenant Ballet Theatre of Brooklyn
Craig Brann, Musical Director
Arriving in the City in 1996 from his home town of Windsor in rural Maine, Craig Lawrence Brann was fully aware of what it was like to be a big fish in a small pond, but was immediately caught up in the powerful current of NYC's vast oceanic and unparalleled jazz scene. From celebrated prodigy to a salubrious pro touché in— you guessed it —a New York minute. With every spare Andrew Jackson, he would make his way into the city to see his known heroes or to be introduced to those who would soon come to crowd that same pantheon.
Imagine Craig's sublime joy and gratitude when the very musicians he cut his teeth following around this inimitable City, would come to share the stage with him and even record his music. Such is the case with his most recent SteepleChase release, "Mark My Words," featuring tenor titans Mark Turner and Gregory Tardy.
Some country boys are discouraged when confronted by this City's ineffable gifts. Not Craig. By persevering in his love for this music, not only has he received the respect and fraternity of his elders and mentors, he remains a genuine fan of this music. So much so, that he has worked to create venue partnerships througout the five boroughs with JazzunderGroundNYC.com to present concerts featuring up and coming artists (Gretchen Parlato, Becca Stevens, Ben Williams) as well as seasoned greats (John Patitucci, Fly Trio, Brian Blade).