Music
Press
Batik recently performed at Arts on the Lake in Lake Carmel, NY. As the director of musical programming at AOTL, I worked closely with with Barry Hartglass and the other members of the ensemble through the entire process of booking, promotion and of course, their concert. They are a fabulous group with world class musicianship, professionalism, creativity and energy to spare. They rocked the AOTL audience and created quite a buzz for a return performance. Batik helped to promote their performance through their own extensive mailing list, did a sound check a week before the performance and came to the venue with a polished show. Every aspect of working with Batik was a pleasure. I give them my highest recommendation. - John Arrucci - Director of Musical Programming
The band BATIK premiered their new album, "VUDU", at the Lake Carmel Cultural Center on Friday night. I've run sound and lights at shows there since the beginning and I can safely say the stage has never had that many (5) preeminent musicians on it all at the same time. BATIK's leader, Barry Hartglass and their trumpet/fluglehorn player, Tim Ouimette, are both from Lake Carmel. The other three members of the band (Dave Anthony on drums, Tom Nazziola on percussion and John Roggie on keyboards) hail from as far away as central New Jersey and NYC. But when the night was over they all agreed it was worth the trip and the full-house audience tunefully agreed. - Jeff Green - PlanPutnam.org
Just wanted to tell you again how spectacular your show was the other night. I was impressed with so many things: the compositions, the musicianship, the interpretations of the music, I could go on and on. We bought your CD, so we can enjoy it all over again! - Maggie Seligman
The ensemble churns with such a smoldering groove, even when they are painting through changes. But, when it's time to kick it in...hold on. The players are awesome, melodically gifted, and their sophisticated tunes hold subtle surprises upon repeated listening. Such gives their music some legs, figuratively speaking, of course! I'd certainly take the stroll to go hear these fine musicians and composers. Hope I can keep up when they start running. Then again, I probably could use a little more exercise!
- Ian Smit - Monkeyworks
“Vudu” is fantastic. There is such creativity and depth of musicianship throughout this entire CD. The tunes are beautiful, the solos are outstanding, and the recording and mixing seem to have been done with great sensitivity. Well done! - Adam Glaser
Discography
CD - BATIK VUDU
(2009 Mayanoah Music, Inc.)
Photos
Bio
Barry Hartglass, a gifted musician (electric bass and soprano sax) and composer/producer (music for TV, film, video and internet) journeyed to the wilds of Putnam County in the year 2000 from his native home of Long Island. He has since then built a recording studio on scenic Lake Carmel in the town of Kent. Many established and highly successful musicians/recording artists live in this area, such as Natalie Merchant, Jan Hammer and the award winning composer, John Corigliano. Prior to relocating in Putnam County, Hartglass studied composition at the world-renowned Juilliard school, which is where he met fellow composer/percussionist Tom Nazziola. Tom has been known in the family circuit for his keyboard performances on Disney’s “Baby Einstein” DVD/CD catalog, in addition to working with organizations and artists such as Garrison Keillor, Terrance Blanchard, the New York Philharmonic and Marvin Hamlisch. Both Hartglass and Nazziola found common interests in their composing efforts and soon set out to form an ensemble that could realize their collaborative efforts through a fusion of world music and contemporary jazz.
From there, Hartglass recruited longtime friend and brilliant pianist/composer, John Roggie (also a fellow classmate from the University of Miami). John has programmed music for several Broadway plays (Fosse, Tale of Two Cities, Radiant Baby) in addition to performing with artists in genres ranging from hip-hop to classic rock to straight ahead jazz. John’s eclectic writing style and musical sensitivity made him the obvious choice for keyboardist extraordinaire in this fresh, new jazz ensemble. Shortly thereafter, Barry suggested that both he and Tom invite Dave Anthony to play drums with their group, now called BATIK. Dave, who has played on Broadway’s “Moving Out” in addition to performing with Oscar award-winning Tan Dun, Patty Smyth and John Wait (to mention a few), is one of the most versatile, musical drummers on the scene today. Both Anthony and Roggie also bring a fresh new compositional approach to the ensemble (in which, incidentally, each member composes!)
Last but not least, Lake Carmel’s very own Tim Ouimette, who has performed with a “who’s who” of jazz ensembles and artists, actually heard a recording of BATIK in rehearsal and expressed great interest in joining the band. Touting performances with jazz luminaries such The Count Basie Orchestra, Ray Charles, Ben E. King and Blood Sweat and Tears, Tim Ouimette brings a very sensitive and informed approach to the group with his unique trumpet sound and diverse writing style.
With all of the players in place, the next obvious step was to record their first album, VUDU, which took nearly two years to assemble in Barry Hartglass’s home studio. The CD features a hauntingly beautiful morning sunrise of Lake Carmel on its cover.
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