Brian Q. Torff

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Brian Q. Torff (born March 16, 1954 in Hinsdale, Illinois) is a renowned bassist and composer. He is currently the Music Program Director at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut where he makes frequent appearances at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts leading the Fairfield University Jazz Ensemble along with special guest jazz artists including Randy Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Bernard Purdie, Milt Hinton, Dave Samuels and Paul Wertico.

He is a featured bass soloist, and currently appears with his seven-piece band, Thunderstick, which features a horn section and jazz violinist Randy Sabien, as well as the Union trio. He has performed in jazz festivals around the U.S., founded the Fairfield University Summer Jazz Camp, and has served as co-chair person for the music advisory board for the National Endowment for the Arts. ^[1]

Brian Torff's professional career began in 1974 when bassist Milt Hinton offered him the opportunity of touring with Cleo Laine. During the late 70's, Torff recorded and performed with pianists Mary Lou Williams and Marian McPartland, and toured Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong with violin virtuoso, Stephane Grappelli. He played in pianist Erroll Gamer's last group and worked in the big bands of Oliver Nelson, and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band.^[1]

In 1979, Brian Torff formed a duo with pianist George Shearing. In the course of their 3 1/2 year collaboration they toured throughout the U.S., Europe, Brazil, and South Africa and were featured on the NBC Tonight Show, Merv Griffin, and their own PBS special from New York's Cafe Carlyle. They were invited to perform at the White House in 1982 for President Reagan. Their third album won a Grammy for vocalist Mel Torme.^[1]

Brian Torff is a noted composer who has contributed works for records with George Shearing, Larry Coryell, and his own recordings- Hitchhiker of Karoo, Manhattan Hoe- Down, and Workin' On a Bassline. He has written scores that have been performed by the Boston Pops, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Pittsburgh Symphony, and has appeared as conductor, composer, and clinician for numerous high school and college jazz festivals.^[1]