Shoreline Jazz Quintet

The Shoreline Jazz Quintet or SJQ includes Mike Bimonte on drums, Deepak Cyril D’Souza on saxophones, Rich Meyers on vibraphone, Steve Roane on acoustic bass and Steve Wood on electric guitar. SJQ have been playing together in different combinations for several years. They play an eclectic repertoire including jazz standards and the music of more modern composers. They have performed and recorded albums celebrating the music of the great Thelonious Monk, and the also the music of Bill Evans – bringing their own interpretation of these great jazz pianists without piano! They are currently working on celebrating the work of Pat Metheny in addition to working on some original music.

Mike Bimonte began his drumming journey 55 years ago, with original inspiration coming from the British Invasion, also citing 50's classic Jazz and 70's progressive rock as big influences. He made the decision to secure expert instruction from Jimmie Stavris, who instilled in him early on to become skilled in as many types of music as possible, and his advice has served me well. Later on, Mike begin working with theatrical groups doing orchestra pit work, and now have participated in more than 200 productions, and also loves club Jazz work. Some career highlights; playing in Woolsey Hall, Shubert Theater New Haven in a production of "White Christmas", and opening for Frank Zappa's Project Object, Tower of Power, Alexa Ray Joel, & Mavis Staples among others.

Cyril (Deepak) D’Souza grew up in India at a time when access to American jazz was limited. I fondly recall straining to listening to the Voice of America’s Jazz hour, a jazz show available on shortwave radio (what’s that?)! While I always aspired to become a serious musician, I had to put that aside to meet the demands of life as a physician, and of academia. I learned to play the saxophone in midlife. Playing music with my bandmates has become one of the more rewarding aspects of my life today. "If I was stranded on a remote island with the music of only one artist to choose, it would be Keith Jarrett, Metheny, Wayne Shorter – that’s tough!"

Originally a drummer, Rich Meyers graduated from the New England Conservatory in Boston with a degree in Jazz Studies. He was introduced to mallet percussion by his instructor, Fred Buda, and started playing the vibraphone. While originally from New York, he now lives in Milford, CT. Recently retired after thirty five years, he now has more time to devote to practicing and performing.

Steve Roane originally from New York, now lives in Madison, CT. has performed over 7000 gigs and released more than 20 albums. He has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Bottom Line, Ryle’s, the Town Hall, The Kool Jazz Festival, C.B.G.B.’s, The Kate, Music Hall, and other venues. He has toured throughout the US, and also Japan and Spain. He has recorded or performed with Diane Schuur, Frank Strozier, Jack Wilkins, Bucky Pizzarelli, Jerry Marotta, San Salvador, Tal Farlow, John Lewis, Helen O’Connell, Jim Beloff and many others. He has composed over 200 pieces for jazz ensembles, string and woodwind quartets, as well as many songs. As an audio engineer, producer, and studio owner he has recorded hundreds of albums. He presently teaches privately, having taught at Mercy College, Pace University, and The Music Conservatory of Westchester. Primarily a bassist and guitarist, he also plays other stringed instruments. He also exhibits his work as a painter and woodcutting printer. He currently plays locally with the Shoreline Jazz Quintet, the Flying Fish Quartet, Bob Kolb and Dave Childs.

Steve Wood began playing jazz guitar in college in Washington D.C. After several years playing West African music he returned to jazz. He is one of the founding members of SJQ. If he had to be stranded on a remote island with the music of only one artist to choose, it would be the great Jim Hall.