Press Kit
This is a Bass Solo on a Jazz Rendition of the tune "I Don't Want to Set the World On Fire".
Atlantic City, NJ festival, where Christopher Dean Sullivan's Jazz Journey project was the Headliner.
Performing with Mala Waldron on piano, Angel Rose vocalist, and Bobby Sanabria drums.
Videographer: Myles Corrigan
Atlantic City, NJ festival, where Christopher Dean Sullivan's Jazz Journey project was the Headliner.
Performing with Mala Waldron on piano, Angel Rose vocalist, and Bobby Sanabria drums.
Videographer: Myles Corrigan
Bassist
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Vanity Fair Photo Shoot with the Cotton Club All Star Show Band and Janet Jackson
Photo by Annie Leibovitz
Photo by Annie Leibovitz
Atlantic City Jazz Festival Headline Performance
Opening with his Christopher Dean Sullivan Trio
for the Tribute to Dinah Washington Show in NYC 
Publicity Management Ferry Godmother Productions Aquanetta Wright info@Ferrygodmother.com (225) 366-2442 |
Representation:
TMO Entertainment Tammanika Odidi P.O. Box 946 Woodbridge, NJ 07095 (908) 868-1322 tmoentertainment@gmail.com http://tmoentertainment.webs.com 
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Honors & Awards
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Recordings
FMR Records: Collaborative Recording
SyncTimiCity: Records Collaborative Recording with Christopher Dean Sullivan's CSQ Project and
vocalist Barbara Sfraga 
Drimala Records: Collaborative Recording
FMR Records: Collaborative Recording
Soul Note Records
Chris has recorded on, and produced, various collaborative recordings with other critically renown music aficionados, which include: Odean Pope, Christian McBride,
Michael Marus, Joe Giardullo, Billy Hart, Carl Grubbs, Eddie Henderson, Sheila Jordan, Alan Glover, Bob Gluck, John McLean, Paul Wertico, Roy Campbell, Poets; E.J. Antonio, Golda Solomon,...and others. ***************************************
Christopher Dean Sullivan continues to lead his own music projects, which consist of Jazz, , Latin Jazz, R&B, New Orleans, Brazilian Jazz, and Jazz Moods (Jazzy-R&B mix)
He also coordinates and produces musical tributes, such as Tribute to Dinah Washington featuring Lillie Bryant-Howard, Tribute to Freddie Hubbard, and others. He also performs with open compositional ensembles with spoken word artist. |
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What the Critics Say:
“Christopher Dean Sullivan makes a strong case for his essential presence in the ensemble with, yes, some ostinatos but also with an openly free interactive melodic sense that goes perfectly well with the wide-ranging ideas expressed by his bandmates.”
~ Grego Applegate Edwards, Gapplegate Music Review “Christopher Dean Sullivan, an experienced bassist with versatile styling.” ~ Leonid Auskern, Jazzquad “... Sullivan plays not just the upright bass strings but the bass itself, throwing himself into the performance not to draw the spotlight, but to impart a palpable joie de vive to go with his rhythmic, rippling (think Charlie Haden, somewhat) bass tones." ~ Mark Keresman, JazzReview.com “…Sullivan’s a bassist whose authoritative and bluesy bending’s of the notes honor his affection for legends such as Slam Stewart as well as Ray Brown.” ~ Steve Monroe, Jazz Journalists Association ....”Sophisticated Lady receives a swinging treatment, calling forth a sweet bass solo from Sullivan” ~ Philip van Vleck, BILLBOARD critics’ choice "...Sullivan supports with underpinned emotive interaction…" “Before long, piano and sax head off into almost opposite directions, with Sullivan often the only sonic connection…” ~ Doug Simpson, Audiophile Audition "Sullivan's bass solo on this piece is a full expression..." ~ Chuck Vecoli - Jazz Review “Bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan plays with a natural looseness, easily adapting to the great variety of prevailing directions of the tune.” ~ Karl Ackermann, All About Jazz “…and bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan instinctively play into, instead of enslaving to and letting dissipate." ~ Cheryl K. Symister – Masterson, Chronogram “…Gluck and Sullivan – who undertakes a brief but potent bass spotlight – use as a base for their shifts in phrases, improvisations and free jazz designs.” ~ Doug Simpson - Audiofile Audition “…big-toned, eloquent bass of Christopher Dean Sullivan, allow them to freely elaborate…” ~ Gregory Applegate Edwards: Grapplegate Music Review "Chris is one of the most dynamic musical professionals in the business. He has an unmatched bassist talent and quality production ability.” ~ Aquanetta Wright, Ferry Godmother Productions …“Spirit Unleashed” that was arranged by bassist, Christopher Dean Sullivan…Sullivan gets to feature his bass chops on this tune before Henderson and Hart join in with their trumpet and drum mastery. This arrangement puts me in a space of ‘Sketches in Spain’; that kind of groove and freedom is infectious. Here is definitely music for our “Infinite Spirit”. ~ Dee Dee McNeil / Jazz Journalist "Christopher Dean Sullivan brings in the bottom as a third line-creating voice. He doesn't accompany as much as he contributes to the musical dialog.” ~ Gregory Applegate Edwards: Grapplegate Music Review “An extra twist is that this new music is largely acoustic rather than electro-acoustic and the richness of the textures, especially Sullivan’s swooning double bass, is such that the music doesn’t feel at all flimsy.” ~ Kevin Le Gendre, Jazzwise (UK) |
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Clinics ~ Workshops ~ Assemblies
Music Camps ~ Residencies
Music Camps ~ Residencies
Residencies and Workshop Programs to Constructively Enhance the Residence and Youth
in the Disenfranchised Urban and Rural Communities
The social and cognitive issues that plague our societies, neighborhoods, communities, and regions today are placing the children and young adults in a quagmire of dismay and confusion. There are children that are disenfranchised for real social education, not understanding that the future lies within them. This is based on not having a sense of their heritage, not knowing where they come from perpetuates the loss of where they are going. Thus bullying, aggressive behavior, lack of motivation, exercising manipulative reasoning, rudeness, and other components of discord becomes the life style. The parents of these youths are feeling helpless because of the continuing pressure of keeping up within all that they are being bombarded with, such as; bills, CPS regulations, new aspects of educational directions as the common core curriculum, influences outside the home that seeps into their lives on a regular bases, that subliminally effects their wandering behavior around their children, and not able to focus on themselves as role models. Statistics on all levels show that 70% of children born and raised in urban areas are to single mothers. There are divorce rates of over 60 %. Degradation of the social system is geared towards promoting provocative practices of young girls, and young men whose language skills develop at a decelerating pace of falling through the cracks. This, as well as relevant subliminal stimuli, has shown the reason for increased medication, incarceration, continual increase in crime in the neighborhoods, increase in school suspensions and failures, murders among youths due to gang and initiation violence.
The Jazz workshop Inc. has developed a program initiative towards giving Parents and their children outlets to express themselves constructively, while simultaneously explore the social, cognitive and creative aspirations that allows them to think of their future. We are dedicated to working with the parent and/or guardian, on understanding the various stages of their child’s growth and assisting the parent in recognizing the affects that outside influences have on them and their child’s daily development.
This program would offer counseling sessions in Character Development and Conflict Resolution, and marriage and relationship issues, as well as workshops in Community and Family Development. The program will prove to be beneficial to the child academically, socially and creatively and give to the parent/guardian and community surrounding agents a sense of ongoing support.
In order to adjust this paradigm we would develop and go into learning institutions; Elementary, Middle and High Schools, to directly address the fore mentioned behavior instabilities, as well as collaboratively work directly with school districts; doing PD’s, after-school programs, parent workshops…etc., as well as collaborate with community CBO’s, census bureau’s, the business community, health clinics, police and parole departments, DSS, state/local governments and elected officials.
The Jazz Workshop after-school program is based on a set of coherent activities with a final goal and one or more programmatic objectives, and which seeks specific resources (human, financial, material) available to achieve the objectives and contribute to the attainment of the goal.
The Jazz Workshop after-school program is designed with one mission in mind - Provide students higher learning education through an arts medium.
The Jazz Workshop provides students the opportunity to extend their branch of academic learning, and Character and Cognitive Development through exposure to the performing arts. Avenues include: Music, Drumming, Dance, Spoken Word, Graphic Art design, video/photography, Acting/Theater, and other various specific arts forms that would be deemed vocational such as Journalism, Sculpture Building, Mask Making, Knitting, Fashion, Computer Gaming, and Studio Recording/Production.
Daily Literacy, Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math (S.T.E.A.M.), Leadership with a mentorship component, and necessary Homework help is incorporated within the art disciplines. This fusion allows each child to explore their creative aspirations while retaining academic knowledge for long term success. Discussions in character development and conflict resolution are an integral component of the instructional approach. This gives each student a complete and wholesome understanding of their development as creative individuals, and provides the opportunity to work with the parents and community at large to be a significant part of their meaningful growth.
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JAZZ WORKSHOP Inc. MUSIC PROGRAM
(For More Information Click on Above Link)
Interactive clinics, workshops and residencies will follow the American World Music Genre...Jazz, and other musical art forms and genres from its origins in the United States through its journey and integration throughout the world and will feature DVD presentations and master class interactive demonstrations. Clinic curriculum is designed according to the availability and space provided. Below is general information and format for all classes and grade levels as well as a 2 to 3 week music camp. The Jazz Workshop Inc. is a 501c3 organization and has been operating over 40 years.
Assemblies
Interactive music assemblies are conducted to educate students and staff of the American World Music Genre ~ Jazz. Demonstrations are done through performance and commentary between musical pieces. Discussions of the impact of sound and vibration in music of various genres, and how other world music is intertwined within the jazz improvisation approach. There are opportunities for music students to join in on a musical composition as well.
About the Workshops, Clinics and Master Classes
The goal is to develop the natural talent and lead the participant towards a direction of their own, positive, desire. This program will define the impact on the novice through the professional instrumentalist and/or vocalist. How far and quickly one accomplishes their goal is solely up to the individual and how diligently and consistent the participant practice the lessons given. One will learn the Fundamentals, Cultural Scale Structures, Chord Structures, Single Note Reading and Rhythms, Various Tunes, Improvisation, Various Styles, Writing, Orchestration, Time Signatures, as well as aspects of how the Psychology of Sound and Vibration affects every day behaviors and activities. The business of music is very much essential to the camp clinics and is offered during the master class sessions. Music of all genres, in many ways, has allowed us to become open towards understanding various aspects of the cultures that intertwines us, as well as, subliminally continuing to develop the character that lies within each one of us.
Various Music Genres, Songwriting, Theory, Ear Training, Performance, Music Business, Copyright, Booking, Management, Publishing, Publicity
All Instructional Formulas Shall Incorporate the Following Components
* Making of the component * Component Literacy * Making the component connection
* Community and culture resources * Careers and lifelong learning * Goal Setting
* Character Development/Conflict Resolution (Understanding the Psychology of Sound and Vibration)
* Community and Family Involvement
What Is Covered:
Presenting and performing with ensemble Arranging ~ Instrument Fundamentals
~ Call and Answer ~ Blending (feel the sound through visualization) ~ Natural Voice Harmony
~ Syllable-izing ~ Scale Scatting (emulate the instrument) ~ Melodic Rhythm Scatting ~ Choral Ensemble
~ Instrumental and Vocal Ensemble ~ Business of Music ~ Production
Weekly Music Workshop Residencies and Afterschool Programs
These Workshops are designed for all Instruments and Voices
Instrument Fundamentals
· Rudiments
· Range of instruments
· Exercises
· Sound Development
Improvisation
· Free playing (inside and out)
· Playing with space
· Playing with sound elements
· Point / Counterpoint
Psychology of Sound and Vibration
· Understanding the effect of sound
· Listening Skills
· Hearing vs. Listening
· Searching the Center
Interactive Ensemble Demonstration
· Performing in a Duo, Trio, Quartette, etc.
· Recreating a tune in the moment
· Head Arrangements
· Becoming the other instrument (Blending)
Music Camp Mission
Music mission is to promote and produce the continual growth of artistic awareness and appreciation within communities by unifying expressive musical art forms. The program will provide an accessible performance and instructional prowess for artists and art appreciators to join together for performances, gallery exhibits, lectures, workshops and showcases in an atmosphere appropriate for families and the youth of the region.
3 Week Music Camp Interactive clinics will follow the American World Music Genre...Jazz, and other musical art forms and genres from its origins in the United States through its journey and integration throughout the world and will feature DVD presentations and master class interactive demonstrations. Clinic curriculum is designed according to the availability and space provided. The following is the general information and format of the 2 week music camp: What Is Covered: Presenting and performing with ensemble, Arranging, Instrument Fundamentals, Call and Answer, Blending-(feel the sound through visualization), Natural Voice Harmony, Syllable-izing, Scale Scatting-emulate the instrument, Melodic Rhythm Scatting, Choral Ensemble Instrumental and Vocal Ensemble, Business of Music, and Production.
E.V.O.L.V.E.
(Click on Above Link for More Information)
Today’s youth, especially 6th through 12th graders are under many more influences that
would have them subliminally believe they have the right to conduct themselves
in a manner that parents, teachers and other adults today find themselves at a loss, at times,
when the behavior brings about consequences that works against constructive understanding.
The E.V.O.L.V.E. Life Skills Program prepare students, starting from the 4th grade, for the pitfalls in dealing with their time during middle and high school periods as well as informing the parent of what to look out for through their teenage years. For example:
signing themselves out of school permanently between 16 and 17 years of age Leaving home and returning when ready Speaking disrespectfully to peers and adults Confused about their position with peers seeking general understanding of growth
The problem with this and other types of relevant behavior is the lack of understanding their position in life. Understanding how behavior is affected through the Psychology of Sound and Vibration the student, parent and teacher come to understand how various stimuli affect the thought process that brings about particular behavior during the growth and learning cycle of parent and child, as well as school staff.
The E.V.O.L.V.E. Life Skills Program
This program will give Students tools to understand themselves as well as others. The program will also prepare them with the coping skills on what to do in various situations that will confront them during these formative years while at the same time give valuable information to Parents, Teachers and Support Staff.
E ~ ELECTS TO BE IN CONTROL OF SELF
V ~ VOICE THE PROBLEM AS YOU UNDERSTAND IT
O ~ OPEN UP YOUR MIND TO CONSTRUCTIVE DECISIONS
L ~ LEAD BY EXAMPLE
E ~ EMPOWERMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE SITUATION
There are 5 categories of focus:
Peer Pressure
Tolerance and Acceptance
World of Differences
Turning Point (Strategy Skills in Prevention & Intervention)
Anger Management
The following is an overview of the E.V.O.L.V.E. program and some of the tools that will be used and points addressed.
PEER PRESSURE
Self Esteem Confidence Building
Self-Awareness Interpersonal Communication
Self-Appreciation Sexual Harassment
Taking Responsibility for One’s Behavior Bullying
TOLERANCE AND ACCEPTANCE
Education, Grade Levels, Special Education, Alternative Placement
Sensitivity
Minding One’s Own Business
WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
Racial Relations Religion/Spirituality
Alternative Life Styles Cultural Awareness
TURNING POINT (SKILLS in PREVENTION and INTERVENTION)
Drugs Alcohol
Alienation Depression
Responsibility
ANGER MANAGEMENT
Alternatives to Fighting/Violence Relationships Issues
Arguing Mis-communication
Rumors Responsibility in Anger Control
With the various functions of the educational mode during the first 13 years of development,
character building is becoming an essential part of the educational process.
The E.V.O.L.V.E. program will always bring the student back to self.
Participants targeted for this program are, but, not limited to:
Elementary through 12th graders
ALC (alternative learning center or in-school suspension)
Students who volunteer for program participation
Parents, School Personnel, Institutional Staff
Colleges
The E.V.O.L.V.E. program goals are to continue a focus on self-image, decision-making, assertive skills, and social and communication skills along with managing and understanding stress levels. The program’s objective is to consistently make aware and show the student the relationship of the various behavioral patterns induced by outside stimuli such as sounds, substance usage and other promiscuous activities as well as interpersonal relationships and roles of bystanders.
The E.V.O.L.V.E. program will continue throughout the school year, 10 months, once a week to 4 times a week, depending upon category of focus as well as the needs that are to be addressed.
When students have entered into the program, they will be monitored weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, determining parental involvement. This will help to insure the promotion of a continual constructive school climate.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Give the tools needed to deal with a variety of situations faced in an Elementary, Middle, or High - School setting, as well as in life within the community. This will include the skills to eventually make these decisions independently, helping students, parents and staff to become trusting and comfortable reaching out by communicating appropriately with others. Utilize the appropriate support personnel and programs already in place at the school and in the community, direct students and parents to a support network of organizations and individuals, such as a mentor and/or other constructive idioms. Provide the tools needed to become productive members of society. Initiate Motivational Groups (with regard to academic performance and attitudes within the classroom.) Understanding the importance in Respect for Differences. Conducting workshops for parents and school staff on trends, and what perpetuate the stimulus that may cause particular behavior.
Character Development is very Essential to the Instruction.
Each participant must understand how the components are relevant to self and how, no matter how far out of self a component may seem to take one,
it always comes back to the original source: The Participant.
The character module is exercised within the instructional component. The module will cohesively incorporate the following elements:
Listening Comprehension Acceptance Tolerance Understanding/Decisions Positive/Negative Attributes Anger Management Knowledge of Subliminal Inculcation Heritage/Culture
INSTRUCTION/DEVELOPMENT each instructional period would last not less than 1 hour and not more than 1 hour, 45 minutes, unless it is directly relevant to the project currently in production. In such cases, instruction and project participation becomes one in the same.
All components have an instructional module conducive to the age group
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“To Understand Is the Acceptance, this has neither Recourse of Agreement nor Disagreement, rather the Fulfillment of Knowledge without Judgment …Now the Work Begins to swift the Paradigm.” ~ Christopher Dean Sullivan
