Leonard D. Traversa
Bassist Leo Traversa is a current Music Associate at Columbia University and a faculty member at The Collective in New York City where he is a founding member of the Bass Collective and has taught since 1987. As a Teaching Artist in the Weill Music Institute, he is currently involved in Carnegie Hall's program, bringing music to communities all over New York City.
His extensive knowledge of a variety of musical genres and cultures as well as his mastery of their playing techniques makes him one of the most versatile and proficient bassists on the scene today. In addition to his extensive experience in the field of music education, he has toured and recorded with a wide range of internationally known artists. These include Tania Maria, Don Byron, Angelique Kidjo, Astrud Gilberto, Ivan Lins, Ben E. King, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Larry Harlow, Ruben Blades, Cesar Camargo Mariano, Michael Brecker, Dave Valentin, Gato Barbieri, Gerry Mulligan, The New York Voices, Oscar Castro Nieves, Phil Woods, Eliane Elias, Oscar Hernendez, Eileen Ivers, Steve Kimock, Mino Cinelu, Leslie Uggams, The Caribbean Jazz Project, Herbie Mann, Chris Washburn's S.Y.O.T.O.S., Aster Aweke, Ken Hirai, Dorothy Masuku and many others.
Author of two Carl Fischer publications "Afro Caribbean and Brasilian Rhythms for the Bass" and "Fusion: A Study in Contemporary Music for the Bass", Mr. Traversa has led his own group of European musicians on several international tours and has also garnered many television, film and Broadway credits during the span of his remarkable career.
DON BYRON AND 6 MUSICIANS LIVE IN ITALY