New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Ian Wardenski began his musical studies at age 15 under the guidance of John Lahovski,
Peter Sittler, and Frank DiBussolo. During this time Ian attended the Creative
Music Institute in Emmaus, Pa., where he studied music theory, composition, and improvisation. He also participated in various ensembles, which performed throughout the Pennsylvania Tri-State Area.
Wardenski graduated from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, Ca., with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. While there he studied music theory/musicianship under Denis Moreen and Michael Schmitz, and classical guitar under Richard Patterson and
David Dueñas. He performed in a number of chamber ensembles and jazz ensembles, which appeared throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Wardenski also gave numerous solo recitals throughout Northern California.
In fall 2004, Ian received a Master of
Music in
Music Theory from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa. While there he studied music theory/musicianship under Robert Shankovich, and classical guitar under
Thomas Kikta and
Aaron Shearer, author of the Learning the Classic Guitar series. Wardenski completed his Ph.D. in
Music Theory at The Catholic University of
America in Washington, DC, where he studied music theory/musicianship under Steven Strunk, author of Harmony (New Grove Dictionary of Jazz), Linear Intervallic Patterns in Jazz Repertory and Harmony of Early Bop: A Layered Approach. In addition to his work with Strunk, Ian studied music theory with
Paul Taylor and Andrew Simpson, and classical guitar with Richard Miller.
Wardenski believes strongly in a close relationship between scholarship and performance, and promotes this relationship in his classes. This passion for research and performance can be seen in his graduate thesis Engaging the Musical Mind: Promoting the Value of
Music Theory and Analysis Toward Authentic Interpretation and Performance of Selected Works of Francisco Tarrega, as well as in his dissertation Harmonic and Phrase Rhythm Analysis of the Core Dance Movements from the Four Lute Suites of J.S. Bach. Further, Wardenski brings his enthusiasm of scholarship and performance to the concert stage. He has given lecture recitals throughout the United Sates, as well as Europe. Additionally, Ian has shared the stage with many jazz greats including Jerry Ascione, Ray Ascione, Jason Gano, Marty Knepp, Tom Pitta, Tim Powell, Frank Russo, and Amy Shook. Ian recently formed the Ian Wardenski Quintet - an innovative ensemble that combines the esthetics of a chamber group with the freedom, spontaneity, and improvisation of a small jazz combo. Ian's debut album,
Collective Thoughts, was is set to release in June of 2019.
Wardenski is Chair of Performing Arts, and is an Associate Professor of
Music at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, MD. He teaches courses in music theory, sight singing and ear training, jazz harmony, jazz history, and guitar. Ian is also the music director for the AACC Small Jazz Combo, as well as the AACC World Class Jazz series. Ian currently resides in Annapolis, Md., with his wife, soprano
Tamara Tucker.
With
Collective Thoughts, guitarist and composer Ian Wardenski combines the esthetic of a chamber group with the freedom, spontaneity, and improvisation of a small jazz combo. Ian's eclectic nature can be heard throughout the album, which delivers a unique, innovative, and highly charged listening experience. For his debut album, Ian collaborated with five outstanding and multifaceted musicians - Tim Powell (soprano and tenor sax), Jerry Ascione (piano), Amy Shook (bass), Frank Russo (drums) and
Tamara Tucker (voice - selected tracks).
PLAYERS AND INSTRUMENTS:
Ian Wardenski (guitar and compositions)
Tim Powell (soprano and tenor sax)
Jerry Ascione (piano)
Amy Shook (bass)
Frank Russo (drums)
Tamara Tucker (voice - tracks 1, 6, 8, & 9)
TRACKS AND TIMES:
2.
Captain Tea Leaf & The Dodecaphonic Explosion - 7:05
3. Descending By Three - 3:49
4. Morning Silence - 10:21
5. Conversing - 4:28
6. Boccato's Influence - 2:53
7. On & Off - 5:02
8. Cycle, Stop, &
Cycle - 6:13
9. Until - 6:49
