JUSTIN LEES JAZZ GUITAR BIO 2023
Justin Lees started playing guitar professionally in the late 70’s and studied guitar with several local prominent guitarists in Washington D.C., including Rick Whitehead, Paul Bollenbach (local to DC at the time), Bill Biesecker, Danny Gatton, and guitarists not so local (including Herb Ellis and Emily Remler).
Although stylistically diverse, Justin's main focus is on a straight ahead approach to jazz steeped in the fifties tradition of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie and rooted in the styles of Charlie Christian and T Bone Walker. The feeling of Swing and the Blues is a constant. While in Washington D.C., he worked as a freelance musician with a variety of people that have included Ron Holloway, Dick Morgan, Keeter Betts, Cindy Cain and others. At that time, you could here him every Monday night with his own trio at the One Step Down, Washington D.C.’s premier Jazz club, until it’s closing. He performed at Blues Alley, 219 Club, and Constitution Hall plus.
He has studied seriously with Howard Alden and Michele Ramo, as well as Dr. Asher Zlotnik. Past performances include opening for Nina Simone as a member of the Ron Holloway Group at Constitution Hall.
In addition to his own solo, duo, and trio projects, current projects have included being the guitarist for the John Colianni Quintet, since its formation in 2006 as well as being the guitarist for John’s JAZZ ORCHESTRA. John Colianni was Les Paul’s most recent pianist until his passing, and was with Mel Torme for 4 years, and also played for Lionel Hampton at the tender age of 19.
Other highlights from Justin's playing history (with John Colianni) include touring England in March of 2007 as well as playing for the Tri-State Jazz Society early in 2009. He also recorded on John Colianni’s record Johnny Chops (a 2008 release) and on “On Target”, a follow up release as well as his last CD After Hours.
Additionally, He plays with the Gypsy Jazz Phenomenon Franglais.
He performed with his own Trio at The Uptown Lounge and Restaurant on Manhattan on Tuesdays for a year long residency Sept of 2015-2016
as well as at The Garage in NYC for more than 10 years until it’s closing.
His trio also performed at Cleopatra’s Needle for more than 15 years well as The Bar Next Door located on Manhattan.
For 3 years 2017-2020 Justin performed with Trumpet Legend Joey Morant,(who played with Ray Charles Paul McCartney and others) most notably making several performances at the Blue Note in New York City.
Continuing his association with John Colianni, Justin also played several gigs at The Birdland in NYC as well as The Blue Note. 2017-2020.
Additionally he will be heard on John Colianni’s upcoming Big Band Release entitled John Colianni with the Big Band-New York Sessions on Patuxent Records to be released this year 2023.
“Post Pandemic” through John Colianni, Justin has also recorded, and contracted numerous recording sessions for up and coming vocalists to launch them into higher visibility.
These sessions include a who’s who of New York Musicians including players from Illinois Jaquet, Duke Ellington and more.
A personal favorite highlight is his Annual Performance at An Die Musik in Baltimore in July. This is a truly unique Creative Performance Venue.
Check calendar for details. SEE WEBSITE for ALBUM / YOUTUBE AND MORE!!
Videos:
The Way You Look Tonight:
Featuring Justin Lees Guitar,
Dominic Smith Drums, Aaron Clay Bass.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7Ymb270frU
Lover Come Back:
Featuring Justin Lees Guitar,
Dominic Smith Drums, Aaron Clay Bass.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Vt2FrjAdjI
Walk Don’t Run:
Featuring Justin Lees Guitar, Dominic Smith Drums, Aaron Clay Bass.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/49eq8bjhkv81r8o/Walk%20Don%27t%20Run%20%20copy%202.mov?dl=0
WEBSITE:
www.justinleesjazz.com
FACE BOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/justinleesjazz
YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
https://www.youtube.com/@justinlees7675
WINCHESTER STAR
https://www.winchesterstar.com/lifestyles/greenwich-village-jazz-at-the-bistro/article_bdb065cd-abe7-5b63-b7f3-81b3dc2b4506.html