Graham Dechter
Los Angeles based guitarist, Graham Dechter is one of the most promising young jazz musicians on the scene today. At age 19, Dechter became the youngest member of the acclaimed Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (CHJO), which was named best big band in Jazz Times magazine last year.
Through his association with CHJO and other playing experience, he has had the opportunity to perform with jazz greats Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, Jeff Clayton, Nancy Wilson, John Pizzarelli, Ernie Andrews, Barbara Morrison, Red Holloway, Les McCann, Regina Carter, Stefon Harris, Marlena Shaw, Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, Russell Malone, Roberta Gambarini, Gilbert Castellanos, Clark Terry, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Frank Wess, Phil Woods, John Faddis, Billy Taylor, Quincy Jones and Snooky Young.
Dechter's musical education is also impressive, having studied at the Idyllwild Arts Academy, the Eastman School of Music, and California Institute of the Arts. His list of teachers includes: guitarists Larry Koonse, Jim Fox and Peter Bernstein, as well as saxophonist George Coleman and bassist Marshall Hawkins, both veterans of the Miles Davis Quintet. As well as being an accomplished guitarist, Dechter also arranges and composes for different ensembles including his own trio, a group that sheds new light on well-known standards. Graham Dechter's playing style is forward-thinking yet firmly rooted in swing and the straight ahead jazz tradition.