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Jazz Garden is a “light jazz” band in the Utica area that features a variety of “mellow” jazz standards. The quartet is made up of 2 guitars, bass, and drums. Chuck Mishalanie began working on his jazz style about 10 years ago with Carmen Caramanica (a name that needs no introduction). Chuck is a local optician who just finished a 2 yr. teaching gig at Carmen’s studio. He sometimes performs solo or with Al as “Blue Star”. Chuck prefers to play a song different each time and would like to stop the vicious rumor that he has no choice! Al Sherline, our rhythm and sometimes lead player is a guidance counselor in the Utica City School District. Al has an eclectic taste in music which brings a wealth of musical style to the group. Al began his guitar "career" with lessons at the Music Box in 1961. His teacher was Mike Ciola, who still plays today. Forty years later, Al found himself taking lessons from Carmen Caramanica to brush up on any of the notes and chords he missed as a 12 year old. Al has played with Blue Star, Jazz Garden, and the rock band "Uncle Sam". “I have had a guitar on my lap on and off for 46 years. Never had an argument with it or custody issues!” Phyllis Mishalanie, the bass player, is a “degreed” musician and has played in several musical groups over the years; one of them being “The Mishalanie Sisters” (a top 40 commercial band). For the last 25 years, Phyllis has been playing more jazz gigs than pop gigs and that’s OK! Sharon McGuire, the drummer in the band is also a “degreed” musician and has also performed in several musical groups over the years; one of them being “Eve’s Faces” (a top 40 rock band out of Syracuse). For the past 20 years, Sharon has chosen to explore the jazz world and contributes immensely to the over all “feel” of the band. |
