The O-Zone Percussion Group - The Percussion Record

The O-Zone Percussion Group consists of selected percussionists at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The O-Zone Group has also recorded the marimba ensemble album, Whiplash. Their conductor, Dr. Gary' J. Olmstead, has been Director of Percussion studies at IUP since 1966. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan, Master of Fine Arts degree from Ohio University and Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. He is nationally as a leading percussion educator and is active as a performer, conductor, and clinician.

Carl Adams has been a professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania since 1979 teaching flute, jazz Improvisation and is a member of the IUP Faculty Woodwind Quintet. Active on both the classical and jazz scene, Adams has performed with the U.S. Military Academy Band, the Keystone Wind Ensemble and the Akron and Johnstown Symphonies. Solo recital appearances include the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, Carnegie Recital Hall and the Chautauqua Institution. He performs in a tri-state area with the Carl Adams Jazz Quartet and has appeared at the Pittsburgh Jazz Society, Nemacolin in Woodlands, Three Rivers Arts Festival, the Westin-William Penn (Pittsburgh) and in benefit concerts for the Westmoreland Symphony. He has also appeared in Canton OH, Atlantic City, Atlanta and numerous Pennsylvania Public schools. His recordings include Carl Adams Pure Gold on the Corona label.

James Rupp is a veteran of the great 'big bands' of Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson and Glenn Miller, including tours of the United States and Europe. Jim has recorded television specials with the Woody Herman Orchestra and the Bobby Floyd Trio, live albums with the Woody Herman and Glenn Miller Orchestras and appears on the music.

The connection of the percussion ensemble with jazz/rock/popular music seems a logical one given the inclusion of various percussion instruments as integral parts of this music. The drumset, of course, was present from the beginning of jazz and rock. The vibraphon has long been a favorite jazz instrument and the xylophone was a favorite ragtime solo instrument in the early part of the 20th century. Ethnic percussion instruments from Latin America, Africa and other cultures have long been used in the jazz/rock/pop Idiom.

Production: Peter Suchy, Clearaudio

Mastering: Bruce Leek