Fiddle Jam

Classically and jazz trained, rock ‘n’ roll schooled, award winning, multi-instrumentalist, Geoffrey Fitzhugh Perry, has developed into a world class master improviser and educator through his diverse experiences in nearly all imaginable styles of music over the past 25 plus years as a professional.

Geoff’s resume includes everything from busking on the streets, to being a middle school string director (at the prestigious Nichols School and the Aurora Waldorf School), an “arts integration specialist” doing countless stringed instrument demonstrations/performances in schools as part of “The Stringmen” (with North American Rock Guitar Competition winner Doug Yeomans (www.dougyeomans.com) and McClure Productions (www.artforbrains.com), many Fiddle Jam Clinics at schools and teaching conferences, and has composed many pieces for rock/alternative string orchestra, as well as having a private teaching studio that has had up to 65 students per week.

Geoff is most noted thus far for his work with the virtuosic instrumental rock group Gamalon featuring ex-Spyro Gyra drummer Ted Reinhardt (http://www.guitarnine.com/gamalon.html) who’s MCA/Amherst Records highlights include a #8 Billboard Jazz Chart showing, recording and touring with sax great Ernie Watts, and many testosterone-filled tunes played at major sporting events (including WWF, Buffalo Bills and Sabres, and the Olympics). He has also recorded and toured with Nashville New-Age guitarist Paul Carrol Binkley (www.heartdancemusic.com, and also the back-up guitarist with country super-group Alabama), and worked with many of Buffalo’s most noted musicians like LeeRon Zydeco drummer Sandy Konikoff (Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan, Taj Mahal, The Band), and drummer Gary Mallaber (Van Morrison, Bruce Springstein, Eddy Money, Steve Miller, Raven, others) in a group called “In From The Cold” with guitarist Jack Sherman (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Dylan), as well as recording with punk-folk sensation Ani DiFranco.  In early 2002, Geoff was asked to be part of Bobby Previte’s (famed ex-Buffalo/NYC jazz drummer with Charlie Hunter and others) “Voodoo Orchestra West” to re-create Miles Davis’ historical “Bitches Brew” album live (Geoff’s violin was assigned the awesome task of leading the improv-based horn section of this 12 piece band!).  Geoff has been seen on ESPN as Buffalo Sabres “Fiddleman!”, and has also released two solo recordings as Fitzhugh and the Fanatics, “Blue Standards” (stripped down-revved up “jazz” standards, his vocal debut), and the rockin’-zydeco tinged “Flavor” (on the HotWings Entertainment label), as well as 4 albums with LeeRon Zydeco and the Hot Tamales.  He ws also inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

Currently, Geoff is recording and performing with the Gypsy jazz group “Babik” (see www.babikjazz.com).  Babik did its major symphony orchestra debut in March of 2008 with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, with charts done by noted orchestral-rock arranger Brent Havens.  More Orchestra dates are in the works.  Now considered Buffalo “sensations” (6x “best of” Buffalo music awards and counting) Babik is entertaining offers from a number of record labels and beginning to tour nation-wide.  The band was featured on Public Radio International’s “The World” show in July of 2009.  Babik’s 2nd album is now available on iTunes and CDbaby.

Born, raised, in the Buffalo, NY area, Geoff and his wife Elizabeth, have recently moved to the Gainesville, Florida area where they are becoming part of the artistic community there while teaching and performing.

Geoff hopes to see completion of another recording of his own (or two, maybe 3!) soon, a few possible violin-based patents on inventions he’s “brewing” on and currently proto-typing, and the launch of the Fiddle Jam Institute site coming soon!  Plans to start a retail branch to follow the Institute is in the works too.  Watch for www.outlawfiddle.com.  …and the sharing of much happiness, joy, and JAMMING!!!