Our Story

 


Jazz Infuzion

We are five seasoned musicians that grew up on jazz, fusion, R&B, and soul. Today, we cross those boundaries with great music from Herbie Hancock to Wayne Shorter and Stevie Wonder to Steely Dan. We are passionate supporters of contemporary jazz yet we love and play the standards. You'll also find us doing original compositions by the band members Pat Mackin and Courtney Nero!


BIOS!!!

Courtney Nero - Sax:

 

Born and raised in Washington DC, Courtney Nero has been engaged in the jazz and gospel music scene for years.  From 1997 to 2007, Courtney played with the dynamic gospel horn section, Mo' Horns.  Through this association, Courtney has recorded with many artists in the gospel music industry, including Richard Smallwood, Shirley Caesar, Donald Lawrence, and James Hall.  Courtney is an active part of the music ministry at Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church in northeast Washington, DC.

Courtney released his first solo CD, "Make Me Walk," in 2008. The CD was nominated that year for a Stellar Award in the "Instrumental Gospel CD of the Year" category.


Pat Mackin -  Guitar:

Pat has been making music on guitar for over three decades.  He has studied with jazz guitarists Russ Spiegel and Tim Miller, and has performed in numerous rock, jazz and contemporary music ensembles over the years.  After serving 25 years and retiring as an Army Colonel, he is currently enrolled in Berklee School of Music Online pursuing a Masters Certificate in guitar. Pat is a gifted writer and composer and a founding member of Jazz Infuzion. Look for more of his original music on our site. 


Eugenio Ibarz - Bass:

Eugenio was born in Barcelona (Spain), but grew up in Madrid and started playing classical guitar around the age of 10. Eugenio got his first electric guitar at 16 and started taking formal lessons right away. During his college years, he worked as a guitar teacher and played in pop and jazz bands.

In the 90’s Eugenio worked as a freelance guitar player and teacher, giving private and group lessons and playing electric guitar and bass in different jazz ensembles. Later on, he started teaching Music History and Appreciation in the Madrid Public Schools system.

Eugenio moved to the U.S. in 2002 and started giving private guitar and bass lessons with Travelling Teachers and at Alexandria Music Company. In 2005, he started taking upright bass lessons with Pepe González in Washington D.C. and has performed in different jazz and rock ensembles in the DMV area since then.


Stan McMullen - Drums:

Stan's love for music goes back to his roots growing up in Tidewater Virginia listening to great recordings of jazz, swing and rock. He made his way to the valley of Virginia where he earned his degree in music and performance from James Madison University. Stan has been playing jazz in the DC area for over 30 years with many of DC's best musicians. We were fortunate to land Stan in Jazz Infuzion. Many Sunday's Stan is found playing with the worship team at Floris United Methodist Church and has contributed to several worship CD's with Higher Ground and JC Reigns. 

Michael Quinn - Keys and Piano:

Michael was an unruly only child so his parents made him play piano. However, as with many American males, the guitar found it's way into his life. Mike played and studied jazz with Bill Banks, Rick Whitehead and most significantly, George Horan as part of Langley High School's Jazz Lab. He credits what veiled talent he has on piano to sitting over the shoulder of Scott Martin for three years in this program. What a blessing. Mike moved back to playing piano at Virginia Tech and has continued his love of his first instrument throughout his musical life. Mike is part of the worship team at McLean Presbyterian Church where you will find him back on six strings or even on mandolin. He considers it a blessing to be playing piano with the members of Jazz Infuzion. You can also find Mikes' music on the CDs of JC Reigns and a few originals on SoundCloud. 

Curtis McCain -  Guest Percussionist when he's not playing the Contemporary Jazz Circuit

Curtis McCain, born and raised in the Bay Area of California has been an aspiring musician for 30 years. In 1999, Curtis embarked on his performing career as a freelance percussionist. Relocating to Northern Virginia in 2003, Curtis continued in his musical journey. In a short period of time, Curtis started to make a name for himself as a great musician. In 2007, Curtis shared the company and or stage with a few top named musicians. Both Lonnie Jordan & Sal Rodriguez from the popular funk band War, The Rippingtons, Gumbi Ortiz, Al Di Meola, Nick Colionne, Gerald Veasly, Gerald Albright, Maysa Leak, The Yellow Jackets, Steve Oliver, Chuck Loeb, Jeff Golub, Norman Brown, Rayford Griffin, Kim Waters, Paul Taylor and many others. Curtis continues to have opportunities such as those and is still very active in both live and studio performances. Curtis plays in many genres and is truly a self-dedicated musician for no other reason than his love for music.