SPAGA is something entirely new and different from the Disco Biscuits’ Aron Magner.
Aron Magner:
The Philadelphia-based musician is best known as the keyboardist and founding member of The Disco Biscuits. Magner and The Disco Biscuits have been instrumental in bringing live and studio improvisational, electronic-based music to the forefront of the live music scene and, increasingly, to popular culture. Magner’s journey started with classical piano, but his interest was re-invigorated at age 13 when he discovered jazz. He then sidelined his piano studies as he explored improvisational jam rock with the Biscuits, but always maintained an affection for the genre. He is now going back to his roots, organically fusing jazz with his unique style.
Jason Fraticelli:
As an upright bassist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, Jason Fraticelli is seen and heard often at the center of many musical scenes in the Philadelphia/New York communities. For the past 20 years he has been acting as sideman for many different artists such as Matisyahu, Melody Gardot, and Cyro Baptista, while at the same time always fascilitating his own groups such as the Fresh Cut Orchestra, The FCC, and The Jason Fraticelli Band. Within an ensuing career, Jason has toured in groups such as Matisyahu, Melody Gardot, and Cyro Baptista’s Banquet of the Spirits. He has recorded with many different artists such as G Love, Robert Glasper, Mark Guiliana, and Taylor McFerrin.
In 2013 Jason was awarded a project grant from the Pew foundation for the purpose of recording his extended work the Mothers’ Suite, a six movement piece to be recorded by his 10 piece co-lead group the Fresh Cut Orchestra. This work came out in 2015 on Fresh Cut Orchestra’s debut record ‘From the Vine’ which was released on Ropeadope records with acclaimed reviews from the New York Times, Downbeat, and NPR’s All Things Considered. In 2014 Fresh Cut Orchestra went on to receive the Kimmel Center Jazz Residency Grant which led to the collaborative work entitled ‘Life Mosaic’, a 4 movement piece written about the four stages of life to be recorded and released in the near future. Later that same year a Subito grant was awarded to Fresh Cut Orchestra in order to finish studio production on their second record ‘Mind Behind Closed Eyes’ which was released by Ropeadope records in 2016. Fresh Cut Orchestra has been receiving rave reviews while performing at renown performing arts center venues such as the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts, and the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
Matt Scarano:
Matt Scarano is a drummer, composer, and educator living in Philadelphia, PA. Over the years he has established himself as one of the Philadelphia region’s most sought after drummers for both live and studio performance in a wide variety of styles. Matt has performed throughout the world, sharing the stage with numerous world-class musicians and artists including Chris Brubeck, Time For Three, Ben Schachter, Matisyahu, Dick Oatts, John Swana, Larry McKenna, and Dave Allen. He has performed at many prestigious venues across the world including performances as guest artist with The Boston Pops at Carnegie Hall and the BBC Concert Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall. He is currently performing and touring with numerous groups including Time for Three, Son Step, and his own original ensemble. Matt attended Temple University where he received a B.M. and M.M. in Jazz Performance. He is an active private teacher and clinician and is on faculty at University of The Arts, Camden County College, The Boysie Lowery Living Jazz Residency and the Education Committee of Philly Drum Project.
