From Classical to Jazz
May 11, 2018Unexpected & Humbling with David Foster
May 01, 2017Sometimes life takes an expected ride! Craig and Mary were asked to accompany a singer at a private event for David Foster through the prestigious Milken Institute. Mary wrote an arrangement and a few rehearsals later.... they will step onto the stage in front of some of the worlds most influential, richest and most talented leaders of the world. Prayers please!!!!
March Jazzness
March 18, 2017Mary had the opportunity to be a clinician along with Dr Dan Cole, Dr Brian Carmody, Saxophonist Dave Sills with David Benoit and Drummer Dave Tull with Barbara Streisand at Pasadena City Colleges Annual Jazz Day. Over 200 So Cal High School jazz students came to perform their big band & combo works. She also gave a class on authentic jazz stylings and improv. The day was electric!
A few weeks later Craig and Mary were both invited to Glendale High School by Director Amy Rangel as her 2 jazz bands were also attendees at the Jazz Day. Craig and Mary both worked with the group and individuals to encourage them towards their journey to Reno Jazz Festival this spring. Craig says, "Those potlickers can swing!"
Showcase of Young Artists
January 28, 2017Twice a year, Craig and Mary give approximately 100 students an opportunity to perform. With 4 other teachers under 2AZZ1's direction, they scheduled four recitals in one day from 9am to 4pm in Azusa, California where students presented wonderful performances from classical to jazz to rock and roll. A professional rhythm section accompanied many of the songs. The next recital will be in June.
Craig Durst Woodwind Clinics
August 16, 2016AUGUST: Craig Durst worked with 2 stellar programs this month in the INLAND EMPIRE of Southern California, bringing his in depth and inspirational expertise for Saxophones & woodwinds to young artists in So Cal!
LAVERNE CALIFORNIA:
"BAND CAMP!" It was my honor to be a woodwind clinician today at Bonita High School's Band Camp. Maestro Mr. Jeff Bird continues to have a stellar program and this fall's program is going to Rock! Let the games begin Southern Cal.!!
SAN DIMAS CALIFORNIA:
Band Camp Again this week at San Dimas High School: VERY COOL! My privilege and honor to work, for the one and only band director Mr. Daniel Sandt, as a saxophone clinician today. His students are some of the best in Southern Cal and I am confident from what I heard today there program will "represent" this fall. Congratulations!
April & May Artists in Residence at area High Schools
May 01, 2016In April & May this year 2AZZ1 was invited as artists in residence at 2 So Cal High Schools. Glendale High School with director Amy Rangel and Glendora High School with director Scott Schwarz. Both jazz bands performed 2azz1's hit songs arranged by Bill Fulton. Packed crowds & 2AZZ1's energy fired up the students for an experience of a life time for the young jazzers.
New Songs & Arrangements
May 01, 2016Mary began a writing rampage in May 2016 with new original songs, plus her arrangements by artists like Bruno Mars and Pharrell Williams. Check out their upcoming shows to see what is brewing in 2AZZ1's playlist.
2AZZ1 Rocks La Mirada High School
January 14, 20162AZZ1 were invited to teach a clinic to the La Mirada High School band students. They covered improvisation, practice skills and contouring their performances for maximum creativity. Their wonderful director had this to say: "What a pleasure and joy to learn from the FABULOUS Craig Mary Durst, also known as 2AZZ1, and their INCREDIBLE band just a few days ago. My Bandos and I will remember this event for years to come, and CAN'T WAIT to get back into Jazz Band rehearsals next week, so that we can put all these great ideas into place. Thank you again, Craig, Mary, and friends, for your warmth and edge. What a great day it was." Check out photos at www.facebook.com/2AZZ1MUSIC.
Mary Sings with Third Day
October 29, 2015Mary received a call from the Multi Platinum Grammy award winning band, Third Day & they asked her to put together 12 singers to back up for their LA Tour Show at the Microsoft Theater (formerly The Nokia) on Friday October 30, 2015. Their tour covers over 20 cities in sold out concert venues across the nation.
Craig's Fall Clinic Schedule Explodes
October 02, 2015This fall from October to December, Craig was invited to several LA schools to present music clinics for their jazz & concert bands, sharing in depth tips on technical and musicality elements of their instruments and playing. The combination of humor and the insight from his classical and jazz roots enriched the students experience.
Worship Workshop Clinic a Success
June 13, 2015Craig and Mary launched their 6 week worship workshop this year! Singers & Musicians met for 2 hours every Saturday for six weeks working on everything from counting off the band, bible teaching to vocal techniques and rhythm work. The final night on June 13 was electric as 20+ musicians and singers graduated with a worship celebration featuring every artist from the class. Stay tuned for when the next workshop will be held.
2AZZ1 Spring Guest Artists Series
May 01, 20152AZZ1 - Craig and Mary were guests artists and clinicians at several high schools this year. They commissioned Bill Fulton to arrange two 2AZZ1 hit songs, Love Is Ageless and Q'd Up for high school big band and it was a huge success. Audiences loved it but more importantly it opened up the door for them to work with more wonderful young musicians.
Clinics and Concerts included:
Arcadia - Jeff Grable
La Mirada - Geena Biondi
San Dimas - Kelly Leyva
Temple City - Bart Ferntheill
Ridgecrest - Simon Austin
Rowland Heights - Jason Alvo
San Dimas - Daniel Sandt
Fiberreed Endorses Craig Durst
April 05, 2015http://www.fiberreed.com/
Craig has been playing the carbon Fiberreed on his saxophone for close to 3 years now. He is an endorser who has actually used the product tried and true.
"It is a reed that has saved our marriage." :-} --Craig Durst
"Thank you very much Craig Durst! I am excited to have you in our endorser family and greatly appreciate your support and kind words. Big cheers!" --Tom Wanne / CEO Integral Business Development, LLC.
"Another awesome endorser joining the ranks. Yeah!" --Fiberreed
2 new 2AZZ1 Arrangements finished.
March 02, 2015Evren Goknar, mastering engineer at Capitol Records, put the final touches on 2AZZ1's 2 original songs. As guest artists at several high schools this year, Craig and Mary will perform Q'd Up and Love Is Ageless, arranged by Bill Fulton for big band. These new recordings are organic in flavor, full of depth and flow with a fresh richness that only comes from a powerful big band sound. Look for their new page for music education here at www.2azz1/guestartists/.com with videos of the complete song recordings!
2AZZ1 Guest Artists with So Cal Jazz Bands
January 20, 2015Along with our shows each month we're also back in the studio recording something a little different and some new plans.
Craig has commissioned Bill Fulton to arrange two of our songs, Q'd Up and Love Is Ageless for 2AZZ1 to be guest artists with High School big bands. We have shows and clinics lined up for this spring with several So. Cal. HIgh School jazz bands and looking forward to working with these incredible students and their directors.
Watch our 2AZZ1 calendar & this news page for updates.
Worship Band Clinics coming..
January 20, 2015Mary has adapted her PCC Studio Jazz Combo Band & Voice syllabus for Worship bands workshops. Courses will start this spring into summer, equipping worship singers & musicians with the skill & high demands of today's churches with the explosion of worship music today. Dates, times and info to come....
Red White & Bluezz welcomes 2AZZ1
August 11, 2014On a hot Monday night in August, 2AZZ1 landed on California's newest jazz joint, Red White & Bluezz of Pasadena. The evening was a jam night for LA's musicians to get together & make magic, hosted by 2AZZ1. Drummer Sandro Feliciano instigated the entire idea, laid the ground work and it proved to be a big success. Watch 2AZZ1's calendar for another night coming soon at this great new venue.
Craig joins the Temptations
June 07, 2014The Temptations were in town for a one night show at Arcadia California's new Performing Arts Center Theater. They hired a local horn section and Craig was invited to play lead Tenor Sax. He played two smokin' solos during the electrifying show. Being from the Detroit Michigan area made it extra fun for Craig to connect with his roots. ...more to come!
KOMEDY JAZZ KLUBB with 2AZZ1
November 23, 20132AZZ1 just signed a contract to do a one night show in Huntington Beach at Don's Beachcombers for a great night of clean comedy, 2AZZ1 Show & DJ for more dancing.
Don't miss this hilarious & fun event.
For tickets:
GENERAL $10 prepaid or $20 at the door
VIP Section including dinner $35 prepaid or $45 at door
Call 714/622-4977 or 562/822-2367
Marina Del Rey Film Festival Kick off Party with 2AZZ1
September 28, 20132AZZ1 played for the Marina Del Rey Film Festival Kickoff Party. The night was electric! Check out pic's on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/2AZZ1MUSIC
Craig and Mary teaching opportunities
September 02, 2013Craig and Mary are both teaching at 1st class schools a couple days a week. Arcadia & San Dimas schools invited Craig to join them weekly as a clinician. Mary teaches at Pasadena City College at their brand new state of the art Performing Arts Center. They also take advanced students occasionally for intense sessions "in their spare time". What a privilege to give back! That's what it's really all about!
If you're interested in booking a session simply give them a call! 818-842-4033 Their schedule is extremely busy but their love of music magically reveals those windows of opportunities so it can happen!
2AZZ1 reaches out to youth!
August 05, 2013On August 5th, 2013. 2AZZ1 Band humbly accepted an invitation to perform for young musicians at the prestigious Bellis Music Camp this summer as featured artists for a one day appearance. The concert was "off the hook" as the students participated by singing along with the 2AZZ1 to create an on the spot new blues tune called "I've Got The Bells Blues". It was a riot! The students were wonderful and very engaging. Mary & Steve Billman worked with the string section in the afternoon while Craig taught a session with the saxophones and then the entire 2AZZ1 band performed a show that evening which included Steve Billman on Bass, Hubie Wang on Guitar and Sandro Feliciano on drums.
Bellis Music Camp, located in the Angeles Crest forest, was founded in 1957 by music educator, Lawrence Bellis. Its purpose is to serve young musicians by creating an atmosphere where musical and social skills can be combined to bring out the best in each young person. The camp devotes everyday to music making. Campers participate in a variety of ensembles, theory classes, and recreational activities. The week culminates in a concert for the campers' friends and family.
2AZZ1 On The Air
June 21, 20132AZZ1 were invited to appear live on Hollywood's KLAS FM American Radio Network with celebrity DJ, Shylo.
Callers called in and chatted with Craig and Mary, live on the air as Shylo played 2AZZ1's music and interviewed them about life and music.
Stay tuned for more.....
Memorial Day Weekend Shows! Shows! Shows!
May 23, 2013Check out 2AZZ1 at 3 fabulous events! Go to the calendar to view all that's happening MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND with 2AZZ1!
New Music Video! climbing....
September 23, 20122AZZ1's new music video called "She's Gotta' Ride" was released at the historical ROCK STORE in Malibu California with a concert from 2AZZ1, video viewing and presentation to the winner of one of the bikes from the actual video. It was a spectacular day! You can view it on their VIDEO PAGE on this site! Check it out!
Glendale Harley Davidson 35th Anniversary
June 24, 20112AZZ1 Rocks Glendale at the home of the Love Ride. Muscular Dystrophy champions of great fund raisers invites 2AZZ1 to play on their historic anniversary.
MyJazzNetwork.com chooses 2AZZ1 Song "Q'd Up" for Shows
May 01, 2008Check out "myjazznetwork.com" and hear 2AZZ1's hit song Q'd Up, as the theme to John Quiggley's - "Q's" - Lifestyle Interviews. Q interviews Nestor Torres, David Garfield, Marc Antoine to find out more about the jazz lifestyle......
2AZZ1 Entertain the 2007 Tournament Of Roses Coronation Luncheon
October 26, 20072AZZ1 entertained the Tournament Of Roses Coronation Luncheon in honor of the 2008 Rose Queen, Thursday Oct 25th, 2007, The event's master of ceremonies was news caster, Colleen Williams, from NBC 4.( http://www.knbc.com/meetthenewsteam/1273840/detail.html )
This prestigious event took place at the beautiful Tournament House. ( http://www.tournamentofroses.com/aboutus/house.asp ) Twin Palms of Pasadena catered the event.
Good vibrations of 2AZZ1 to rock retirement concert
May 31, 2007by Imani Tate, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 05/31/2007 11:00:00 PM PDT
Cecy Macklem of Redondo Beach marveled at the music magically dripping with passion, humor and perfectly phrased melodies and rhythms. Then she said that Craig and Mary Durst "amazingly seem to become one with the music and each other."
"That's why, I guess, they're called 2AZZ1," replied Jay Macklem, who picked Spaghettini's Italian Grill and Jazz Club's Sunday jazz brunch for a birthday outing for his wife of 37 years. "The genuine chemistry definitely comes through."
The Dursts have been music and marital partners for 22 years. He plays alto and tenor saxophone while she plays piano and sings. The duo, who perform professionally as 2AZZ1 with changing members of the Body and Soul Band,earned their popularity chops at Southern California club, hotel and community gigs. Drummer Evan Stone and electric bassist Derek Frank were the Dursts' Body and Soul partners for the Spaghettini set.
Getting into the groove, too, were surprise guest artists Toto pianist David Garfield and singer Alex Ligertwood of Carlos Santana's band.
On June 5, the Dursts headline the 7 p.m. concert saluting Ed Wolfe, retiring San Dimas High School instrumental music director. Drummer Matt Starr and bassist Steve Billman join the couple for the free concert at Life Pacific College in San Dimas.
The Dursts' deftly diverse repertoire includes gospel, blues, pop and soul, but jazz strains dominate each number and blend riveting rhythms and sensuous melodies to get audiences snapping fingers and sighing.
Spaghettini entertainment director John Quigley booked the Dursts at the persistent insistence of a 2AZZ1 fan.
"Craig and Mary were very pleasant surprises," Quigley admitted. "They're fabulous human beings and the crowd loves them. They're dedicated to their art. I don't think I have any other musicians who show up on time and love turning on the crowd as much as they do. When 2AZZ1 plays, you see nothing but smiling faces."
The Dursts wooed the Spaghettini audience with the snappy "Q'd Up" tribute to Quigley; the soulfully playful "Sophie's Strut"; Cannonball Adderley's classic "Have Mercy On Me," differently delivered but instantly recognizable; a lyrically succinct version of Van Morrison's "Moondance" and the fastest version of Dave Brubeck's brilliant "Take Five" with Mary's voice easily handling lightning quick chord changes and Craig's sax screaming like a speeding locomotive.
They slowed the tempo to sensuous ballads with Stanley Turrentine's "Sugar" and Gato Barbieri's "Europa" before punching up the musical meter again with the improvisational creation of "Barbara Blake Blues," dedicated to the 94.7-FM disc jockey, and a pull-out-all-the-punches finale with the Jazz Crusaders' "Put It Where You Want It."
"This is just wonderful," said Jereatha Thomas of Inglewood, belatedly celebrating Mother's Day with her daughters, Shanita and Shenee. "It's always good to get family together, but today we get the musical extra treat of 2AZZ1. The music is fascinating. It takes me from being relaxed to feeling like I want to get up and dance."
Stone, a first-call drummer who'll play Fullerton's Steamers June 8 with Rob Mullins, Ron Eschete and Jeff Littleton, calls gigs with the Dursts "festive."
"Musically, they're very upbeat and in the pocket," he said. "They keep everything on the positive side, create good communication with band members and let positive energy flow. The audience feels that vibe."
"There's joy in their music," said Frank who'll soon tour with the "Dancing With The Stars" national company.
Music is many things, but it's all good, the Dursts claimed. "It brings people peace and makes them think," Mary said. "It challenges, soothes, brings people together and grabs at your guts, heart and soul," Craig said.
2AZZ1 Write for Good Housekeeping TV Special
January 01, 20072AZZ1 are moving on to their 4th episode of Good Housekeeping's TV Specials. Every few months, Good Housekeeping produces a one hour Good Housekeeping TV Special aired on sydicated television on roughly 90 local TV stations across the U.S. Based on articles from the current issue of the magazine, the segments feature experts from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, editors from Good Housekeeping magazine and other authorities on various subjects. The segments cover a range of subjects including the latest health, nutrition or parenting news, plus urgent consumer alerts about scams and ripoffs. At times, these segments will go behind-the-scenes to give viewers an inside look at how the Good Housekeeping Research Institute tests products. 2AZZ1 adds music and edits all of the audio for the shows. For more info copy and paste this link in your browser: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/good-housekeeping-tv..
2AZZ1 On The Charts 6 Weeks
October 30, 20062AZZ1 hits the “Smooth Jazz Radio Charts” 6 weeks in a row!
Check it out!
(click here) http://smoothjazz.com/charts/top50_new.php
THANK YOU
for your encouragement, friendship and continued support!
2AZZ1 HIT THE CHARTS
September 25, 20062AZZ1 Debuted on Smooth Jazz Radio Charts today in the top 50! Keep tune in to your favorite smooth jazz radio to hear their hit song Q'd Up!
2AZZ1 Write for Good Housekeeping TV Special
August 19, 20062AZZ1 have written the theme song for Good Housekeeping's first ever Television Special to be aired in September 2006 across 80% of America's Neetwork Television across America.
LIsten for Craig on the sax during the theme song and many of 2AZZ1's songs from their CD Driven and Ready throughout the show.
http://magazines.ivillage.com/goodhousekeeping/myhome/howtos/articles/0,,284554_700232-2,00.html
2azz1 on Smooth Jazz Radio
August 18, 20062azz1 are being played accross the nation on smooth jazz radio! Listen for Q'd Up!
Smoothjazz.com #1 WebSite Picks Up 2AZZ1
July 01, 2006Check out 2AZZ1 on the world's #1 Internet Station. They're playing 2AZZ1's hit song Q'd Up, and you'll see 2AZZ1 popping up on many of the pages as featured artists!
Check out this review! http://www.smoothjazz.com/loft/
That dazzling So Cal couple, Craig and Mary Durst, aka 2AZZ1, have come up with another winner. It's called DRIVEN, and "Q'd Up," the first hit single, is just the tip of the iceberg. This second album ("Ready" was 2AZZ1's debut disc in '01) is hot stuff, with ten great Mary Durst originals...all of them memorable and captivating, whether sensual ballads or lively romps, vocals or instrumentals. 2AZZ1 includes Steve Billman on bass, Brian Price on guitar, and features guest Steve Oliver on the tasty Latin "La Palapa," a salute to one of the band's favorite Long Beach hangs. Mary plays keyboards throughout, and sings on four tunes, including "Tell Me," a hooky little excursion that's sure to get its share of radio airplay and "Heaven Is Here," a smooth, sensual ballad, with intriguing interplay between Mary's captivating voice and Craig's sultry sax. Speaking of Craig's sax, it shines brightly on the 6 instrumentals. Besides the first hit single, I really dig "All Day Sunday" and "Swing Ahead." Craig and Mary knew each other growing up in Michigan, reconnected as their musical careers led them both to L.A., and have since fallen in love, married, and formed one of the hottest bands on the L.A. club and festival scenes. 2AZZ1 has shown an impressive maturing of their music with DRIVEN. It's eminently listenable and total ear candy from start to finish. You'll hear exactly what I mean when you partake of this delicious new collection of tunes!~SCOTT O'BRIEN
