Teddy Pantelas is a self taught guitarist since the age of 6 born in Warren, Ohio. He is also a bassist and prefers to play his Fender 4 string Fretless Jazz Bass. When asked about his age he simply says "Timeless" A private instructor, he has also been on the faculty of the Allegheny Music Festival and Montessori School System and has been the Musician in Residence at Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, Ohio and Northside Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio for the last five years using the Healing Art of Music for the patients and their families.
Pantelas has played with such artists as Jack McDuff, Snooky Young, Vanessa Rubin, Jeri Brown, Steve Wilson, Sean Jones, Jim Walker, Jimmy Ponder, Phil Keaggy, Mike Lee, Greg Bandy, Eddie Baccus, Jack Shantz, Jamey Haddad, John Fedshock, In Time, and Kenny Blake.
He has recorded CDs with Glass Harp (Phil Keaggy), drummer Darrell Alexander and vocalist Siri Pursey. He also has recorded his first CD "Teddy Pantelas Trio" with bassist Jeff Grubbs and drummer Olivia Sci which features his own music. An accomplished composer, his originals set him apart from any other contemporary jazz guitarist.
His New Release "It Makes Me Glad" Teddy Pantelas Trio was released April 1, 2006 on Tatsou Records. Joining him on this CD are a cast of masterful musicians, the phenomenal basssist Jeff Grubbs, drummer extraodinare Darryl Pelligrini and Special Guest the truly gifted Sean Jones on trumpet! The collective of theses musicians really brings Pantelas' 8 originals to life which explains the title of the the CD "It Makes Me Glad".
Teddy feels it is important as an artist to share music that "comes from the heart" and in this way make a contribution to the art of jazz.
A little bit about the songs:
"Hercules, Hercules" was created for his love of Spanish music and homage to the beauty of that music.
“Kickin' Back Solo section” Here is the solo section of the tune, which has a funky groove to it. Kickin Back has somewhat of a minor blues form, with a twist of a turnaround. “This piece has the rhythm and feel of Miles Davis'Tutu, but with Jones playing an un-muted trumpet and taking off on some blazing mid-register runs. Pantelas then follows him with some of his hottest, and at the same time, coolest work on the disc.” Jazz Improv
Pantelas said, “I knew I wanted Sean to play on “Kickin'Back” and he sounds great on it! I wanted to capture his electrifying playing on this tune and also the dialogue that we had that was always so comfortable continuing each others line.”
"Split Second" - was written as the theme song for a play of the same title that a dear friend, Tamara Sibley, directed. It features the masterful works of the bassist Jeff Grubbs and drummer Darryl Pellegrini. There is a written section in the song for the drums to play over. "I seem to feature the drums a lot in my writing, as an integral part of the music instead of just trading 4's, 8's, choruses or drum solo" Pantelas said.
"The Sound Of One Hand Clapping" - "This is a song I wrote that was inspired by and written for the Master saxophonist Joe Lovano. I was submersed in the music of Joe Lovano's first album under his own name "Tones, Shapes and Colors". He had Mel Lewis, Ken Werner and Dennis Irwin on it. I listened to it incessantly - 24 - 7. It was hard not to be focused in on Mel Lewis' incredible drumming which always shines and Joe Lovano just knocked me out! This music was life altering for me and Lovano's playing just rang true to my heart. It was because of that album and his playing that this song gave birth." Pantelas said. The recording features the Trio; it is a swinging tune, which is based on an 8 bar minor blues that is repeated with two different 16-bar interludes. The form is AABBAACC. You'll hear an incredible bass solo by Jeff Grubbs where he can stretch and you can get a taste of the genius of his playing. Darryl Pellegrini is also featured on this one where Pantelas and Pellegrini trade 8's. Pellegrini swings so hard and his soloing is one of a kind, very musical and melodic, just incredible! He is an Impeccable drummer without a doubt. This tune really features the cohesiveness and "Oneness" of the Trio. So, If you ever wanted to know what "The Sound Of One Hand Clapping" sounds like, here it is.
Falling Grace This is a second reunion of guitarists Teddy Pantelas and Mike Grappo (Boston). Grappo plays the melody and takes the first chorsus. Followed by bassist Jeff Grubbs. Pantelas closes the solo section out. Nathan Douds- drums recorded July 31, 09 at tunetown newton Falls Ohio. Rough Mix.
"Body and Soul" - The beauty of a classic done in 7, with the of the classical guitar.
Art Work for Nardis and Body and Soul by Julie Pantelas
"Pantelas is a dexterous player, who also swings like crazy, something that can't always be said about those who are fleet of hand. It Makes Me Glad, is first rate music from a group of first rate musicians. It is highly recommended."
Jazz Improv Magazine
"Teddy is one of the shining lights on the jazz scene. He is one of the few who can keep things interesting in a trio format. He combines lines and chords with a rich dark tone to make very interesting and satisfying music."
Sid Jacobs
Composer, instructor and recording artist
Jazz guitarist
“His music is a reflection of his soul and the beauty, creativity, and the integrity of his mind. His utmost respect for the music is represented by the dignity of his lines and flood of musical genius. Teddy, we are listening!”
Dave Kana
Artist in Residence Clarion University
Abersold Summer Jazz Faculty
Saxophonist
“I feel blessed to have been able to witness the growth and blossoming of Teddy's music over the years.
Jack Zucker
Guitarist & Author of “Sheets of Sound for Guitar”
New - Jazz Improv's Summer Edition 2007 Review of "It Makes Me Glad" by Curtis Davenport click here
"It Makes Me Glad" can currently be purchased at As well as www.cdbaby.com/cd/tpantelastrio and his website www.teddypantelas.com
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