Jeff Oster

Seattle Spotlight

By Patrice Raplee

Jeff Oster

When is the last time you heard a piece of music so beautiful and calming that it was the embodiment of peace and tranquility? Moments of such feeling happen less as we grow into adulthood and our focus shifts to the complex and often-troubling reality of the world.

Jeff Oster’s CD Released climbs the peaks of emotional and musical purity, slipping the listener into moments of serene clarity. Oster’s As I Live and Breathe track heralds visions of the perfect summer day.  Flowing waves of melodic dual flugelhorns wrap themselves into a musical drama that unfolds into a perfect symmetry of life at its most poignant.

Oster began playing horn at the age of eight and continued to refine his talent through top-ranked high school concert bands, numerous jazz, funk and cover bands. In the late ‘80s, he decided to make his living as a financial adviser. This way, he could pursue the further development of his musical skills and writing, without the economic fragility of a typical musician’s life.

Oster’s music is definitely not typical nor does it fall into a discernible musical classification. His style definitions began to arise after he submitted several songs to the once MP3.com site. He received in the realm of 40,000 streams over a few month’s period. Oster states, “It was clear to me that SOMETHING was happening with the music and that inspired me to go further.”

Trumpet and flugelhorn are not generally associated with ethereal, new age music as the lead instrument, yet Oster masterfully draws rich, warm fluid tones from his horns. His listeners compare his style to Windham Hillesk with Bill Chase-jazzy nuances.

In 2003, Oster had developed what he wanted to impart musically.  He then sent William Ackerman of Windham Hill label an email and that led to Ackerman and Oster meeting. The culmination of great musicians such as T. Bone Wolk and William Ackerman joined Oster in his debut CD Released (with Ackerman producing), in July 0f 2005.

Jeff Oster From Released CD

Since the ‘05 debut of Released, Oster’s music has steadily flourished and earned him several awards such as Winner Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album from 2005 NAR Lifestyle Music Awards; Best New age Song-At Last from 2005 Independent Music Award; Number one on Echoes with John Diliberto for September, 2005, to list just a few.

In September, Oster is back in the studio with William Ackerman at the helm of production. Oster replies, “The new CD will have a bit more movement and more rhythm. Many of the songs draw from various parts of the world (and out of this world!) and there’s a nice mix of beats and quiet moments. We’ve also lined up some amazing artists to join us for the sessions next month in Vermont.” In addition, Oster is in the process of developing a live show – one that will include video and film, as well as a blend of electronic and acoustic instrumentation.

Oster is an enormously talented musician with a career in reverse. Blessed with a wonderful wife, two gorgeous children and a lucrative day job, he has successfully built a stable and happy life that now supports the creation of his musical endeavors. He has the second part of his life to explore the realm of recording artist, composer and triumphant musician. He imparts, ”People take from the songs what they need and all in a very personal way. It’s an honor to be able to add something like this to the world…one I thoroughly enjoy and hope to do a lot more of for a long time to come.”

For additional information on Jeff Oster, visit: http://www.jeffoster.com  & http://www.myspace.com/jeffoster

HOME

© 114747 Crooked Arrow Publishing

Web Development by: Sitewinder Studios

Problems with the site? Contact webmaster@sitewinder.com