“Rhythm Sessions” album

Lee Ritenour
Chick Corea
Stanley Clarke
Dave Grusin
George Duke
Zamajobe
Kurt Elling
Christian McBride
Vinnie Colaiuta
Dave Weckl
Nathan East
Will Kennedy
Sonny Emory
John Beasley
Larry Goldings
Chuck Berghofer
Rob Bacon
Peter Erskine
Munyungo Jackson
Melvin Davis
Alan Pasqua
Oscar Seaton
Deron Johnson
Ariel Mann
Tal Wilkenfield

The voting turned out to be incredibly close, sometimes separated by only one vote.

We’re happy to announce we have 2 grand prize winners in the keyboard competition:

DEMETRIUS NABORS & HANS DE WILD

Demetrius Nabors- http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RyeLrAYJUG4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YzJNvijaxJs

Hans De Wild- http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=B9h1OoAyTFc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yD9CZ5WYDCE

The grand prize winner of the bass competition:  MICHAEL FEINBERG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hUYW72lNQqQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=g8JsmkKPXyo

The grand prize winner of the drum competition: SELIM MUNIR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=K6PQuNcgVr8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lhhdCgseDpI

Dave Grusin and I sincerely congratulate all the finalists from the 2012 Rhythm Section competition!

We commend everyone who applied and even though this was a “competition” we look at it as an opportunity for exposure, challenges, and a chance to fine-tune your craft to present in a professional manner. People from 110 countries viewed the website & we had registrants from 58 countries. Dave & I would like to thank our incredible Advisory Board for taking their valuable time listening to all the videos that made it to the finals. I would also like to thank our 6 String Theory Rhythm Section Staff and Sponsors for making this all possible and helping out tremendously with the preliminary rounds.

A note about the voting: Thanks to modern technology and specifically YouTube, our board was able to watch, listen and vote on everyone’s videos that were submitted from around the world. And in many cases our judges were touring and watching your videos from time zones spanning the globe!

The voting was incredibly tight and all of our finalists plus many, many others who applied, ended very high up on our lists. This is almost an impossible mission to pick only one player on each instrument. Even our distinguished all-star judges had wide opinions about the contestants.  In the end, we are constantly reminded that music is art and very subjective. Nonetheless, we had some amazing talent this year & we congratulate all of our contestants who made it to the semi-final & final rounds as well as grand prize winners!

All 21 rhythm player finalists are considered for the Berklee College of Music scholarships, if interested and fit the criteria. Berklee will contact finalists this summer along with the guitar competition semi-finalists regarding applying.

CONGRATULATIONS!! ~ Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin

Below are the names and videos of the top 6 in each instrument (except keyboards, where we had tie for grand prize). The NAMES ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY BY FIRST NAME, NOT BY RANKING.

KEYBOARDS:

Jamel Bruner  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8qY9mG21_P4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qVk_8FXtEjw

Jonathan Durham  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iyTZ-gqMv74

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZnGDN12Ioj8

Kevin Judd http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZYHHzhnK3DU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E0kJc357gJs

Mateo Jimenez  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_x0Avy87ceI

Ryan Skiles- http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_2g1uHMpL68

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CNZGRtLORio

BASS:

Ben Hands- http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5fyZ04MQ648

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=x6UJXSBIJis

Enzo Pedone- http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Bexlw0T95Ng

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mAG0DNfZ2vM

Jeremy Sauer- http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6-zK1Mf62XM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=htRuXLKz-1M

Joe Duran- http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=AEJAGXn6pzQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ng-K9nNGsVg

Scott Hardy- http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LVcg8ngu70Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=b4BuFPPdrvY

Michael Tzuta Ning- http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=C0rPcc-IkH8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pWaNgt1KpGA

DRUMS:

Alex Stickels- http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yRrGPZV-vhc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HI3ELiQavGw

Clarence Robinson- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGL8GTZr3rw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=doXYWxRj4iw

Cliff Ott- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVRAwV3-vBg&feature=youtu.be

Damien Chambers- http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UpBbADQxwj8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1wRzhJpXsSI

E-man Cervantes- http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_2g1uHMpL68

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CNZGRtLORio

Jordan Rose- http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qp0Ax-YU5Ck

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfnIW9f0Wwg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

LEE RITENOUR EXTENDS DEADLINE TO MAY 10 TO ENTER

6 STRING THEORY GLOBAL MUSIC COMPETITION

WIN OPPORTUNITY TO RECORD ON RITENOUR’S FORTHCOMING  RHYTHM SESSIONS ALBUM ON CONCORD RECORDS AND MORE!

REGISTER NOW

www.sixstringtheory.com

(Los Angeles, April 27, 2012)   Due to overwhelming requests, Lee Ritenour has extended the deadline to enter the 6 String Theory Global Music Competiton to May 10th.  This extension applies to both The Inaugural Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin Rhythm Section Competition and 3^rd Annual Yamaha 6 String Theory Guitar Competition.

The Rhythm Section Competition will award three winners, one winner each for their respective instrument of piano, bass and drums the opportunity to record a track with Ritenour on his forthcoming album RHYTHM SESSIONS, scheduled for an autumn release on Concord Records.  Winners will join the likes of special guest artists on the album, including:  Oscar and Grammy Award winning musician/composer/producer Dave Grusin, (head of the advisory board of the Rhythm Section Competition), George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, Kurt Elling, Zamajobe, Nathan East, Will Kennedy, Dave Weckl, John Beasley, Sonny Emory, Larry Goldings, and more.

Announced earlier this year, the Rhythm Section Competition marks an expansion of the Yamaha 6 String Theory Guitar Competition, which is in partnership with Yamaha, Berklee College of Music, Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation and the National Guitar Workshop.Ritenour founded the competition three years ago, in conjunction with the release of his hit all-star recording SIX STRING THEORY.  The album culminated in being named “Best Album of the Year” by Guitar International, Publisher’s Album of the Year by Jazziz Magazine and Ritenour receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from Guitar Player.   Guitar winners to date are Canada’s Shon Boublil (2010), who made his recording debut on the 6 String Theory album and Ireland’s David Murray (2011), both representing the global reach of the competition, which has garnered applicants from over 45 countries.

Guitar Entries are accepted in the genres of Rock, Blues, Jazz/Fusion, Acoustic, Classical/Flamenco or Country. Rhythm Section Entries in the genres of Jazz, Fusion, Rock, Blues or Contemporary.

Prizes for the Guitar Competition include a Berklee College of Music Scholarship, a weeklong stay at the four-star Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork, MT for a party of two ($8,000 value), a potential Concord Records recording contract, 36 National Guitar Workshop scholarships, 6 Crown of the Continent Scholarships, Cash, Yamaha Guitars & endorsements as well as prizes from Monster, D’Addario Strings, and others. There is a special cash prize of $2,500 awarded to the Classical Guitar Finalist (courtesy of sponsor James Stroud), as well as $500 cash prize to each of the 6 Guitar Finalists.

Rhythm Section prizes, in addition to recording with Lee on his new album, include Berklee College of Music Scholarships, Yamaha instruments; an opportunity to perform at the esteemed Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop and Festival in Montana Aug. 26-Sept. 2, 2012. prizes from Monster and more. The total value of 4 prize packages is over $600,000.

For further information, to register and for complete contest rules, regulations and prizes visit www.sixstringtheory.com

#  #  #

ON FORTHCOMING RHYTHM SESSIONS ALBUM ON CONCORD RECORDS!

MAY 1st DEADLINE TO ENTER

LEE RITENOUR & DAVE GRUSIN RHYTHM SECTION COMPETITION

3^RD ANNUAL YAMAHA  6 STRING THEORY GUITAR COMPETITION

REGISTER NOW

www.sixstringtheory.com

(Los Angeles, April 22, 2012) If you play piano, bass or drums and aspire to be a professional musician, here’s your opportunity.  By entering the Inaugural Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin Rhythm Section Competition you can be one of three musicians chosen to record a track with legendary guitarist Lee Ritenour to be included in his forthcoming album RHYTHM SESSIONS, scheduled for an autumn release on Concord Records.  As winners of the competition, you join the likes of special guest artists appearing on the recording, including:  Oscar and Grammy Award winning musician/composer/producer Dave Grusin, (head of the advisory board of the Rhythm Section Competition), George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, Kurt Elling, Zamajobe, Nathan East, Will Kennedy, Dave Weckl, John Beasley, Sonny Emory, Larry Goldings, and more.

Announced earlier this year, the Rhythm Section Competition marks an expansion of the Yamaha 6 String Theory Guitar Competition founded by Ritenour three years ago, in conjunction with the release of his hit all star recording SIX STRING THEORY.  The album culminated in being named “Best Album of the Year” by Guitar International, Publisher’s Album of the Year by Jazziz Magazine and Ritenour receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from Guitar Player.   The winners  to date are Canada’s Shon Boublil (2010) and Ireland’s David Murray (2011), who represent the global reach of the competition, which has garnered applicants from over 45 countries.   May 1 also marks the deadline for the 3rd Annual Yamaha 6 String Theory Guitar Competition, which is in partnership with Yamaha, Berklee College of Music, Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation and the National Guitar Workshop.

Guitar Entries are accepted in the genres of Rock, Blues, Jazz/Fusion, Acoustic, Classical/Flamenco or Country. Rhythm Section Entries in the genres of Jazz, Fusion, Rock, Blues or Contemporary.

Prizes for the Guitar Competition include Berklee College of Music Scholarship, professional recording and mentoring opportunities, a weeklong stay at the four-star Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork, MT for a party of two ($8,000 value), a potential Concord Records recording contract, 36 National Guitar Workshop scholarships, 6 Crown of the Continent Scholarships, Cash, Yamaha Guitars & endorsements as well as other prizes from Monster, D’Addario Strings, and others. There is a special cash prize of $2,500 awarded to the Classical Guitar Finalist (courtesy of sponsor James Stroud), as well as $500 cash prize to each of the 6 Guitar Finalists. In addition to recording on Ritenour’s forthcoming album, Rhythm Section prizes include Berklee College of Music Scholarships, Yamaha instruments; professional mentoring; an opportunity to perform at the esteemed Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop and Festival in Montana Aug. 26-Sept. 2, 2012 and other prizes from Monster.  Total value of 4 prize packages over $600,000.

To further information, to register and for complete contest rules, regulations and prizes visit www.sixstringtheory.com

#  #  #

***YAMAHA & LEE RITENOUR w/Berklee College of Music host GLOBAL INSTRUMENT COMPETITION in Guitar, Piano/Keyboards, Bass or Drums

Lee Ritenour’s 3rd Annual 6 String Theory Global Music Competition is now accepting entries in Guitar, Piano, Bass or Drums! Winning musicians of the Rhythm Section will record a track on Lee Ritenour’s 2012 Concord Records album starring a ‘who’s who’ of greats such as: Dave Grusin, Nathan East, Will Kennedy, Dave Weckl, George Duke, John Beasley, Sonny Emory, Larry Goldings, Stanley Clarke, Melvin Davis and more.  Guitar & Rhythm player winners will also win Berklee College of Music Scholarships, Yamaha instruments & endorsements, Crown of the Continent & National Guitar Workshop scholarships for guitar finalists + various other prizes. The 4 winners will have a shot at a Concord Records deal plus professional mentoring. Submit 2 YouTube videos online for your chance to win! For registration, info & prize details: www.sixstringtheory.com till 5/1/12

Sponsors of the competition:  Yamaha; Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop;  National Guitar Workshop;  Berklee College of Music;  Concord Records; Monster; Premier Guitar; D’Addario String Company; Jazziz Magazine; Music Connection

Lee Ritenour discussing competition:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fuQmk6wm1Y&context=C4226eaaADvjVQa1PpcFMDALo5Fd2HPSIsuFLptrUCVZePl6AAVVQ=

*** PAST WINNERS & FINALISTS’ UPDATES

*Shon Boublil was the 2010 6 String Theory Guitar Grand Prize winner. Shon played a track on Lee Ritneour’s 2010 album “6 String Theory.”  Shon won a 4 year scholarship to Berklee College of Music and is in his 2nd year.

*David Brown Murray was the 2011 6 String Theory Guitar Grand Prize winner. David won a Yamaha endorsement; the feature player at the 2012 National Guitar Workshop; professional mentoring from Lee Ritenour; a week vacation for 4 at Flathead Lake Lodge in MT ($8,000 value) as well as the publicity & promotion from his winning performance at Crown of the Continents Guitar Workshop & Festival 2011.

*This is the first year of the Rhythm Section competition in piano, bass & drums so we’ll have updates on their success next year!

LEE RITENOUR LOOKING FOR RHYTHM PLAYERS + GUITARISTS

Acclaimed guitarist Lee Ritenour’s fall album release features Dave Grusin, Nathan East, Will Kennedy, Dave Weckl, George Duke, John Beasley, Sonny Emory, Larry Goldings, George Duke, Stanley Clarke and more. In a new Youtube video, Ritenour explains how 3 winning rhythm players from his continuing SST contest will get to record a track on his album. Total prize package value is over $600,000 – includes Yamaha instruments, Berklee College of Music Scholarships, cash, professional recording plus a shot at a Concord Records deal and more. Register now athttp://sixstringtheory.com/ till May 1, 2012 in GUITAR, BASS, PIANO or DRUMS. Music Connection is a contest sponsor.