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About Co-op Bop
What have we been up to? Check out below for our portfolio and publications!
Co-op Bop Profile
Evolution Of A Quintet To A Sextet
CO-OP BOP has developed in various combinations since the late 1950’s. Alan Gaumer (trpt.) and Craig Kastelnik (org.), coached by Craig’s father (KAL) appeared on the Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour as “kids”. Their association continued to grow. Along the way, Tom Kozic, @ 17 years of age, began to play guitar with Alan’s Quartet. By the late 1970’s Gary Rissmiller took over the drum chair. And while this group was playing one of its’ common steady “gigs” at a local venue, Nelson Hill (sax) burst on to the scene. Since that time they have continued to perform together building a library of standard and original compositions. They have consistently played under each others’ names sharing leadership roles. Recently because of their mutual respect for one another, they came to the conclusion that a group name was in order, SO……it became official…….
They have an exciting and signature sound. Their first CD, self-titled, has been in circulation for several years and continues to garner RAVE REVIEWS. Since then they added another horn and signed a record deal with MINSI RIDGE records. Their second album "UNLIMITED" upholds the same signature qualities and is available via many outlets. They have individually and collectively performed with a virtual who’s who of Jazz personalities. These musicians have an incredible history together All compositions, arrangements and ideas brought forth have undergone dramatic trasnformation making each performance unique primarily because of the individual personalities involved.
Craig & Alan playing in Kal's Kid's circa 1960. Can you find them?
(55+ years)
Co-op bop seeds the idea for a non-profit.
CONCEPT ( In 2010 Co-op Bop, par excellence seeds the idea for a non-profit - The Pennsylvania Jazz Collective)
The members of Co-op Bop happen to be geographically located in a region that is blessed with a large number of exceptional musicians. Over the years these musicians and many others from this geographic region have played with each other in various combinations. A board of like minded people was recruited, By-laws were written. A calendar and subsequent budget was "dreamed" and operations began in earnest while application was submitted and awaiting approval on the Federal level. A collective roster of board nominated artists (via a specific list of criteria) was voted on and adopted as our formal list of recognized artists. There were many catalysts for developing this collective. First of which was to educate the community public making them aware of the level of musicinship that existed in our region. Most importantly - to offer FREE clinics and live concert presentations to area school jazz programs on the art of improvisation. (Tihs is the area of jazz that school students get the least amount of exposure to.) Who better to educate them then this roster of working jazz artists.
You can read more about the collective under the projects section of our website