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Biography
Kestutis Stanciauskas organized "Streetdancer" as a quartet in 1973. The fundamental purpose for the ensemble was and is to play original compositions using improvisation and original composition as the foundation for creativity. By 1974 Streetdancer released their first self-titled album on Future Records. This first release gained a four star review in Downbeat Magazine.
Performing extensively in and around the Chicago area, Streetdancer changed personnel. The addition of guitar expanded the ensemble to a sextet. Kestutis Stanciauskas - bass, Robert Long - keyboards, Andy Potter - percussion, Roger Glenke - guitar, Chris Miller - violin, and Chico Freeman (son of the great Chicago saxophonist Von Freeman) - saxophone, quickly gained the attention of Dharma Records which resulted in the release of Streetdancer's second album - "Rising".
Streetdancer's third release "Steps" resulted in being picked as one of Billboard Magazines top New Jazz albums. Streetdancer was included in a digital CD compilation that included such artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Mannheim Steamroller and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. This was released in Japan and Germany.
Streetdancer's newest release "Secrets" has Kestutis Stanciauskas - bass, Andy Potter - percussion, Robert Long - keyboards, Steve Eisen - saxophone, Jim Massoth - saxophone, Gazina Auguscik - vocals. Original compositions including "Lithuanian Suite" featuring a combination of Brazilian, jazz, and funk rhythms with Lithuanian folk variations woven throughout the composition.
This last spring, Streetdancer performed in Europe in Lithuania at the Kaunas International Jazz Festival. This is a wonderful festival that includes creative performers from all spheres of jazz and world music. Mike Stern - U.S.A., Trelock from India as well as performers from Lithuania, Africa, Israel and Europe performed in concert halls and open air stages set in spaces throughout the city of Kaunas, Lithuania. An entire spectrum from totally abstract jazz to swing to funk, rang throughout this city that has its origins from the 12th century. Currently, Streetdancer is in the process of recording a new CD in Chicago at Crystal studios in Lombard, Illinois.
Kestutis Stanciauskas - bass guitar, composer, leader Andy Potter - percussion, leader Robert Long - keyboards, composer Jim Massoth - saxophones Bill Borris - guitar Streetdancer has performed with such jazz luminaries as:
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