Jean-Michel Pilc Trio + 1 Sidemen Bios Sam Minaie, bass Iranian-American bassist Sam Minaie was born in Reno, Nevada and started piano lessons at age 8. At age 14, he switched to electric and upright bass and was granted numerous command performances in classical bass performance while beginning to also work professionally in all styles of music. Sam was granted a full scholarship and received a Bachelor of Arts in Classical and Jazz Performance at the University of Nevada, Reno. He then moved to Los Angeles where he received a Masters of Fine Arts in Jazz Studies at California Institute of the Arts. At CalArts, Sam studied with Charlie Haden as well as a broad range of world music masters. While in Los Angeles, Sam quickly made a name for himself as one of the most sought-after bassists on the scene and moved to New York in 2009. He has toured extensively around the world and has been recorded on dozens of albums with many artists including Ralph Alessi, Ravi Coltrane, Gary Versace, Joe LaBarbera, Brian Lynch, Tootie Heath, Patti Austin, Butch Morris, Tim Ries, Tim Hagans, Kenny Werner, and 2004 Thelonious Monk Piano Competition Winner Tigran Hamasyan. Sam has produced and mixed several albums, and is active as a session cellist. He has played tuba in Charlie Haden’s Liberation Orchestra. Sam is also a co-leader and composer for Axis Trio. www.samminaie.com Ross Pederson, drums Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, Ross Pederson has quickly emerged as an in-demand drummer since arriving in New York City in early 2009. Born with two highly musical parents, Ross began playing the trumpet and piano at age 5, then switching to drums at the age of 13. Later, he received his Bachelors of Music in Jazz Studies at the world-renowned University of North Texas. Ross has shared the stage with Kenny Werner, Grammy-Award Winner Patti Austin, Chris Potter, Rufus Reid, Gary Versace, Oz Noy, Marc Johnson, Patricia Barber, Jon Hendricks,Taylor Eigsti, John Abercrombie, Gilad Hekselman, and Eddie Gomez, among many others. As a sideman, he has recorded on dozens of albums ranging from Jazz trio to Indie Rock. He has performed intensively in many countries and most of the US, including major clubs in NYC and has made appearances on numerous radio and television broadcasts. As an educator Ross he has given numerous clinics and master classes, and recorded educational DVDs. rosspederson.com.