PERISCOPE
JAZZ COLLECTIVE
ABOUT PERISCOPE
Periscope Jazz Collective is a Western Massachusetts–based jazz ensemble known for reimagining classic standards through a modern, exploratory lens, as well creating memorable original compositions that circle the gamut of musical styles from Ne0-Soul to Latin-infused bebop.
Both reflective and dynamic in style, the group blends swing, improvisation, and deep jazz tradition into performances that feel fresh, intimate, and engaging. Anchored by pianist Perry Friedman, sax and multi-instrumentalist Rick Page, bassist Jon Oltman, and drummer Bruce Kelley, Periscope adapts fluidly from elegant duo settings to full ensemble performances featuring guest musicians and collaborators.
Periscope Jazz Collective draws inspiration from the many eras and textures of jazz history, and brings a thoughtful yet accessible energy to every performance. The group has become a familiar presence throughout the Pioneer Valley and greater Western Massachusetts music scene, appearing at venues including breweries, listening rooms, restaurants, festivals, and arts spaces in Northampton, Easthampton, Greenfield, Shelburne Falls, and beyond.
BIOS
Perry Friedman
Perry Friedman is a jazz pianist, educator, and composer who has performed at venues up and down the East Coast, including Ryle's Jazz Club in Cambridge, The Bitter End in NYC, and the Ironhorse Café in Northampton. After a rewarding career as a clinical social worker, he studied with Eugene Uman — pianist, composer, and director of the Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro. He then pursued a second B.A. in jazz and composition at Westfield State University, and was taught by renowned performer, composer and arranger James Argiro. Perry's influences span the breadth of jazz piano, from Red Garland and Herbie Hancock to Chick Corea and Zaccai Curtis. Perry currently teaches piano privately and performs regularly around the northeast.
Jon Oltman
Jon Oltman picked up guitar at 12, moved to electric bass in high school, and was inspired to begin playing the acoustic upright bass when his son began cello lessons. In addition to jazz, Jon enjoys playing bluegrass, country, rock, and ragtime, and has performed with numerous small groups throughout the Pioneer Valley and southern Vermont. His influences include Paul Chambers, Jack Cassidy, and Victor Wooten, and he's drawn to the way great musicians learn from each other across genres.
Bruce Kelly
Bruce Kelley grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, and began playing drums at age eight. His musical journey eventually led him to Miles Davis and jazz, and from there to New York to study privately with Sonny Igoe, the celebrated jazz drummer and educator who had played with Benny Goodman and Woody Herman and was regarded as one of the most respected drum teachers of his era. Bruce went on to perform across the mid and southwest in a country band. He taught music and worked on recording and film projects in Tulsa, and returned to New England in 2000, where he studied vibraphone at Berklee with Ed Saindon. He has since performed with Soul Sound Review, Soul Folks, Rescue Lola, and his own Bok Choy Quartet, and now calls Easthampton home.
Rick Page
Rick Page has been playing saxophones in bands since 5th grade. He has taught public school music most recently at the Hawlemont School. He is an Adjunct Music Lecturer at Franklin Pierce University. You might see him performing with: The Leftovers, The Bad News Jazz and Blues Orchestra, Carol Devine and the Mighty Fine, The Periscope Jazz Collective, New England Saxophone Quartet or The Hofbrauhaus Bavarians. Rick was a member of Trailer Park for 25 years. He is pleased to be performing jazz regularly in the Collective.