Kristian Naso is a Vancouver based trumpeter, composer and arranger who is currently a member of The Unsupervised (a contemporary Jazz/New Music/Improv quintet led by guitarist, Jeff Younger), Threat From Outer Space (a live Hip Hop quintet), The Deep End (a seven-piece R&B, Soul, and Funk outfit fronted by the powerful and lovely, Dawn Pemberton), and The Warren Flandez Project.
Kristian graduated from Capilano College's acclaimed Jazz Studies degree program in 2004 and, while there, had the privilege of studying with some of Canada's finest trumpet players: Brad Turner, Robin Shier, and Kevin Elaschuk.
As a member of the Cap College A Band, under the direction of Rejean Marois, he performed with trombonist Hugh Fraser, clarinetist Phil Nimmons, and the legendary drummer Ed Thigpen (the Oscar Peterson Trio).
He has performed at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival with Mystery Loaf (now disbanded), which was nominated for the CBC's Galaxie Rising Star Award in 2005, and with The Unsupervised in 2006.
As a session player, Kristian has contributed to numerous studio recordings that span the musical spectrum and has worked with some highly acclaimed artists and producers, including Grammy nominated, New York based song writer & producer, Jimmy Greco, whose credits include Carlos Santana, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Co Co Lee, Jennifer Love Hewett, Jamie Lynn Sigler, and more.
In 2003 he released an independent album with Jazz/Rock trio, In 3's (now disbanded), on Copperspine Records with band-mates Alvaro Rojas (guitar & bass) and Shawn Killaly (drums & electronics). The group's self-titled album features two of Kristian's original compositions: Snaggletooth and El Commandante.
In 2007, Kristian worked with producer/engineer, Felix Fung, of Little Red Studios and his fellow members of Threat From Outer Space on their first full- length and FACTOR sponsored album, Bleeding the Dying Elephant. He also wrote, arranged, and recorded the horn arrangements for Warren Flandez's upcoming and much anticipated full-length album. Visit Kristian at MySpace
Photography by Lisa Mcbride: lisamcbridephotography@hotmail.com
