DHR Music Signs Guitarists Chris Buzzelli And Joel Cross

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Guitarists Chris Buzzelli and Joel Cross have signed on as endorsers of DHR Music products and will represent the dealer at guitar shows, clinics, concerts and other events. Both musicians performed to rave reviews at the June 27 opening of DHR Music Experience showroom featuring Benedetto Guitars. "We're pleased to work with these stellar musicians, and it was a real treat to watch them showcase their gifts and talents at our grand opening, " said Dale Rabiner, DHR President. "Chris is a dedicated educator as well as performer and Joel's passion for the music brings whatever he plays to life. We're looking forward not only to a long relationship with both musicians, but we're also eager to hear their upcoming new releases."

Chris Buzzelli began playing guitar in 1968 at the age of nine. While still in high school, he began teaching and playing professionally and later enrolled at Trenton State College. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in classical guitar performance, he attended graduate school at North Texas State University, where he studied with guitarist Jack Petersen and was a recipient of scholarships in both jazz and classical guitar and a member of the One O'clock Lab Band. In 1983, he completed a Master of Music Education degree with a specialization in jazz education. In 1984, Buzzelli joined the faculty of Bowling Green State University, where he continues to serve as a professor of music and director of the guitar program. Over the years, he has performed with Joe Pass, Herb Ellis, Cal Collins, Mike Stern, Tal Farlow, Jack Wilkins, Randy Johnston, Joshua Breakstone, Mark Elf, Frank Vignola and Gene Bertoncini. In 1993, he appeared on the debut CD of organist Winston Walls, which also featured the legendary Jack McDuff. This eventually led to his own first release as a leader, "What Goes Around, " on which he is featured in solo, duo and trio settings on both six and seven string guitar. Chris is currently working on another CD, as well as continuing to teach and write.

Joel Cross, who began playing guitar at 12, is a native of Cleburne, TX. He started playing in church where his father was the pastor and later began to play in gospel groups with his older sisters and brothers. He studied jazz at the University of Houston with Mike Wheeler, Noe Marmolejo and Woody Witt. He performed with the university's big band and had the pleasure of performing with Randy Brecker and Tim Hagans. In 2006, Joel transferred to the University of North Texas, where he performed in several of the school's jazz ensembles and played with Fred Hamilton, Lynn Seaton, John Abercrombie and Eric Scortia. He also has performed at the Gulf Coast Ethnic Heritage Jazz Festival in Alabama with the Tatiana Mayfield Quintet and shared the stage with Dave Valentin. He completed his degree in Jazz Studies in 2008 and is currently working on his debut album, which is scheduled to be released this Fall.

As a successful Internet-based guitar dealer, DHR Music recently celebrated the grand opening of DHR Music Experience , a showroom located at 9466 Montgomery Road in the historic section of Montgomery, OH. In addition to selling world-class instruments and related products, DHRME is focused on creating a total experience, promoting the concept of music as art. They will be offering numerous clinics and concerts throughout the year to share the company's passion for music.

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