Eric Susoeff

Well known to local jazz enthusiasts, guitarist and composer Eric Susoeff has been part of the Pittsburgh music scene since his debut with Harold Betters at the Encore in 1976. Offering a warm, bluesy, full-bodied sound, he has played with a long list of local and international luminaries including: Dizzy Gillespie, David Amram, Roger Williams, Airto, Ivan Lins, Romero Lubambo, Charo, Frankie Avalon, Marty Allen, Eric Kloss, Frank Cunimondo, Gene Ludwig, Pete Henderson, Dave & Maureen Budway, Sandy Staley, Kenia, Roger Humphreys, Erin Burkett, Kenny Blake, Walt Harper, Nathan Davis, Don Aliquo, John Wilson, Mike Tomaro and many others. His primary focus continues to be his Latin jazz quintet Salsamba, founded in 1984, which has played to clubs, festivals and colleges throughout the U.S. The group recently released their sixth recording titled "Mojito Blues." Past releases (MAMBO IN BLUE, MAMBO DEL SOL, LATINVENTIONS, THE TRAVELER, BRAZILIA) all received critical acclaim. Additional recording credits include musical artists: Kenia, Don Aliquo Jr., Sandy Staley, Mike Tomaro , Richie Cole, Azucar and about 60 others. His flair for arranging the beautiful music of Antonio Carlos Jobim led to a 2005 CD with Soprano Lilly Abreu and Cuarteto Latinoamericano, an internationally known string quartet. Eric has been seen on stage and TV playing everything from nostalgic rock to show tunes and avant-garde chamber music, with groups as diverse as the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, The Marcels, Carnegie Mellon University Drama Department and Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. Last year Eric enjoyed a 3 month jazz club residency in Hangzhou China performing with the George Heid III Quartet. Recently Eric appeared with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performing "The August Wilson Symphony" a world premier piece. Eric last performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony in January of 2003 as part of a Pittsburgh Symphony Pops concert conducted by Marvin Hamlisch. Eric is an adjunct guitar professor at Duquesne University.