Hans Ottsen: Bookings/Lessons
BOOK A BAND
The W.O.R.P. Trio
This trio is tough to describe, or rather tough to pigeon-hole, for good reason. It was designed that way. The W.O.R.P. Trio (or Winters-Ottsen-Rankin Project) is comprised of Aaron Winters on drums and percussion, Hans Ottsen on guitars, and Jim Rankin on bass. My idea for this project came when I threw a music party at my folks house this past summer. A whole gaggle of terrific musicians turned up from a number of different projects with which I'm involved. Jim works with a number of terrific musicians including Orlando Napier and Alastair Greene. Aaron plays in a band called The Art Farmers (see my 'LISTEN' page - a lot of the trio stuff is me jamming with the Art Farmers). Jim and Aaron hit it off and I thought, "These guys would be amazing in a trio... with little ol' me!!!" So that's how it happened. If you like jazz with a groove, but also Hendrix, Led Zep, and the Beatles, BOOK THIS BAND!!!
The Harlem Holler Trio
The Harlem Holler Trio is a collaboration which started between me (Hans Ottsen - guitar) and Phil Salazar (fiddle). Our mutual friend, Chris Plasencia, hired the both of us to play at her wedding reception. Phil and I hit it off and have been jamming ever since! It has evolved over the past 2.5 years into a very interesting and dynamic trio including bassist Randy Tico. The name, Harlem Holler Trio, is a nod to both bluegrass (Phil's main game) and jazz (my main game). With Randy Tico on bass (music is his game) the Harlem Holler Trio weaves together the best of American improvisational music. Fast, tight arrangements, exciting solos, and tunes you wouldn't expect to hear together, The Harlem Holler Trio is perfect for your party or house concert.
- Hans' Music
- Check the 'MUSIC' page and the 'VIDEOS/LINKS' page soon for the most recent Harlem Holler Trio concert at Zoey's!!!
Ashley Broder and Hans Ottsen
Ashley Broder (violin, mandolin, cello) is a new friend of mine. In addition to being one of the loveliest people I've ever met in my life, she's an absolutely dynamite musician. Most known for her performances of Celtic music (Ashely toured all over the world playing with Scottish fiddler Jaime Laval), Ashley is comfortable playing French tunes, swing music, jazz, bluegrass, old timey, you name it! Her versatility is incredible. I'm having a great time playing music with Ashley. In the short time we've been together (not quite 2 months) we've played a number of gigs from a movie opening to private parties, gourmet dinners and even taught a class at CSUCI! If you want some really listenable, acoustic (not too loud!), very interesting music, book Ashley Broder and Hans Ottsen for your party or event.
- Ashley Broder's Website
- Check out Ashley Broder's website to book or you can book here at hansottsen.com!
Ventura Jazz Orchestra
The Ventura Jazz Orchestra is an 18 piece big band based out of Ventura. With vocalist Donna Greene, the VJO is perfect for any occasion where you need the night to be magical. From swing music to latin, jazz standards to more modern tunes, this big band has been a ball to play with! What can I say! Book them!!! You can contact me through this website and I'll send you info and a recording or two.
- VJO on Facebook!
HANSolo
Solo guitar is a special kind of thing. All I need is about 6 feet cubed and I can fill a room with lovely guitar music! Keep checking back too because I'm finishing a lovely solo guitar recording, HANSolo, which should be available on the website by September some time.
- Hans' Music