Co-Creators
Jumpin' Jazz is the result of a collaboration between co-creators Mark Oblinger and Steve Barta.
Mark Oblinger is a former member of Atlantic Recording Artist “FireFall” and has a long history of award winning work as a songwriter, composer, producer and performer. He has created and produced two national award winning Jazz CDs for children, “Jungle Jazz Joint Jam” and “Jazz Joint Jump” and has been nominated for an Emmy Award for his recent work as a composer/producer for the PBS Children’s Show, “The Big Green Rabbit”.
Mark has arranged and produced dozens of CDs for numerous national and Colorado artist including vocal work on CDs by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield, Poco) and arranged and performed vocals on the Grammy nominated “The Spark” by Chris Daniels. Mark has composed music for short films and television including featured pieces for Harpo Productions, Gaiam and theme music for Disneyworld’s Dolphin and Swan Resorts and for the Discovery Channel’s “The Explorers.” Mark shares his Boulder, Colorado home with his wife Linda and their two children, Kyle and Claire.
Pianist / Composer Steve Barta arranged the songs for this symphony performance and is an author, educator, producer and recording artist. His contributions to the world of music include works for symphony orchestra, jazz ensemble, chorale, string quartet and solo piano. His original compositions reflect his love of Jazz, Classical and Brazilian music.
After touring extensively with Flutist Herbie Mann’s band “Jasil Brazz,” Steve released the widely acclaimed recording “Blue River with special guest Herbie Mann” that climbed the jazz charts. Steve’s 14 recordings are available on his label Steve Barta Music.com
Steve has accepted more than 20 private commissions for symphonic and ensemble works and has written several works for symphony orchestra that have been performed worldwide.
In 1991, Steve joined a distinguished list of concert pianists when he was recognized as a Steinway Artist by the venerable piano maker Steinway & Sons. As a Steinway Artist, Steve is provided with a Steinway grand piano on any concert stage in the world.
