Jeffrey Pedraz was born in December of l978 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania where he later discovered music through means of the public school music program. His own curiosity led him to play the violin at the age of l0 and two years later Jeff switched to the double bass. Soon afterward, he found his way to the electric bass which became his primary interest due to the influential sounds of pop music instilled in his ears. This then led him to discover great bass playing in music ranging from Motown, R&B, Rock and Roll, Blues, and Funk. Being a self-taught musician, Jeff explored his way through these various genres until his junior year at Neshaminy High School when he found himself playing in the jazz band on the double bass and learning to navigate his way through chord changes. It was at this time Jeff won a few solo awards at local competitions including a half scholarship to the University of the Arts summer jazz workshop in Philadelphia that he attended. It was here Jeff had his first real taste of jazz. In the Fall of l997, one year later, although still uncertain of his musical path as an educator or performer, Jeff attended Temple University's music program as a Music Education major.
Jeff received his first formal training on the Double bass at Temple University under the tutelage of Anne Peterson, a virtuoso bassist in the Philadelphia Opera Company. It was here he performed with numerous classical ensembles and eventually through the influence of his colleagues started to play some jazz. By the end of his sophomore year in college he was asked to play in Terell Stafford's junior ensemble. Terell has since been a mentor to Jeff. Soon afterward, Jeff was performing regularly in Philadelphia's jazz venues like Ortliebs Jazz Haus, Chris's Jazz Cafe, Zanzibar Blue and Alex's Jazz Underground with local and out of town Jazz greats that include John Swana, Donald Byrd, Jimmy Bruno, Larry McKenna, Bootsie Barnes, Mickey Roker, Cecil Payne, J.D. Walter, George Garzone, Frank Tiberi, Odean Pope, Jim Ridl, Richey Cole, Jack Wilkins just to name a few.
Since l997 Jeff has kept a busy schedule teaching privately both Double and Electric bass. He also is an assistant director of the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Jazz ensemble in Plymouth Meeting, PA where he teaches jazz improvisation and style/analysis.
Jeff continued his private studies throughout college with various local teachers that include Doug Mapp, Kevin McConnell, Craig Thomas, John Hood, Vince Fey and Ben Schacter and is currently studying with the legendary Rufus Reid.
Since graduation from Temple University in the Fall of 2002 Jeff has had a few touring experiences with both guitarist Jimmy Bruno and Trumpeter Terell Stafford. At the present time legendary jazz guitarist Pat Martino has asked him to take the bass chair in his quintet and consequently he has been touring extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.
Jeff has started to compose and hopes to debut his music in his own group soon. As far as the future goes, he wishes to take one day at a time and thoroughly enjoy the musical life he is living.
