Craig and Mary Durst are 2AZZ1.
Coincidentally, both were born and raised in small neighboring towns
near Jackson, Michigan. Their paths crossed there as young
musicians and it seemed destined that they would cross again.
In 1980, Craig moved to Los Angeles to
finish his education and pursue a musical career. It was also at
that time, while attending college in Indiana, Mary had the
opportunity to audition as a vocalist for a jazz fusion album based in
LA. Her audition was in the true Hollywood style as she sang
over the telephone from her college dorm room for recording executives
on the West Coast. Three days later, she was in Los Angeles
recording an album.
Their paths did cross again in 1981.
They met and were impressed with the way in which each had turned out
as adults. After attending a concert in Hollywood together, they
began dating. Their collaborative efforts began in 1984 when
they were married. They added a drummer, a guitarist, a bass
player and founded the group "OnKall." They performed
in arenas for audiences numbering from the hundreds in to the
thousands. In 1986, OnKall celebrated notable success with their
album release, "TRUE LOVE."
They went on to build a reputation as
recording artists as well as focused entertainers and changed their
name to 2AZZ1. The group ranges from a tight 4 piece band up to
a 9 piece which includes their popular horn section. They have
performed with musical legends like NANCY WILSON, & opened for
such artists as EARTH WIND & FIRE, LEON PATILLO of SANTANA &
RONNIE LAWS. In 2001 2AZZ1 performed at the PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL in
Pasadena, CA.
Today, 2AZZ1 is one of the most popular
Adult Contemporary/Jazz Bands on the Southern California club scene.
The mixture of their original music and the 2AZZ1 arrangements of
popular music keeps their audiences listening and dancing. It is
their original material, however, which seems to be drawing the
greatest responses. Their most recent release, "REaDy",
contains ten original songs that run from groove ballads to classic
jazz fusion with a new urban/world flare. This exciting CD
project was released at the PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL at Central
Park in Pasadena on memorial Day weekend 2001, with an enthusiastic
response from thousands of fans. Since then it has been getting
air play around the world on INTERNET RADIO & INDEPENDENT RADIO
STATIONS. Mary handles the song writing, arranging, and
lead vocals & keyboards for the group with grace and style.
In addition to his role as leader & producer, it is Craig's
soulful sounds on the saxophones which exhibits his musical mastery.
His powerful, warm and magnetic personality draws every audience near
to watch & listen.
The two work together as one to define
their original sound. They live a daily life of health &
fitness which gives them the endurance to love their audience 100%.
The music of 2AZZ1 is sure to give sophisticated music lovers what
they crave well into the 21st century!