The Riccardi-Flynn Quintet is a band based out of the Greater Hartford area of Connecticut. Each member has a style rooted in the hard bop and post bop styles of Jazz. The band is also influenced by more modern styles such as fusion and other forms of modern Jazz. It’s founding members, Mario Riccardi and Shaun Flynn, are both graduates of the Hartt School of Music. The blend of alto and guitar sounds is the signature sound of the group. That sound is enhanced by the supremely creative interplay between the members that make up the rhythm section.
Shaun Flynn
Evolving alto saxophonist, Shaun Flynn, is a young and emerging artist rooted in jazz. A resident of West Hartford, Flynn performs in and around the state of Connecticut, combining his roots in bebop with modern jazz and popular music.
He enrolled at the Jackie McLean Institute at the University of Hartford’s Hartt School, majoring in Jazz Studies Performance. Mentored by Director Javon Jackson, a former member of Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, Flynn quickly became a bright spot at the Jackie McLean Institute. He has shared the stage with faculty members and established jazz musicians including Dave Santoro, Nat Reeves, Steve Davis, and Rene McLean. After graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2019, Flynn remained at the Hartt School, where he completed his Master’s degree in Jazz Performance in May 2021. While at Hartt, he was a member of the JMI Big Band, and he served as graduate assistant for Javon Jackson.
Mario Riccardi
Guitarist, Mario Riccardi, is a young and emerging artist rooted in Jazz. A resident of Middletown, Mario performs in and around the state of Connecticut, combining his roots in Hard Bop with modern Jazz and Fusion.
Mario enrolled in the University of Hartford majoring in Acoustical Engineering and Music, with a Jazz guitar concentration. During his undergraduate studies Mario studied with Rich Goldstein and has shared the stage with established musicians such as Dave Santoro, Nat Reeves, and Steve Davis, as well as other faculty members. After graduating Cum Laude in 2019. Mario remained at the Hartt School’s Jackie McLean Institute and completed his Master’s degree in Jazz Studies in 2021. During this time Mario studied with and was mentored by Javon Jackson, the Director of the Jackie McLean Institute as well as a former member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.
Cameron Campbell
Cameron Campbell is a pianist, composer and producer from Worcester, Massachusetts. He plays jazz as well as avant-garde and electronic music. He performs with his trio as well as doing solo and sideman work around New England. In high school Cameron studied with pianist Christian Sands and has learned from other musical greats including Jimmy Cobb, Sheila Jordan, Buster Williams, Jaleel Shaw and Ingrid Jensen. He has also been a featured performer alongside legendary pianists George Cables, Joanne Brackeen, Kenny Werner and Julius Rodrigues. Cameron has performed at venues throughout New England and New York including Little Island Music Festival, Silvana, The Lilypad, Sofar Sounds, Central Mass Jazz Fest, Hartford Baby Grand Jazz Fest, The Buttonwood Tree, Black-Eyed Sally’s and Vermont Jazz Center. He is now at the Manhattan School of Music where he is mentored by pianist Marc Cary.
Conway Campbell Jr.
Conway Campbell Jr. is a bassist from Worcester, Massachusetts. Conway is a recent graduate of the Hartt School of Music. Conway performs in both the New England and New York Jazz scene. His teachers and influences include Ron Carter, Gerald Cannon, and Buster Williams. Conway is currently pursuing a Masters in Music at the Manhattan School of Music and is currently studying with Buster Williams.
Jimmy Gavagan
Jimmy Gavagan is a drummer originally from Framingham, Massachusetts. He recently graduated from the Hartt School of Music under the tutelage of Eric Mcpherson and Jason Tiemann. During his years at Hartt his musicianship grew exponentially, he continues to channel his influences through his playing in traditional yet original ways. Currently, Jimmy works as a freelance musician and educator in the greater Hartford area.