Teddy Pantelas is a self-taught guitarist since the age of 6. A private instructor, he has also been on the faculty of the Allegheny Music Festival and Montessori School System. For over five years, he has been the Musician in Residence at Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, Ohio and Northside Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio, using the healing art of music for patients and their families.
Pantelas has performed extensively throughout the greater Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania region with such artists as Jack McDuff, Snooky Young, Vanessa Rubin, Jeri Brown, Steve Wilson, Jim Walker, Jimmy Ponder, Greg Bandy, Eddie Baccus, Sean Jones, Jamey Haddad, John Fedshock, Phil Keaggy, In Time, and Kenny Blake.
He has recorded CDs with Glass Harp "Strings Attached", drummer Darrell Alexander, Damian Knapp "Will You Cry When I Die", Jim Jeffery "So Cold", and vocalist Siri Pursey. He also has recorded his own CD "Teddy Pantelas Trio" with bassist Jeff Grubbs and drummer Olivia Sci which features his own music. An accomplished composer, his originals set him apart from any other contemporary jazz guitarist.
Discography
"Together Again" - Teddy Pantelas Trio w/ Michael Grappo
Released July 24, 2012 on Tatsou Records
This is his "Standards CD" - a collection of standards from the heroes of jazz that have inspired him and many other jazz musicians. Joining the trio is guitarist Michael Grappo. It is refreshing hearing these two guitarists play together with their own unique sound and voice, that's what makes this CD special. Jeff Grubbs is back with his expertise as the bassist and the new addition drummer Nathan Douds. Douds has had a long history playing with Pantelas which can be heard here. This is definitely a feel-good CD and one to be enjoyed for a long time.
"It Makes Me Glad" - Teddy Pantelas Trio
Released April 1, 2006 on Tatsou Records
Joining him on this CD are a cast of masterful musicians: the phenomenal bassist Jeff Grubbs, drummer extraordinaire Darryl Pelligrini, and special guest the truly gifted Sean Jones on trumpet. The collective of these musicians really brings Pantelas' 8 originals to life, which explains the title of the CD "It Makes Me Glad".
Philosophy
"Teddy feels it is important as an artist to share music that 'comes from the heart' and in this way make a contribution to the art of jazz."
What Others Say
"In my earlier career, I learned the importance of balancing the intricacies of jazz's many nuances with its ability to reach into the hearts of many. Many of those learning experiences were with Teddy Pantelas. He is the epitome of this delicate balance."
— Sean Jones, Trumpet and Recording Artist with Mack Ave Records
"His music is a reflection of his soul and the beauty, creativity, and the integrity of his mind. His utmost respect for the music is represented by the dignity of his lines and flood of musical genius. Teddy, we are listening!"
— Dave Kana, Artist in Residence Clarion University, Aebersold Summer Jazz Faculty, Saxophonist
"Pantelas is a dexterous player, who also swings like crazy, something that can't always be said about those who are fleet of hand... It Makes Me Glad is first rate music from a group of first rate musicians. It is highly recommended."
— Jazz Improv Magazine