Born in the Connecticut River Valley, this strictly rhythm and vocals trio is fronted by the silky voice of Carol Piro and backed by rhythm aces, Jeremy Coster on bass and Steve Fava on percussion and supporting vocals.

Starting out as an experimental project in the Fall of 2016, Indigo Soul found receptive audiences right out of the gate. Encouraged by the fan response, they built a repertoire rooted in a blend of mostly obscure, yet some more familiar, downtempo, jazz and r&b grooves that have a rather mesmerizing effect on the unsuspecting listener. The unembellished combination of the solid rhythm section and the soothing sound of Carol’s seasoned vocal interpretations of select tracks from the likes of Zero 7, Thievery Corporation, Amy Winehouse, Melody Gardot, Sade, Massive Attack and others, make for a sonic symbiosis for the live music appreciators discerning ear.

The three kindred music-mates that comprise this novel act continually work to keep their repertoire fresh and intriguing. Their coherent sound imbues an atmospheric vibe that captivates attention, piques musical minds and provokes a rhythmic sway from dancers and listeners alike. Indigo Soul’s surprisingly simple yet sophisticated sound is enchanting listening rooms, house concerts, micro-festivals and upscale venues on the CT live music scene.

“Indigo Soul’s vibe gave us the feeling like we were in a NYC underground jazz club. Carol’s sultry vocals, backed by the tight musicianship of Steve Fava and Jeremy Coster lit the room on fire with their jazzy numbers and R&B repertoire. Truly a hit here at The Buttonwood Tree!”
– Anne-Marie Cannata McEwen, Executive Director, The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center, Middletown, CT

“Indigo Soul delivers consistently rapturous experiences, taking the concept of “less is more” to an art form. Fronted by soulful songstress Carol Piro, they have played our Burning Woman and Tribal Music Summit festivals and given more intimate concerts at our venue, The Sanctuary in East Haddam, to enthralled audiences. They are well-rehearsed, professional & reliable and do an exquisite job getting their sound right.”
– Jen Taylor, Co-Executive Director, The Sanctuary at Shepardfields, East Haddam, CT

“Indigo Soul is a unique blend of instruments and voices using space as a key element in feeling the music. An emotionally driven group that lays down captivating contours of soundscapes, guiding you through deep groove trances to uplifting get up and dance tunes.”
– John & Darcie Boiano, House Concert Hosts, Ashford, CT

“Indigo Soul is on the move and gaining LOTS of popularity. They are a super-groovy, super-soulful helping of downtempo lusciousness! A MUST SEE project that The Sound Retreat is very honored to host in the 2018 house concert series.”
– Tracey Kroll, owner/operator of The Sound Retreat, Chester, CT

“Indigo Soul lit up the Lounge at The Brushmill with their beautiful sound, smooth grooves & eclectic song selections! They bring a great crowd of fans and folks that hadn’t heard them before became new fans! We look forward to having them back!
– Carolyn Newman, booking manager, Brushmill by the Waterfall, Chester, CT

“Having Indigo Soul play in our space brought an energy to the whole evening that was both electrifying and chill. A great band with an outstanding ability to read a crowd and deliver to their needs. We have had them play both events and shows and can’t wait until the next opportunity.”
– Erica Sunshine & Adam Pipkin, owners of Harvest Moon Design Studio, Chester, CT

“Earthen yet ethereal sound will elevate your soul to the highest high! A clear and distinctive sophisticated vibration geared for transcended elevation! Give thanks for this soulful trio, a sound destined to usher in a calm and centered feel-good state of mind.”
– Pete Onofrio, owner/operator of The Buddha Barn, Madison, CT

Greg Abate – saxophone
Tim Ray – piano
John Lockwood – bass
Mark Walker – drums

Greg Abate jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer continues as an International Jazz/Recording Artist with 225 days a year touring the globe. In the mid 70’s after finishing a four year program at Berklee College Of Music, Greg played lead alto for the Ray Charles Orchestra for 2 years. In 1978 Greg formed his group Channel One which was a favorite in the New England area and from there had the opportunity to play tenor sax with the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra under leadership of Dick Johnson from 1986 to ’87. Following this experience Greg ventured out as post hard bop soloist playing Jazz Festivals, Jazz Societies and Jazz Clubs throughout the U.S. Canada and abroad, including most of Europe, UK, and Moscow and Georgia Russia.

Greg’s newest release ‘Gratitude’ is the fourth release for Greg and the trio on WCS records. It was recorded live At The Zeiterion Worcester MA on April 26, 2018 (exactly one year prior to this show).

Brian Charette – organ, electronics
Vic Juris – guitar
Jordan Young – drums

New York City organist/pianist, Brian Charette, has established himself as a leading voice in modern jazz. Charette is a Hammond-endorsed, Steeplechase and Positone recording artist who was the winner of the 2014 Downbeat Critics’ Poll Rising Star: Organ award and has climbed to 5th place in The 2018 Critic’s Poll main organ category. In 2015 Brian also won Hot House Magazine’s Fan’s Decision Jazz Award for Best Organist in New York. His last Positone recording, Once and Future, reached #17 on the Jazz Week chart and was also on the Itunes new music Top 20. This fall, Brian released his new circuit bent organ trio recording, Kürrent, featuring Ben Monder and has a brand new traditional jazz organ trio release on Steeplechase Records featuring NEA Master, George Coleman called Groovin with Big G.

Charette was born in Meriden, Connecticut in 1972, and was introduced to music by his mother, Catherine. By the age of 17, he was playing with jazz luminaries such as Lou Donaldson and Houston Person. Since graduating on the Dean’s List from UConn in 1994 with a BA in Music, Charette has been performing extensively in Europe and the USA with his home base being the East Village, NYC. Brian is a staple of the downtown NYC scene working with virtually everyone who plays with an organist.

Besides being a critically acclaimed composer and bandleader, Brian has performed with many notable artists such as Joni Mitchell, Chaka Khan, Paul Simon, Cyndi Lauper, and many more. Charette is also an active author and educator, writing for Keyboard Magazine, The New York City Jazz Record, DownBeat, and the Czech magazine, Muzikus. Brian teaches masterclasses all over the world and is on the faculty of the Czech Summer Jazz Workshop at Jesek Conservatory in Prague. His first book, 101 Hammond B3 Tips, released through publisher Hal Leonard, has become very popular, as well as his videos on the website, mymusicmasterclass.com.

Outside of music, Charette is passionate about chess and White Crane kung fu, in which he holds a black sash.

Bill Charlap – piano
Peter Washington – bass
Kenny Washington – drums

One of the world’s premiere jazz pianists, Bill Charlap has performed with many leading artists of our time, ranging from Phil Woods and Tony Bennett to Gerry Mulligan and Wynton Marsalis. He is known for his interpretations of American popular songs and has recorded albums featuring the music of Hoagy Carmichael, Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin. Time magazine wrote, “Bill Charlap approaches a song the way a lover approaches his beloved…no matter how imaginative or surprising his take on a song is, he invariably zeroes in on its essence.”

In 1997, Charlap formed the Bill Charlap Trio with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington (no relation), now recognized as one of the leading groups in jazz. In 2000, he was signed to Blue Note Records and has since received two Grammy Award nominations, for Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard Bernstein and most recently The Bill Charlap Trio: Live at the Village Vanguard. In 2009, Charlap was pianist and musical director for The Blue Note 7, an all-star jazz septet celebrating the legacy of Blue Note Records on its 70th anniversary. The septet performed a 50-city tour and released the CD, Mosaic: A Celebration of Blue Note Records.

Charlap is the artistic director of New York City’s Jazz in July Festival at the 92Y, in New York City. The year 2014 will mark his 10th anniversary as artistic director. He has produced several concerts for Jazz at Lincoln Center and an evening of George Gershwin’s music at the Hollywood Bowl.

Born in New York City, Charlap began playing the piano at age three. His father was Broadway composer Moose Charlap, whose credits include Peter Pan, and his mother is singer Sandy Stewart, who appeared on the Ed Sullivan and Perry Como shows and earned a Grammy nomination for her recording of “My Coloring Book.” In 2005, Charlap and Stewart released the acclaimed CD, Love Is Here To Stay (Blue Note). Charlap is married to renowned jazz pianist Renee Rosnes. The two artists often collaborate in a duo piano setting. In 2010 Charlap and Rosnes released Double Portrait (Blue Note).

Bill Charlap – piano
Peter Washington – bass
Kenny Washington – drums

One of the world’s premiere jazz pianists, Bill Charlap has performed with many leading artists of our time, ranging from Phil Woods and Tony Bennett to Gerry Mulligan and Wynton Marsalis. He is known for his interpretations of American popular songs and has recorded albums featuring the music of Hoagy Carmichael, Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin. Time magazine wrote, “Bill Charlap approaches a song the way a lover approaches his beloved…no matter how imaginative or surprising his take on a song is, he invariably zeroes in on its essence.”

In 1997, Charlap formed the Bill Charlap Trio with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington (no relation), now recognized as one of the leading groups in jazz. In 2000, he was signed to Blue Note Records and has since received two Grammy Award nominations, for Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard Bernstein and most recently The Bill Charlap Trio: Live at the Village Vanguard. In 2009, Charlap was pianist and musical director for The Blue Note 7, an all-star jazz septet celebrating the legacy of Blue Note Records on its 70th anniversary. The septet performed a 50-city tour and released the CD, Mosaic: A Celebration of Blue Note Records.

Charlap is the artistic director of New York City’s Jazz in July Festival at the 92Y, in New York City. The year 2014 will mark his 10th anniversary as artistic director. He has produced several concerts for Jazz at Lincoln Center and an evening of George Gershwin’s music at the Hollywood Bowl.

Born in New York City, Charlap began playing the piano at age three. His father was Broadway composer Moose Charlap, whose credits include Peter Pan, and his mother is singer Sandy Stewart, who appeared on the Ed Sullivan and Perry Como shows and earned a Grammy nomination for her recording of “My Coloring Book.” In 2005, Charlap and Stewart released the acclaimed CD, Love Is Here To Stay (Blue Note). Charlap is married to renowned jazz pianist Renee Rosnes. The two artists often collaborate in a duo piano setting. In 2010 Charlap and Rosnes released Double Portrait (Blue Note).

Bill Charlap – piano
Peter Washington – bass
Kenny Washington – drums

One of the world’s premiere jazz pianists, Bill Charlap has performed with many leading artists of our time, ranging from Phil Woods and Tony Bennett to Gerry Mulligan and Wynton Marsalis. He is known for his interpretations of American popular songs and has recorded albums featuring the music of Hoagy Carmichael, Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin. Time magazine wrote, “Bill Charlap approaches a song the way a lover approaches his beloved…no matter how imaginative or surprising his take on a song is, he invariably zeroes in on its essence.”

In 1997, Charlap formed the Bill Charlap Trio with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington (no relation), now recognized as one of the leading groups in jazz. In 2000, he was signed to Blue Note Records and has since received two Grammy Award nominations, for Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard Bernstein and most recently The Bill Charlap Trio: Live at the Village Vanguard. In 2009, Charlap was pianist and musical director for The Blue Note 7, an all-star jazz septet celebrating the legacy of Blue Note Records on its 70th anniversary. The septet performed a 50-city tour and released the CD, Mosaic: A Celebration of Blue Note Records.

Charlap is the artistic director of New York City’s Jazz in July Festival at the 92Y, in New York City. The year 2014 will mark his 10th anniversary as artistic director. He has produced several concerts for Jazz at Lincoln Center and an evening of George Gershwin’s music at the Hollywood Bowl.

Born in New York City, Charlap began playing the piano at age three. His father was Broadway composer Moose Charlap, whose credits include Peter Pan, and his mother is singer Sandy Stewart, who appeared on the Ed Sullivan and Perry Como shows and earned a Grammy nomination for her recording of “My Coloring Book.” In 2005, Charlap and Stewart released the acclaimed CD, Love Is Here To Stay (Blue Note). Charlap is married to renowned jazz pianist Renee Rosnes. The two artists often collaborate in a duo piano setting. In 2010 Charlap and Rosnes released Double Portrait (Blue Note).

Donald Harrison – alto sax
Zaccai Curtis – piano
Darryl Staves – drums
John Benitez – bass

Donald Harrison Jr. is a true Renaissance man who understands diverse genres of music and has the ability to mix them into innovative new forms. On his recent recording, “The Eclectic Jazz Revolution of Unity,” he demonstrates nonpareil multi-stylistic proficiency on the alto saxophone and a unique approach to his compositions and the culture he grew up participating in.

Harrison was born on June 23, 1960 to Donald and Herreast Harrison in New Orleans, Louisiana. They nurtured a love of music and culture by exposing him, at an early age, to the history of recorded jazz, soul, rumba, country, rock & roll, R&B, African, Indian and a myriad of other music genres. At sixteen Harrison decided to become a musician; he aspired to perform with many of the diverse music icons he had listened to and, ultimately, wanted to master each ones style. Years working to achieve stylistic proficiency combined with innate talents and life experiences enabled him to create some of the most innovative and influential jazz styles of the last four decades. At nineteen Harrison composed “New York Second-line,” an innovative concept that successfully merged the music and culture of a New Orleans Second-line into a modern jazz context. The recording piqued the jazz world’s interest in 1982 and became one of the biggest hits of the 80’s. His jazz second-line rhythm is played around the world and is a part of most drummers’ arsenal of beats.

. The open-minded artist continued to create innovative sounds, textures and approaches to harmony, technique and rhythm on the alto saxophone in every mainstream style or jazz, smooth jazz, rumba, hip-hop, jazz band, classical and Afro-Caribbean music. He also developed a unique approach to modern jazz fused with hip-hop in the 80’s, a modern jazz Afro-New Orleans style in 1990, a hybrid New Orleans Mardi Gras/hip-hop music style along with an acoustic jam band sound in 2003 and a swinging modern jazz sound a fan in Paris coined ‘nouveau swing” to explain how he merged the swing beat of modern jazz with soul, funk, hip-hop, reggae, rock & roll and R&B in 2004. The quantum jazz sound emerged in 2010. “I took harmony, rhythm and melody from the normal two-dimensional state to a four dimensional-state by opening all the possible avenues to move those elements around,” Harrison explained. In 2015 he recorded “Congo Square,” the first classical composition composed and orchestrated by a Big Chief initiated in Afro-New Orleans culture; the recording is featured on the “Eclectic Jazz Revolution of Unity.”

After nervously stepping on the bandstand at nineteen with Roy Haynes, Harrison has pursued many genres with much success and aplomb. He has performed with over three hundred masters, including some of the most important music icons. Eddie Palmieri said, “Harrison is the greatest alto player of these times.” Percussion master Bill Summers called him “the Charlie Parker of these times,’ and ‘ a master of many styles.’ “He embraces both old-school and cutting-edge music without contradiction…. But there’s something inscrutable about Mr. Harrison’s interpretation of swinging time, a mystery enabled by his own rhythmic mastery,” said Larry Blumenfeld of The Wall Street Journal.

Harrison was also a script consultant for David Simon’s HBO series, “Treme;” two characters were created to reflect the creation of his innovative music and other aspects of his life. He acted as himself in nine episodes and played his original music. In Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme’s movie, “Rachael Getting Married,” Harrison acted alongside actress Anne Hathaway and co-wrote the soundtrack. Years of experiences in the arts and music are being passed down to high school students through the Tipitina’s Internship Program where he has been Artistic Director for over a decade. Inspired by his mentors, Harrison also instructs from the bandstand and has taught or nurtured many young notable music professionals. Christian McBride, Jon Batiste, Mark Whitfield, The Notorious BIG, Joe Dyson and Christian Scott are just a few musicians who have benefited from his tutelage. Donald Harrison is a 21st Century Renaissance man working to bring people together through His relentless work to develop jazz fused with universal elements and lessons of the wider world.

– Mary Spears-Harrison

Donald Harrison – alto sax
Zaccai Curtis – piano
Darryl Staves – drums
John Benitez – bass

Donald Harrison Jr. is a true Renaissance man who understands diverse genres of music and has the ability to mix them into innovative new forms. On his recent recording, “The Eclectic Jazz Revolution of Unity,” he demonstrates nonpareil multi-stylistic proficiency on the alto saxophone and a unique approach to his compositions and the culture he grew up participating in.

Harrison was born on June 23, 1960 to Donald and Herreast Harrison in New Orleans, Louisiana. They nurtured a love of music and culture by exposing him, at an early age, to the history of recorded jazz, soul, rumba, country, rock & roll, R&B, African, Indian and a myriad of other music genres. At sixteen Harrison decided to become a musician; he aspired to perform with many of the diverse music icons he had listened to and, ultimately, wanted to master each ones style. Years working to achieve stylistic proficiency combined with innate talents and life experiences enabled him to create some of the most innovative and influential jazz styles of the last four decades. At nineteen Harrison composed “New York Second-line,” an innovative concept that successfully merged the music and culture of a New Orleans Second-line into a modern jazz context. The recording piqued the jazz world’s interest in 1982 and became one of the biggest hits of the 80’s. His jazz second-line rhythm is played around the world and is a part of most drummers’ arsenal of beats.

. The open-minded artist continued to create innovative sounds, textures and approaches to harmony, technique and rhythm on the alto saxophone in every mainstream style or jazz, smooth jazz, rumba, hip-hop, jazz band, classical and Afro-Caribbean music. He also developed a unique approach to modern jazz fused with hip-hop in the 80’s, a modern jazz Afro-New Orleans style in 1990, a hybrid New Orleans Mardi Gras/hip-hop music style along with an acoustic jam band sound in 2003 and a swinging modern jazz sound a fan in Paris coined ‘nouveau swing” to explain how he merged the swing beat of modern jazz with soul, funk, hip-hop, reggae, rock & roll and R&B in 2004. The quantum jazz sound emerged in 2010. “I took harmony, rhythm and melody from the normal two-dimensional state to a four dimensional-state by opening all the possible avenues to move those elements around,” Harrison explained. In 2015 he recorded “Congo Square,” the first classical composition composed and orchestrated by a Big Chief initiated in Afro-New Orleans culture; the recording is featured on the “Eclectic Jazz Revolution of Unity.”

After nervously stepping on the bandstand at nineteen with Roy Haynes, Harrison has pursued many genres with much success and aplomb. He has performed with over three hundred masters, including some of the most important music icons. Eddie Palmieri said, “Harrison is the greatest alto player of these times.” Percussion master Bill Summers called him “the Charlie Parker of these times,’ and ‘ a master of many styles.’ “He embraces both old-school and cutting-edge music without contradiction…. But there’s something inscrutable about Mr. Harrison’s interpretation of swinging time, a mystery enabled by his own rhythmic mastery,” said Larry Blumenfeld of The Wall Street Journal.

Harrison was also a script consultant for David Simon’s HBO series, “Treme;” two characters were created to reflect the creation of his innovative music and other aspects of his life. He acted as himself in nine episodes and played his original music. In Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme’s movie, “Rachael Getting Married,” Harrison acted alongside actress Anne Hathaway and co-wrote the soundtrack. Years of experiences in the arts and music are being passed down to high school students through the Tipitina’s Internship Program where he has been Artistic Director for over a decade. Inspired by his mentors, Harrison also instructs from the bandstand and has taught or nurtured many young notable music professionals. Christian McBride, Jon Batiste, Mark Whitfield, The Notorious BIG, Joe Dyson and Christian Scott are just a few musicians who have benefited from his tutelage. Donald Harrison is a 21st Century Renaissance man working to bring people together through His relentless work to develop jazz fused with universal elements and lessons of the wider world.

– Mary Spears-Harrison

Ed Fast – vibraphone and percussion
Yolanda Coggins- vocals
Amy Quint Millan – piano
Sam Bevan – bass
Jorge Fuentes – Congas
Sarah Hanahan – flute/alto

Special Feature: world renowned percussionist
Anthony Carrillo (Eddie Palmieri, Batacaumbele, Paul Simon)

Ed Fast has criss crossed the country and traveled the globe with a multitude of musical productions. He has shared the stage with a wide range of artists including Chita Rivera, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra Jr. and many more. Travels have included multiple trips throughout Asia, an appearance at Havana International Festival of Jazz in Cuba as music director for the Hartford based youth group Latin Flavor, as well as a four month stint in Moscow with 42nd Street.

Ed’s proficiency on both percussion and drumset have led him to performances that recently included appearances with orchestra at Boston’s Symphony Hall and as drummer with Birdland’s Afro – Cuban Big Band in New York.

For over 25 years Ed has written and arranged music inspired by some of the legends of the Afro Cuban genre. His band Congabop has released two recordings featuring artists including the Curtis Brothers, Larry Coryell, Steve Davis, and legendary Conguero Bill Fitch.

In addition to appearing at major jazz festivals and events in the area, Ed is equally pleased and enthusiastic to share Congabop’s afro cuban style rep with younger musicians. For years the band Congabop has served as an introduction and opportunity for many up and coming artists to gain valuable experience, knowledge, and hone their skills.

Ed Fast & Congabop work in a format that ranges from a classic quintet featuring vibraphone, to a nine piece unit including a three horn frontline, vocals, and dancer. Most recently Congabop has featured vocalist Yolanda Coggins and world renowned percussionist Anthony Carrillo to convey the excitement and energy of this unique band to audiences throughout the region.

Melissa Aldana – saxophone
Hatsune Hirakura – piano
Timothy Johnson – guitar
Charlie Lincoln – acoustic bass
Christian Napolean – drums

Still in her 20’s, Chilean saxophonist and composer Melissa Aldana has had a remarkably rapid evolution from 6-year-old sax prodigy to, “bold new talent,” (NPR) widely considered one of the most compelling tenor saxophonists on the scene. As a child, Aldana studied with her renowned saxophonist father Marcos Aldana. In 2007 she moved to Boston to enroll at Berklee, coming under the mentorship of George Garzone. In 2013 she became the first female instrumentalist and the first South American ever to win the Thelonious Monk Competition. She is also a recipient of the Martin E. Segal Award from Lincoln Center and a double recipient of the Altazor Award, Chile’s prestigious national arts prize. Melissa has released four recordings as a leader, most recently, “Back Home.”

Sanah Kadoura – drums
Tivon Pennicott – sax
Nitzan Gavrieli – piano
Nick Morrison – bass

Electrifying Lebanese-Canadian drummer, Sanah Kadoura has received a Diploma, Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree in Jazz performance. Sanah has performed and toured the world with masters of the music as well as young up and comers. Sanah has shared the stage with the legendary Kirk Lighstey (Dexter Gordon, Sonny Stitt, Chet Baker), Philip Harper (Art Blakey), Ed Cherry (Dizzy Gillespie), Mark Whitfield (Herbie Hancock), Joe Locke, Pat Bianchi, Tivon Pennicott, Roy Hargrove, Sullivan Fortner, among many others.

Nick Finzer – trombone
Lucas Pino – tenor sax and bass clarinet
Alex Wintz – guitar
Glenn Zaleski – piano
Dave Baron – bass
Jimmy Macbride – drums

Nick Finzer is one of the most dynamic musicians of the millennial generation. An award-winning composer, arranger, producer, educator and trombonist, Finzer is bringing the joy and power of Jazz to traditional fans and the most modern 21st century audiences. He’s on a mission to be a passionate voice defining the sound of Jazz in this age while also bringing street cred to the trombone with a bold, tight sound.

Born into the musical world (Mom Sherry Finzer is an international flutist), Finzer developed a fascination for the music of Duke Ellington and found himself, in high school, performing at the annual Essentially Ellington competition of Jazz at Lincoln Center. It was then that he decided to pursue a life in music himself. His budding talent was recognized by Wycliffe Gordon who began a mentorship by writing four pieces for the young Finzer while he attended the Eastman School of Music. Nick went on to get his masters at Juilliard’s prestigious Jazz program where he was mentored by trombone legend Steve Turre.

In 2011 Nick was the winner of the Eastern Trombone Workshop’s National Jazz Trombone Competition and was a finalist in the 2010 International Trombone Association’s Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition.

Two tracks appearing on Nick’s debut album “Exposition” (Outside in Music) garnered Finzer a pair of accolades: The prestigious American Society of Composers and Performers (ASCAP)’s Herb Alpert Award for young composers (2013 & 2015)

Famed trombonist and mentor Wycliffe Gordon called Finzer “a new voice [in] the pantheon of upcoming trombone greats in the making” and added “Nick’s CD is a glowing example of things to come.”

When away from NYC, Finzer can be found touring the globe not only with his own projects, but as part of Anat Cohen’s Tentet, teaching workshops and masterclasses, and appearing with YouTube sensation Postmodern Jukebox. Finzer has joined the group on television, in viral videos with millions of views, and on tours across North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

Finzer has performed at top jazz clubs, festivals and concert halls with Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the Newport Jazz Festival with Anat Cohen, Lucas Pino’s No Net Nonet, Ryan Truesdell’s Gil Evans Project, the Grammy Award Winning Dafnis Prieto Big Band, Bob Stewart’s Double Quartet, Frank Wess, Terrell Stafford, Lewis Nash, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Walt Weiskopf, Slide Hampton, Frank Kimbrough, Carl Allen, Steve Turre and many more.

While not performing, Nick can be found on his YouTube channel sharing weekly videos on topics ranging from live performances, to new arrangements, and educational videos. Nick’s media company and jazz record label Outside in Music is poised to take the jazz recording industry firmly into the next century. Outside in Music produces audio and video content for some of jazz’s rising stars from around the globe; as well as connecting brands to the jazz artist’s passionate fan-bases.

Nick also has a firm commitment to education and developing the next generation of musicians and music lovers. 2018 saw Nick’s appointment as the inaugural Assistant Professor of Jazz Trombone at the legendary University of North Texas (home of the very first degree in jazz studies). Finzer serves as the Artistic Director and co-founder of the Institute for Creative Music; a non-profit dedicated to exploring improvisation and creativity for musicians and audiences of all levels. From 2014-2016, Nick served as the Visiting Professor of Jazz Trombone at Florida State University. Nick published his first book in 2013 Get Ahead (A Practical Guide for the Developing Jazz Trombonist) and relaunched that book as an interactive online course in June of 2017. Nick also curates an online Virtual Studio where students can engage with weekly video content to bring their playing to the next level.

Wallace Roney – trumpet
Emilio Modeste – saxophone
Oscar Williams – piano
Paul Caffari – bass
Eric Allen or Kojo Roney – drums

Wallace Roney earned the admiration and respect of his colleagues and his elders since age 16. He has been an integral part of the band with Tony Williams, Ornette Coleman, Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Walter Davis Jr., Herbie Hancock, Jay McShann, David Murray, McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, Curtis Fuller, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Dizzy Gillespie to name a few. He was one of the few musicians in his generation who learned and perfected his craft directly from alliances with Jazz Masters. But his most important and meaningful relationship was with Miles Davis.

Wallace was mentored by Miles Davis after Miles heard him in 1983 at his birthday gala performance in Carnegie Hall. Their association peaked when Miles chose Wallace to share the stage at his historic performance in Montreux in 1991. After Davis died, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams and Roney banded together and toured the world in tribute.