Memphis-born bassist, composer, and educator Rodney Jordan is best known for his long-running work alongside pianist Marcus Roberts and vocalist René Marie.

BIO

Memphis-born bassist, composer, and educator, Rodney Jordan, is perhaps best known for his work accompanying pianist Marcus Roberts and vocalist René Marie. His Quintet is composed of GRAMMY award-winning Ranky Tanky drummer, Quentin E. Baxter, pianist Louis Heriveaux, Melvin Jones on trumpet, and saxophonist, Mark Sterbank.

Of their new album, “Memphis Blue”, Jordan says it is “dedicated to the soulful people of Memphis,” and it is “not a typical blues recording, but every piece has that thread running thought it. There’s an optimism in the way we play that embodies the blues spirit.”

Memphis Blue pays homage to jazz greats Art Blakey and Roy Hargrove as well as honoring standards as “Autumn Leaves”. The album is a relaxed, grooving sojourn into the heart of the blues and is attributed to Jordan’s birthplace and his many mentors from Memphis. savannahjazz.org

Three-time GRAMMY nominated saxophonist and composer Troy Roberts is one of the most in-demand touring and recording artists of his generation. An Australian-born, New York City-based musician, Roberts has lent his sound to recordings by Joey DeFrancesco, Van Morrison, Kurt Elling, Veronica Swift, and Jeff “Tain” Watts, among many others. As a prolific leader with sixteen releases to his name, his latest project Green Lights features John Patitucci and Paul Bollenback. Roberts balances a busy schedule performing with his quartet, his original project Nu-Jive, and collaborating with some of the most celebrated artists in jazz today.

BIO

Troy Roberts Saxophonist & Composer Embracing his love for a vast variety of stylistic genres, three-time GRAMMY nominated saxophonist, Troy Roberts is quickly becoming one of the most widely recorded touring artists of his time. As a go-to first call saxophonist, his name adorns several essential recordings ranging from the legendary Joey DeFrancesco, the iconic Van Morrison, the quintessential Jeff “Tain” Watts, the tireless Orrin Evans Captain Black Big Band, the critically acclaimed Kurt Elling, the breathtaking Veronica Swift, to numerous other jazz veterans, and newcomers considered tastemakers of their generation.

Roberts, a New York City based Australian immigrant, is also a prolific leader with sixteen releases to his name. Currently celebrating his latest, Green Lights (featuring John Patitucci, Paul Bollenback and Jimmy Macbride), Roberts maintains a busy recording and performance schedule with his quartet, his original project Nu-Jive, as well as some of the greatest artists of today. troyroberts.com

Chris Hazelton is one of today’s foremost Hammond B-3 organists, known for his soulful groove and deep command of soul-jazz. His discography spans funk-driven ensemble work and straight-ahead jazz, earning global praise for its energy, precision, and unmistakable groove.

BIO

Chris Hazelton is one of today’s foremost Hammond B-3 organists, known for his soulful groove, impeccable touch, and deep command of the soul-jazz tradition. A lifelong Kansas Citian, Hazelton studied under two giants of the instrument: local legend Everette DeVan and the iconic Dr. Lonnie Smith. Their influence continues to shape his approach, blending gospel, hard bop, and funk into a sound both rooted and forward-looking.

Hazelton performs widely with his own organ groups and is a featured member of acclaimed soul collective The Freedom Affair as well as British rhythm & blues outfit The James Hunter Six. Whether laying down gritty grooves or swinging with finesse, Hazelton brings an unmistakable voice on the B-3 to every project he touches.

In the classroom, Hazelton serves as the applied organ instructor at his alma mater, Kansas City Kansas Community College, where he teaches on DeVan’s personal Hammond B-3 organ—passing on the lineage of the instrument with reverence and authenticity. He is also the music director at St. James United Methodist Church at 55th & Paseo, where his playing continues to inspire and uplift each week.

Hazelton’s discography includes both funk-driven ensemble work and straight-ahead jazz, showcasing his range as a performer, bandleader, and composer. His projects have earned critical praise around the globe for their energy, precision, and unmistakable groove.

Offstage, Chris is a devoted husband and father. He lives in Kansas City with his wife, Erica Hazelton, and their two children, Evelyn and Jaxon.

Kentucky-born pianist Jon Cowherd studied jazz piano and improvisation under the great Ellis Marsalis at Loyola University in New Orleans. He is best known as a core member of the Brian Blade Fellowship, contributing to landmark recordings including Season of Changes and Mama Rosa on Verve Records. As a producer, Cowherd has helmed albums for Lizz Wright and Alyssa Graham. His debut album as a leader, Mercy, released in 2013 on ArtistShare, features Brian Blade, John Patitucci, and Bill Frisell, and was praised as a masterclass in musical connection, conception, and warmth.

BIO

Cowherd was born and raised in Kentucky. Born to a trombone player (father) and classically trained violinist (mother), both of whom were also educators, Cowherd began piano lessons at the age of five and trumpet and violin lessons at ten years of age. Cowherd began music at an early age singing, playing the piano, French horn and violin. He moved to New Orleans to attend Loyola University, where he studied jazz piano and improvisation under Ellis Marsalis, John Mahoney, and Steve Masakowski.

The Brian Blade Fellowship album Season of Changes was released around 2008. Cowherd also worked with Brian Blade in his debut singer-songwriter album Mama Rosa, which was released in 2009 on Verve Records. As a producer, Cowherd has overseen albums by Lizz Wright, Alyssa Graham and The Local NYC. Cowherd’s debut album as a leader, Mercy, was released in 2013 on ArtistShare.

It features Brian Blade, John Patitucci, and Bill Frisell. Reviewing the album for allaboutjazz, John Kelman wrote: “With music this well-conceived and a band so telepathically connected, it may have taken Cowherd a long time to release an album under his own name, but with Mercy as the result, it’s been well worth the wait; hopefully there won’t be such a long one for the follow-up.”

Drummer, composer, artist, poet, and nature mystic, Ra Kalam Bob Moses has spent a lifetime pursuing mastery across a multiplicity of art forms. As both a leader and a celebrated sideman, Moses brings a rare combination of visionary creativity, deep rhythmic intuition, and soulful spirit to every performance. His music is a continuous quest for growth, compassion, and artistic truth.

BIO

Drummer, composer, artist, poet, and nature mystic, Ra Kalam Bob Moses has spent a lifetime pursuing mastery across a multiplicity of art forms. His extraordinary career spans collaborations with some of the greatest names in jazz and beyond, including Pat Metheny, Charles Mingus, Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, Jaco Pastorius, Gary Burton, Dave Holland, Bill Frisell, Pharoah Sanders, and many others. As both a leader and a celebrated sideman, Moses brings a rare combination of visionary creativity, deep rhythmic intuition, and soulful spirit to every performance. His music is a continuous quest for growth, compassion, and artistic truth.

Oregon-based guitarist, vocalist, and composer John Storie is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Oregon and a member of the award-winning New West Guitars. A headliner at major international festivals and venues, Storie has toured with Melissa Manchester, Ann Hampton Callaway, and Sarah McKenzie.

BIO

John Storie is an Oregon-based guitarist, vocalist, bandleader, arranger, and composer. He is Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Oregon. As a headliner for major international festivals and venues, he also performs with the award-winning New West Guitars. John’s current tours include Melissa Manchester, Ann Hampton Callaway, Sarah McKenzie, and his own quartet.

In 2019, John released a new project featuring pianist Josh Nelson called “Ponderosa”. This album features Storie also as a vocalist, with his own songs and covers ranging from Woody Guthrie to Sergio Mendes. In 2017, John recorded on Gwen Stefani’s album You Make it Feel Like Christmas which topped the Billboard charts at #1 holiday album. In 2018, the reissue of the same album, also topped the Billboard holiday charts, as well as placed for ads such as Starbucks and Target, and in 2024 the single You Make it Feel Like Christmas went RIAA Platinum.

From 2012-2025 John was a member of Jeff Goldblum’s Mildred Snitzer Orchestra performing globally and with guest artists such as Miley Cyrus, Inara George, Gregory Porter, Sharon Van Etten, Sarah Silverman, and others. John released 4 albums with Jeff on the Decca and Verve Records labels, with all albums topping the Billboard Jazz Charts and iTunes Music Charts. John performed with Jeff on BBC, NBC, CBS, and ABC television with appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Late Late Show and The Today Show.

Nashville-born guitarist, composer, and educator Steve Kovalcheck brings a diverse musical background to everything he does. Though his roots are in rock, he discovered jazz in his late teens and never looked back, going on to perform with Jeff Hamilton, Joey DeFrancesco, Terrell Stafford, Danny Gottlieb, Chris Potter, and many others. Colorado-based since 2007, Kovalcheck serves on faculty at the DownBeat award-winning jazz studies department at the University of Northern Colorado. He remains active as a performer nationally and internationally, with several original recording projects underway that explore the intersection of jazz, blues, country, and rock.

BIO

Guitarist/composer/educator Steve Kovalcheck has a diverse musical background. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Kovalcheck grew up in a rich musical environment. While his roots are in hard rock, he became interested in jazz in his late teens, and has gone on to work with well known artists including Jeff Hamilton, Joey DeFrancesco, Terrell Stafford, Grammy Award winner Howard Levy, Jeff Coffin, Pat Bianchi, Lewis Nash, Danny Gottlieb, Adam Nussbaum, Chris Potter, Nicholas Payton, and Ingrid Jensen, to name a few. Outside of the jazz world, Kovalcheck has worked with artists including Robinella and the C.C. String Band, Carrie Rodriguez., Tommy Sims, Charles “Wigg” Walker, and many others. While Kovalcheck’s main focus has been on jazz guitar and jazz education, he maintains an active involvement in rock, blues, funk, pop, country, and bluegrass styles on the guitar.

While having worked professionally in Nashville and New York, Kovalcheck has called Colorado home since
2007. He is active as a performer in Colorado, across the US, and internationally, having performed in China, Sweden, France, and Romania. While in Colorado, Kovalcheck serves on the faculty for the DownBeat award-winning jazz studies department at the University of Northern Colorado where he teaches guitar, jazz improvisation, small jazz ensembles, jazz composition, and rhythm section master class.

He is also active giving clinics nationally and internationally.
Kovalcheck has a number of exciting creative projects to look out for in the coming months (planned releases in late 2020/early 2021). He has two recordings under his own name that will be released shortly including Ghost Orchid, a swinging quartet recording of all original music performed by some of Colorado’s finest jazz musicians; Paul Romaine on drums, Peter Sommer on tenor sax, and Ken Walker on bass. At the same time, he has a new trio recording that is a step in a different artistic direction. This recording, Nine Mile Hill, is a musical homage to Kovalcheck’s roots in Nashville. Blending country, blues, rock, and jazz influences, this recording features the drummer Danny Gottlieb (Pat Metheny Group, Gary Burton) and bassist Jon Hamar (Jeff Hamilton trio/Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra).

While excited about sharing his original music, Kovalcheck is proud to be a part of a number of group projects including Infinite Kinship, a quartet featuring some of Nashville’s finest jazz musicians; Don Aliquo on tenor sax, Jim Ferguson on bass and vocals, and Jim White on drums. This group just released their debut album, The Un-Evangelical Blues, this past summer. Along with White on drums, Kovalcheck has also recorded a two guitar project with guitarist Dave Devine (Brian Blade Fellowship, Ron Miles) and bassist Greg Garrison (Leftover Salmon, Punch Brothers). This recording includes original compositions from both guitarists as well a number of unique covers. This record is expected to be released in early 2021.

Finally, Kovalcheck has been playing with the funky Denver-based jazz group Free Bear; a collective of some of the younger stars of the Denver jazz scene. Their first recording is expected to be released in early 2021 as well.

Seleno “Sal” Crocker is a rare breed: an award-winning saxophonist and a professional airline pilot, both at the same time. Born in New York City and raised in Memphis, Sal picked up the tenor saxophone at age ten and never looked back. His career has taken him to stages alongside The Temptations, Kenny Loggins, Freddie Hubbard, and many more. Deeply influenced by John Coltrane, Grover Washington, and Michael Brecker, Sal brings a soulful, intellectual depth to every performance. He currently studies with Grammy winner Bob Mintzer in Los Angeles, with jazz firmly at the center of his life’s work.

BIO

Seleno “Sal” Crocker manages TWO very successful careers during one lifetime. Along with being an award-winning Saxophonist, this artist also serves as a successful major airline pilot for the last 27 years. Yes, Sal has managed to equally master his Mark VI and the Airbus at the same time. Growing up, Sal always had a desire to fly but, once he picked up the saxophone at age 10, he defined his two passions: Flying and the Saxophone. So, instead of choosing one career over the other, he decided to tackle them both, simultaneously.

Born in New York City October 29, 1965, Sal moved to Memphis at the early age of four. While growing up in Memphis, the musical city exposed him to a rich heritage of music covering a broad and wide spectrum.

At 10 years old, Sal began playing the tenor saxophone under the direction of noted saxophonist and studio musician Jim “JT” Terry. JT set the bar extremely high for Sal at a young age. He worked tirelessly developing a diligent work ethic that would afford him the luxury of having two parallel careers.

In the process of mastering his studies as a musician and airline pilot, at the tender age of 18, Sal reunited with his father musically on jazz festivals and cruises. He performed on the same billing with many greats such as Freddie Hubbard, Lou Donaldson, Etta James, Gerald Albright, Arthur Prysock, Charles Erlin and many more. Over the coming
years, Sal found himself wearing many musical genre hats; performing music from R&B and pop to gospel to jazz. He played with artist such as the Diamonds, Marvels, Angels, Platters, The Temptations, James Williams, Phineas Newborn, Mulgrew Miller,
Dinah Shore, Kenny Loggins and more, but realized jazz was his true passion.

“| have a lot to prove musically now that I’m giving music my undivided attention this late in the game” he states. “I don’t want people to view me as a great pilot with a saxophone hobby. | want people to recognize that | am a great saxophonist who just happens to be a pilot. | have dedicated my entire life to the craft of music”.

Sal Crocker has been characterized as a blend of soul and intellect. Jimmy Heath states, “Sal has the sound of music. He knows the meaning of music.”

His music brings a wealth of soulful, spiritual and intellectual insights from a unique place. This is evident through his performances, where he frequently draws from his influences such as Bob Mintzer, Grover Washington, John Coltrane, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Dexter Gordon, Michael Brecker, Miles Davis, Eliane Elias, Don Grolnic, Joe Henderson and Kenny Garrett just to name a few.

Currently Sal studies with Grammy Award Winner and Yellow Jackets saxophonist Bob Mintzer in Los Angeles, CA who is also head of Jazz Studies at University of Southern California.