Drummer, composer and bandleader Franklin Kiermyer is known mostly for his expansive style of drumming, distinct sound and the spiritual focus of his music.

“Kiermyer plays and composes with an almost evangelical belief in jazz as a form of pure inspiration.” Entertainment Weekly

“Drummer Franklin Kiermyer is that rare jazzman – blessed with the ecstatic quality of his free-bop attack.” Rolling Stone Magazine

“Kiermyer supercharges spiritual modality … he plays with volcanic authority.” Down Beat

Saxophonist Ben Solomon, born in 1993 in Chicago, Illinois, began his musical journey at the age of ten. In 2012 Ben left school to go on tour with trumpeter Wallace Roney.

Roney was a great mentor and positive influence and the five years Ben spent with the band performing, traveling and recording had a profound effect on his growth as a person and as a musician.

Solomon has also had the great opportunity to play alongside other master musicians such as Buster Williams, Lenny White, Patrice Rushen, Gary Bartz, Ron Carter, Chick Corea, Steve Gadd and many others.

Pianist Davis Whitfield, born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1993, grew up immersed in the music. Coming from a lauded musical family, he has accomplished a lot at a young age.

While still in high school, Davis was appointed Assistant Director of the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra in New York City. Continuing his studies at Berklee, he was the recipient of their top honor, the Presidential Scholarship.

Davis has toured in the United States, France, Spain, Japan and Scandinavia. Still in his early 20’s, he already has a voice of his own on the piano.

Bassist Otto Gardner came up in the heady creativity of the loft jazz scene of 1970’s New York.

He cut his teeth with the legendary Arthur Rhames, with whom he had a close musical association for most of Rhames’ all too short career. Arthur held Otto in such high regard that he refused to use a bass player when Otto was not available.

With his unique and daring approach, Otto has the uncanny ability to make the music feel deeply rooted and swinging at the same time as very free and open. His sound is strong, warm and heartfelt.

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