Eric “Benny” Bloom is best known as the trumpet player for the high energy, touring band Lettuce, but he is a versatile musician interested in a wide variety of styles. On Friday night, he brings his local jazz ensemble to Chickie Wah Wah. The band features Kyle Roussel on keys, Jamison Ross on drums, and Jasen Weaver on bass.
Roussel first appeared on TVD’s radar playing with the venerable Dirty Dozen Brass Band. In an interview a couple of years back, the Dozen’s leader, Gregory Davis, praised Roussel for his youthful energy and focus. His first album as a leader won praise across the board for his inventive songs.
Jamison Ross is a drummer and vocalist par excellence who matriculated through the Jazz Studies program at Florida State University, got his masters at the University of New Orleans, and won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition for drums in 2012. He is as formidable as a vocalist as he is as a drummer. His debut album was nominated for a Grammy.
Jasen Weaver graduated from UNO in Jazz Studies in 2012 and is regarded as one of the best of the up and coming bassists in the city. He has played with many of the greats including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Herlin Riley, Wes Anderson, Donald Harrison, Ellis Marsalis, Jason Marsalis, and Delfeayo Marsalis’s Uptown Jazz Orchestra. His debut album is due soon.
What I like about this band is the fact that each of the players represents the latest direction jazz is taking in New Orleans. Each of these musicians is better known as a sideman, but they all lead their own ensembles. It will be great to hear them playing together.
Show time is 10 PM. Buku Bronx opens at 8 PM.
