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John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument (JY-17 for short) is the long-standing passion project of trombonist and composer John Yao featuring his original compositions and arrangements which explore the boundaries of harmony, color, texture and rhythm. The 17-piece ensemble is comprised of New York City’s finest jazz musicians including members of Grammy- award winning ensembles such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, both of which Yao has been a regular substitute for many years. Yao’s compositions and arrangements are post-bop, experimental and aim to explore new sounds for big band. “At times angular and broken, other times linear and swinging, he offers a broad view of the possibilities of jazz composition,” says Jim McNeely of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Downbeat says, "[Flip-Flop] showcased Yao's unpredictable compositions and inventive arrangements, which spring from tradition while pointing toward future portals."

Jerome Harris - guitar
Roberta Piket - organ/piano
Kirk Driscoll - drums

Lafayette Harris - piano
Sam Bevan - Bass
Kirk Driscoll - drums

Troy Roberts - sax
Kirk Driscoll - drums
Organ - TBA

Charlie Apicella - guitar
Gene Ghee - tenor sax
Brad Whiteley - organ
Austin Walker - drums

Charlie Apicella - guitar
Anthony Nelson, Jr. - tenor sax
James Stewart - tenor sax
Brad Whiteley - organ
Austin Walker - drums

Charlie Apicella - guitar
Brad Whiteley - organ
Austin Walker - drums

Charlie Apicella - guitar
Brad Whiteley - organ
Austin Walker - drums

Record Release of the Duo Recording Return to Shore with Kate Baker in Vic Juris. The concert will be a tribute to Vic Juris. Guitar Paul Bolenbeck, Bass Jay Anderson , Vocal Kate Baker and Violin Sara Caswell and drums Tim Horner

Monty Croft (vibraphone, keys and vocals)
Stanley Banks (bass)
Kirk Driscoll (drums)