Custin Jazz Series to present the John D’earth Band at Gateway in Waynesboro

WTA’s Gateway will present its first performance of the custin jazz series on Saturday, Jan 11.  Featured will be trumpeter John D’earth and his band. The performance is at 8 pm at what was voted “the best intimate music venue in the Valley”.  WTA’s Gateway is at 329 West Main in downtown Waynesboro.

John D’earth is based in Charlottesville, but has a national reputation as a performer and composer.  He  toured with Bruce Hornsby, recorded with Miles Davis/Quincy Jones and has written music for Dave Matthews, the Kronos String Quartet, and assorted symphony orchestras. He and his band have brought their unique sound to venues like the Bakersfield Jazz Festival, Chateau Morrissette Music Festival, Starr Hill Music Hall in Charlottesville, VA, Blues Alley in Washington D.C. and the Flint Michigan Jazz Festival, among many others.  John D’earth is one of the best jazz trumpet players on the scene and a composer of visionary music by publications like Jazz- The Rough Guide and Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz.

John and his band combine imaginative songwriting with the intensity of jazz, the deep grooves of rock, funk, and Latin music, and the exploratory abandon of Miles Davis’ “lost quintet.” The result is jam-based music that is completely unique.  They cross genres with ease, and they have each distinguished themselves as jazz artists through the strength and originality of their playing. Brilliant songs and lively instrumentals provide a space which invites creative musicians into the music.

“I’ve known John D’earth for a long time, says Dave Matthews.  “John is first rate. He’s a great spirit, a great friend, and a great teacher…one of a kind.”

The custin jazz series is a sponsored program of national and regional jazz artists.  The generosity of the donor makes it possible for WTA to provide intimate performances in a jazz club setting.  Also coming in 2014 will be Kathy Kosins with “Live By Request” on April 26 and Stephanie Nakasian and the Hod O’Brien Trio on June 14.  “We are so fortunate to have a sponsor who loves jazz and the American Songbook and wants to share that music with our community,” said Clair Myers, producer of WTA’s Gateway.  “It doesn’t get better than that.”