Brian Marsella (keyboards) John Lee (guitar) Reid Taylor (bass) Kenny Grohowski (drums)

Line Up TBA

“Electronic Magic” - Duo with percussionist Tom Teasly and John Lee

If you don’t already know that Brian Marsella is one of the most versatile and prized keyboardists in New York’s modern “downtown” circuit, simply look at the cast of collaborators on Medietas, the sprawling 2024 album from the collective he calls iMAGiNARiUM. There’s Cyro Baptista on percussion and vocals, Meg Okura on violin, Anwar Marshall on drums, Eyal Maoz on guitar—and that’s just a sample of the dozen-plus people that sometimes form iMAGiNARiUM. The vision is as sprawling as the lineup, as Marsella’s compositions ping-pong between noisy Zappa antics and pointillist jazz as sublime as a sunrise, between nasty funk turbocharged with complicated rhythms and spectral symphonic blues laced with flute and ngoni.

As a kid in Philadelphia, from the age of 2, Marsella was a committed classical pianist, practicing eight hours a day if he wasn’t performing. But when a severe case of tendonitis sidelined him, he realized he needed to live a life outside of music, that he needed interests and experiences to inspire what he’d eventually write. iMAGiNARiUM is a testament to that very idea, its range of musical touchstones working in service to the feelings Marsella writes into these byzantine compositions for his big band: joy, beauty, absurdity, silliness, love, and sadness. There is a sense of cosmic wonder to it all, as if Marsella—truly a dazzling keyboardist, capable of summoning so many unexpected sounds from his instruments—got out to see the world, then tried to write the universe into iMAGiNARiUM.

20th Anniversary Album “Isaiah” Release Concert

Derrick Michaels - saxophones, John Lee - guitar, Mike Kuhl - drums

Experience the ultimate Rhythm Master Class at Kind of Blue, featuring legendary drummer Dennis Chambers and iconic bassist Gary Grainger, joined by special guests John Lee on guitar and Chris Fisher on keyboards. This electrifying jazz fusion event brings world-class musicianship to Hilton Head Island for one unforgettable night of high-energy grooves, masterful improvisation, and jaw-dropping performances. From thunderous rhythms to intricate melodies, this is more than a concert—it’s a front-row seat to musical excellence. Tickets are limited and will go fast, so secure yours now for what promises to be the most electric jazz fusion event of the year on the island! Shows at 6pm and 8pm

Derrick Michaels - saxophone, Eric Kennedy - drums, Dave Ballou - trumpet, John Lee - guitar

Anchored by D.C.-based guitarist, John Lee, this striking ensemble stretches the boundaries of jazz into spiritual and improvisational realms. The quartet features John Lee on guitar, Alex Weber on bass, Derrick Michaels on saxophones, and Mike Kuhl on drums and percussion.

TBA

The Murray Jazz Residency presents pianist/composer/arranger Mike Holober in a week of classes, rehearsals and concerts. Mr. Holober will present two concert. The first on Wednesday, November 19 will feature Mr. Holober with members of the Jazz/Commercial music faculty - John Lee on guitar, Dave Ballou on trumpet, Jason Rigby on saxophone, and Mike Kuhl on drums. This grammy-nominated musician has been described by DownBeat Magazine as “one of the finest modern composer/arrangers of our time.”

Proceeds benefit the TU Foundation

John Lee’s Life Cycle Quartet Led by Washington, D.C.–based composer and guitarist John Lee, the Life Cycle Quartet unites four of the region’s most accomplished jazz artists. With Eric Kennedy on drums, Jeff Reed on bass, and Dave Ballou on trumpet—all esteemed members of the Towson University jazz faculty—the ensemble delivers Lee’s original compositions with adventurous improvisation, global influences, and dynamic interplay. The group creates a compelling, forward-looking sound defined by creativity, nuance, and a seamless balance of structure and spontaneity.

The TU Jazz faculty offer their semester's recital featuring original music and fresh takes on jazz classics. The members of the ensemble will be: Jason Rigby on saxophones; Dave Ballou on trumpet; John Lee on guitar; Jeff Reed on bass; and Eric Kennedy on drum set.

Brazilian percussion virtuoso Cyro Baptista celebrates his 75th birthday with A Banquet for the Spirits, a jubilant performance that showcases his lifelong commitment to blending Brazilian rhythms with global musical traditions.

His music seamlessly blends Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Mexican, and jazz elements, often incorporating funk and avant-garde influences. Baptista's compositions are marked by their rhythmic complexity and theatrical energy, creating a vibrant, carnival-like atmosphere.

As a prolific collaborator, Baptista has worked with a diverse array of artists, including Paul Simon, Yo-Yo Ma, Herbie Hancock, Laurie Anderson, and Sting. He leads several ensembles, such as Beat the Donkey and Banquet of the Spirits, and has released numerous solo albums. His recent project, Chama, exemplifies his ability to blend traditional and contemporary sounds into a dynamic and accessible musical experience. His association with Jazz at Lincoln Center includes the 2014 tribute to the music of Moacir Santos with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Described by Wynton Marsalis as “truly one of the greatest musicians in the world,” Baptista will be joined by special guests from across his genre-bending, globe-trotting career for an evening of eclectic, high-energy music.

TBD!

John Lee’s Out of Body Quartet Derrick Michaels - sax, John Lee - guitar, Mike Kuhl - drums, Alex Weber - bass Time and details TBA

DC Jazz Fest with Tony Martucci Drums, John Lee Guitar, Luis Hernandez Sax, Tom Baldwin Bass.