Justin Ray – A Jazz Underground Sampler

The Greenville Jazz Collective Jazz Underground Series presents trumpeter and vocalist extraordinaire Justin Ray with a quartet performing “A Jazz Underground Sampler”, featuring in one concert the breadth of jazz you might hear in an entire season…plus a few surprises!

If you think a musician who plays trumpet and sings is unusual, we only have to point first to Louis Armstrong who created the template for both in jazz.  Justin Ray also builds upon the legacy of Chet Baker, who charted with both instrumentals and vocals starting in the 1950s. (Yes, and the hippest among you might also throw in Jack Sheldon…)

On top of that, Justin is an educator, composer, and arranger.  In addition to touring with Michael Buble’s band on trumpet, he also worked for him writing and arranging.  So he’s bringing 20 years of high-profile performance experience to Greenville in March!

Although Justin counts Chet Baker as an influence, this is not going to be a tribute concert (even though Justin promises at least one tune from the Chet Baker songbook).  He’s bringing originals (including at least one tune to be premiered right here at the Jazz Underground).  And his performance will feature both beautiful ballads and high energy romps.

They’ll be performing in our venue, the Coffee Underground Theater, which is an intimate listening room which also serves homemade desserts, delicious coffee from beans roasted on premises, and an assortment of teas, wine, and cocktails.