2023-2024 AGAR AMHERST JAVA & JAZZ
JULY
J&J CONCERT
J&J CONCERT
Lew Taylor Jazz
Saturday, July 29, 2023
6-8 pm
Live at Second Stage | Amherst
194 2nd Street, Amherst, VA 24521
Lew Taylor Jazz Is a keyboard-based jazz trio delivering an entertaining mix of traditional jazz standards and jazz classics, along with humorous story songs and audience interactions.
Led by keyboardist and vocalist Lew Taylor, with veteran drummer Larry Scott and Charlottesville-based bassist Bob Bowen, the trio will perform selections from artists as diverse as Frank Sinatra, Herbie Hancock, Fats Waller, Chick Corea, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, and more!
Led by keyboardist and vocalist Lew Taylor, with veteran drummer Larry Scott and Charlottesville-based bassist Bob Bowen, the trio will perform selections from artists as diverse as Frank Sinatra, Herbie Hancock, Fats Waller, Chick Corea, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, and more!
Lew Taylor is a native of Lynchburg and whether during his tenure with the USAF Band, touring the USA as a journeyman musician, leading bands on the cruise ship circuit, or participating in the local community jazz orchestra, he has always remained close to his Central VA roots. Lew is highly regarded and well respected as a player and leader among his peers and spends his professional time performing, composing, sound and synthesizer program editing, teaching and traveling. He is the father of one son who currently serves in the USAF.
Bob Bowen, originally from McLean, Va., has lived in Charlottesville since 1999 where he currently teaches. He also has been an adjunct teacher for Charlottesville City Schools, and at Bridgewater College, Mary Baldwin College, Southern Virginia University, and Washington and Lee University. He has performed as an orchestra bassist with several orchestras and with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra since 2001 and at the Greenbrier Resort since 1996 and Homestead Resort since 1997. As a bass player he has performed and recorded with many jazz artists including guitarist Royce Campbell, Hod & Stephanie O’Brien, and Vince Lewis.
Larry Scott began playing professionally with the band The Dyna-Tones, performing in clubs and colleges in Lynchburg, Farmville, Bedford, Greensboro, NC, and several venues in PA. It was during this time that the Dyna-Tones opened for Kool and the Gang and served as back-up band for comedian Wild Man Steve. Larry studied at the VCU Community Music School in 1974 and from 1976-1980 traveled throughout the United States with various bands. From 1981-83 Larry traveled with the Vikki Austin Show performing at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, as well as Puerto Rican and Aruba casinos. He also performs with The Lenny Marcus Trio as well as numerous Jazz and Pop groups in Central and Southwest Virginia.
Presented by AGAR
in collaboration with
Second Stage | Amherst
and Baine’s Books & Coffee
Series Curated by Ernest Deane
AUGUST
J&J CONCERT
Isaac Williams
Ensemble
Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023
6-8 pm
Live at Second Stage | Amherst
194 2nd Street, Amherst, VA 24521
Isaac Williams, piano
Will Strickler, drums
Adam Abrams, bass
Guest Artist: Joseph Henson, saxophone
The Isaac Williams Ensemble will play “The Standards Session” for Amherst Java & Jazz at Second Stage | Amherst
Will Strickler, drums
Adam Abrams, bass
Guest Artist: Joseph Henson, saxophone
The Isaac Williams Ensemble will play “The Standards Session” for Amherst Java & Jazz at Second Stage | Amherst
“In the 1940s and 1950s” Williams said last week, “Jazz musicians from all over the country knew all the same songs, and could all play on the same level. They all could come together in a session and play the same repertory. I’m excited about our upcoming session! We have a really good group.”
Among songs to be played by the Isaac Williams Ensemble will be “This I Dig of You” by Hank Mobley, “F.S.R.” (For Sonny Rollins) by Ray Brown, “Aeregin” by Sonny Rollins and first recorded by Miles Davis, “My Heart Stood Still” by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, and “It could Happen to You” by Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen.
Among songs to be played by the Isaac Williams Ensemble will be “This I Dig of You” by Hank Mobley, “F.S.R.” (For Sonny Rollins) by Ray Brown, “Aeregin” by Sonny Rollins and first recorded by Miles Davis, “My Heart Stood Still” by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, and “It could Happen to You” by Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen.
Presented by AGAR
in collaboration with
Second Stage | Amherst
and Baine’s Books & Coffee
Series Curated by Ernest Deane