JUSTIN VARNES - Drums and Narration 

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Justin Varnes studied drum set at the University of North Florida. After graduating with degrees in jazz studies and percussion, Justin relocated to New York City where he continued to study at the New School. Justin has performed with Mose Allison, Wesell Anderson, Kenny Barron, Ann Hampton Callaway, Victor Goines, Wycliffe Gordon, Vincent Herring, The Earl Klugh Trio, Oscar Perez, Marcus Printup, Bob Reynolds, Lew Soloff, David Sanchez, Annie Sellick, Phoebe Snow, Ira Sullivan, Christian Tamburr, and Doug Wamble. 

JOHN SANDFORT - Saxophone 

Sandfort’s musical development includes time in Chicago. There is an obvious sense of musician enjoyment in this recording as the players interact and expand the musical ideas. “When I play, if I can impart some of the feeling I get when listening to a Gene Ammons recording, or a swinging Cannonball Adderley track, I will be a happy guy”, says Sandfort. Sandfort lives in Atlanta, GA and currently plays with the Jazz Legacy Project, Joe Gransden, and Cleveland Jones. 

KEVIN SMITH - Bass 

Kevin is from Mableton, Georgia, and is based in Atlanta. He toured with Freddie Cole, Russell Gunn, Sachal Vasandani, and Dionne Farris. He received a grammy for his contributions to the Outkast album The Love Below. Kevin also plays with the Jazz Legacy Project, Joe Alterman, Karla Harris, and Cleveland Jones. He also teaches at the Atlanta Music Project and the Lovett School. 

NICK ROSEN - Piano 

A pianist, composer, and educator, Nick Rosen began his musical journey at the age of five. As his skills and talents developed, he was hired by the University of Miami to teach on the jazz faculty. Nick has performed with Roy Ayers, Wallace Roney, Curtis Fuller, Etienne Charles, Jennifer Holiday, Jamison Ross, Nathan East and others. He has toured with Russell Gunn, Dionne Farris, Col. Bruce Hampton, The Shadowboxers, Sachal Vasandani, and Rich Robinson’s Magpie Salute.