Hosted by Johnny Souza. This is truly a jazz “Super Group” who have recently been rehearsing together. Their appearance at the Spire is highly anticipated and will be one of their first in public. When we asked how to bill the band, George said “Los Animales” so that will give you an idea as to the confidence & energy you can expect from this performance or maybe that refers to a Latin tinge? Not to be missed!

George Garzone – Boston-based tenor saxophonist George Garzone is considered one of the giants of modern improvisation.  A veteran jazzman, George Garzone has appeared on over 20 recordings with the top names in jazz. Garzone is also one of the leading jazz educators in the country and has published many important improvisation methods. “I’m not the master of the saxophone, George Garzone is.” —Michael Brecker

Jay Azzolina – Grammy nominated guitarist/composter Jay Azzolina has been part of the New York Jazz scene for the past three decades. Jay’s associations include Herbie Mann, Jaco Pastorius, Harvie S, Spyro Gyra, Dave Samuels, Kenny Werner, Chuck Mangione, Ron McClure, Randy Brecker, Jerry Bergonzi and John Patitucci. Jay has also been a recurring accompanist for singers Michael Franks, Donna Summer, Rickie Lee Jones, The Manhattan Transfer and Sheila Jordan.

Dave Zinno - A native of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Dave is a top call jazz bassist and has performed with artists such as Dianne Schuur, Walter Booker, Jr., Jimmy Cobb, Junior Cook, John Hicks, John Medeski, and Larry Willis. He has performed on Broadway, in shows such as Sugar Babies and An Evening with Michael Feinstein. These days, he teaches at Brown University and is well known in the Providence-Boston jazz scene where he plays with regional and national artists of international reputation.
Rafael Barata - Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rafael Barata is a self-taught drummer based in NY. He has played and recorded with many impressive artists such as Kenny Barron, Milton Nascimento, Lins and Eliane Elias, who he worked with on a Grammy award winning album. Rafael tours all around the world with several projects including Eliane Elias Quartet, Cello Samba lately with the multi awarded artist Dianne Reeves.