WNC Jazz Profiles

by Eddie LeShure

by Eddie LeShure Youth At Jazz, a music and mentorship program geared toward offering accessible music education to the Asheville area, is hosting its YAJ Summer Workshop from August 4-8. The Youth At Jazz Summer Workshop will be a blend of ensemble playing, music fundamentals, and Masterclasses, featuring an amazingContinue Reading

by Eddie LeShure “Nancy Simmons is a veteran singer whose impressive technique and command of a wide range of styles have made her a respected member of the Asheville music community. Her skills as a songwriter, pianist and leader of church choirs make her one of the most versatile vocalContinue Reading

by Eddie LeShure “Pavel Wlosok is a Czechoslovakian jewel gleaming in the woods at Western Carolina University. His polished versatility and professionalism in playing/composing/teaching music and in creating his photography, as well as his incredible life journey and outstanding educational accomplishments, make him shine in many directions. It’s a treatContinue Reading

written by Eddie LeShure “Ben Bjorlie is one of those rare guys who is comfortable playing any style of music, be it funk, bop, Latin, swing, big band, you name it — always with great feel and sensitivity. But regardless of the genre, he always maintains his own “voice” onContinue Reading

by Eddie LeShure “Danny is one of the most intuitive musicians I have ever known and a phenomenal bassist. He captures the essence of the music, knowing when to support the ensemble and when to step out as a soloist. The bassist has the hardest role in a jazz group.Continue Reading

by Eddie LeShure “Elise has a voice that’s as beautiful as her smile and she finds a way of bringing a child-like sense of discovery to old faithful favorites from the American songbook. While carving out a niche for herself in the Asheville music scene, she also makes plenty ofContinue Reading

by Eddie LeShure “Michael Davis is not only a fine drummer, he’s more importantly a fine musician.  He plays with great time, groove and taste while also being a very creative soloist – something very hard to do as a drummer. All of us stood up and took notice whenContinue Reading

by Eddie LeShure “Jesse has a real feeling for every song he sings and what a great instrument he has to deliver them with. While he can be compared with Johnny Hartman and other great baritones for his sound, the way he puts it across is all his own. FindingContinue Reading

“I’ve played music with Byron for over 30 years in a variety of bands. He possesses amazing skills on drums, vibraphone, tympani, and every other percussion instrument, is one of the most versatile musicians I’ve ever played with, and is extremely knowledgeable in all styles of music. I can alwaysContinue Reading