David DeJesus-Sax
Jen Allen-Piano
Andy Gravish-Trumpet
David DeJesus is a multiple Grammy Award winning saxophonist and bandleader from Brooklyn, NY who has established himself as a key player in numerous bands in various genres. In Jazz, David has performed with the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Mingus Big Band, the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, and Jimmy Heath’s Big Band along with many others. In Latin Jazz and Salsa, David has shared the stage with Ruben Blades, Larry Harlow, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Arturo O’Farrill and Tito Rodriguez Jr. Currently, David is the Director of the Birdland Big Band, a member of the Grammy nominated Bobby Sanabria Big Band, and Musical Director for legendary Ron Carter’s Great Big Band. On top of his busy performing career, David has long been involved in education. Having taught at major conservatories including Manhattan School of Music, New York University, and the New School, David is proud to currently be a Full-Time Faculty member and Head of Jazz Studies at Purchase College.
Jen Allen is a dynamic pianist, composer, author, and educator, captivating audiences worldwide with her artistry and creative vision. She frequently performs as a leader or collaborator in venues across New York, the Northeast U.S., and internationally, including appearances at the Winnipeg Jazz Festival, Cambridge Festival of the Arts, Greater Hartford Monday Night Jazz Series, and Wexford Performing Arts Centre in Ireland.
Jen has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Don Braden, Jimmy Greene, Freddie Hendrix, Camille Thurman, Nat Reeves, and Sarah Caswell. An active recording artist, her discography includes her debut album Pieces of Myself, Sifting Grace, her upcoming release Possibilities, and collaborative projects like Raise Up by Trio 149. She has also contributed to numerous other recordings as a sideman.
Her compositional work spans big bands, studio orchestras, string quartets, and small ensembles, earning her a place in the prestigious BMI Jazz Composers Workshop. Notable commissions include her 2018 residency at St. Peter’s Church (NYC) Jazz Lauds and her immersive piece Collective Breath, which integrates music, visuals, and breathwork to foster connection and reflection.
Andy Gravish launched his career with the great drummer Buddy Rich, where he played the jazz trumpet chair. During that time, Andy was featured on Buddy's album, "The Magic of Buddy Rich". This band also went on tours playing for Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughn.
Following his tenure with Buddy's band, he toured with Artie Shaw's orchestra, playing and recording with also some well established jazz groups such as the Jay Brandford Septet and Orange Then Blue.
In 1989, Andy re-located to New York City and began performing with various jazz groups such as Bill Kirchner's Nonette, The Rob Scheps Coretet, Paquito D'Rivera's Big Band, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and a four year stint with Toshiko Akiyoshi's New York Jazz Orchestra featuring Lew Tabackin. He is present on many recordings in various formats from big band to small group jazz, as well as commercial recordings and jingles.
