Evening worship with contemporary prose, poetry, scripture reading and amazing jazz music in our church lounge this time featuring The Ardie Walser Quartet.
Come and celebrate God as we do a new thing in the spirit of Psalm 150.
Dr. Ardie Walser as singer, pianist and songwriter, was a member of the award winning vocal trio BLACK TIE, two-time winners of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Club (MAC) Award for Outstanding Vocal Group and the winners of the Bistro Awards for Outstanding Vocal Group and Best New York Debut. With Black Tie he has shared the stage with the likes of Melba Moore at Carnegie Hall; Sylvia Sims and Ann Hampton Callaway at Town Hall; and Noel Pointer at Avery Fisher Hall; and performed on radio and appeared on a number of TV shows such as The Joan Rivers Show. He has recorded with a wide range of artists from cabaret to pop including – Jazz Composer, Anke Helfrich; Cabaret Artist, Natalie Douglas; Salsa Singer, Michael Stuart; and Salsa Star, Marc Anthony.
Dre Barnes - Jazz Pianist and Composer
Born in Philadelphia, Jazz Pianist Dre Barnes began studies in classical piano at an early age. He played in local Rhythm and Blues bands throughout high school and began playing Jazz, sitting in at local jam sessions throughout the area. Barnes attended Rutgers University where studied jazz piano with Kenny Barron who he cites as a major influence.
Furthermore, Barnes has performed with trumpeter Duane Eubanks, trumpeter Phillip Harper, Joel Frahm, and the T.S. Monk Septet, among others. Barnes has also performed with vocalists Mikki Braden , Judy Bady, and actress/vocalist Janet Huber from the popular television sitcom, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”.
In 2008 Barnes recorded his second album as a leader entitled “Wandering Spirits”, featuring the dynamic bassist Reuben Rogers and the legendary drummer Lewis Nash, showcasing his original compositions and arrangements of jazz standards from the great American songbook.
“Dre Barnes is an impressive dedicated Jazz Pianist and Composer who delivers his choice notes with a firm touch and potent rhythmic heft” Zan Stewart, The Star Ledger
“Dre Barnes’ music is the top of the walk quality Jazz piano and as such, he’s part of an august group and a wonderous tradition that’s part of an up and coming new wave of Jazz Pianists” Jazz Improv New York.
Barnes has performed with his trio and quartet at some of new York’s finest jazz clubs including Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Kitano jazz club.
Andy McKee - Bassist
Bassist Andy McKee’s unique style and hard-driving groove evolved organically from his formative years on the Philadelphia jazz scene working with the likes of Hank Mobley, Johnny Hartman, Slide Hampton and Philly Joe Jones. Moving to New York City in 1980, his musical pursuits flourished through tenure in the bands of Elvin Jones, Chet Baker, Archie Shepp, Hank Jones, Michel Petrucciani, and a longtime association with the Mingus Big Band and the Mingus Dynasty. Accomplished as a composer and band leader, Andy McKee has released the recordings “Sound Roots” and “One World” under his own name.
He is a faculty member at the New School University in New York City since 1993 and has been a guest lecturer at conservatories and clinics worldwide. His ongoing educational efforts are reflected in the method book for bassists, “Jazz Bass On Top” as well as “101 Tips for Upright Bass” both in collaboration with the Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation.
Jarrett Walser - Drums
Jarrett has worked with jazz greats like Rufus Reid, Chico Freeman and Valery Ponomarev. With a playing style equally evocative of drum masters both past and present. Jarrett blends acoustic and electronic percussive elements in Ultra S, and has penned a number of the band’s original music, reflecting a range of musical influences.