Evening worship with contemporary prose, poetry, scripture reading and amazing jazz music in our church lounge this time featuring The Ardie Walser Group.
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.
Earl Sauls - Bass
Bassist Earl Sauls has developed an original and highly musical approach to his instrument. During a career that has spanned over four decades, he has played with some of the all-time jazz greats, including Stan Getz, Pepper Adams, Howard McGhee, Woody Herman, Warren Vache, Warne Marsh, Chuck Wayne and many others. Noted for his fine sound he is featured on recordings by Joshua Breakstone, Rob Reich, Peter Prisco and others.
Meet Steve Ash, the Jazz Maestro...
He's one of New York City’s most in demand jazz pianists, originally hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, he has been mesmerizing audiences for over 40 years with his exceptional talent and passion for jazz.
Steve's musical journey began at 8 years old, with classical piano lessons. Inspired by his older brother to play by ear, he later refined his skills more formally at Indiana University, earning a bachelor's degree in Jazz Piano. Over his illustrious career, Steve has played with an impressive roster of jazz legends, including Frank Wess, Jon Hendricks, Kurt Elling, Lew Tabackin, Chuck Israels, Sheila Jordan, Jimmy Cobb, Louis Hayes, Eddie Harris, Warren Vaché, Harry Allen, Joe Magnarelli, Annie Ross, Mel Lewis, and Vernell Fournier.
NYC's Best-Kept Secret...
A regular performer at New York City's iconic jazz clubs, including Smalls, Mezzrow, Django, and Ornithology, Steve has become a beloved figure in the jazz community. He has also graced the stages of renowned venues such as The Village Vanguard, The Blue Note, Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, Birdland, Smoke Jazz and Supper Club, and The Jazz Gallery.
Steve is a favorite of those in the know - the ultimate sideman, and an extremely fine trio pianist.
A Global Ambassador for Jazz...
In 2004, Steve was honored by The Kennedy Center and The U.S. State Department, and was selected to tour West Africa and France as part of The Jazz Ambassadors program. His global performances include The Bern Jazz Festival in 2001, The Caesarea Jazz Festival in 2006, and The New Mexico Jazz Festival in 2012.
To the Silver Screen...
His talent extends beyond the stage, with his piano skills featuring in the movie “Evening” (2007), where he accompanies Claire Danes on “Time After Time” and performs a solo rendition of “Pretend” on the soundtrack.
Steve Ash is a respected jazz musician and global ambassador for the genre. His discography includes acclaimed albums such as "You And The Night" and "Once I Loved," as well as collaborations like Warren Vaché’s “Swingtime” and The Neal Miner Sextet's “The Evening Sound.” See below for full discography, and links to listen!
Jarrett D. Walser - Drummer, Composer, Educator
Jarrett Walser is a musician who brings a vibrant sensitivity, rich nuance, and expressive style to the drums. His ease and versatility in several genres (jazz, rock, R&B, funk) make him a highly sought-after drummer. As a band member of Billy Carrión’s, Higher Standards; Lance Bryant & SHOUT!; Sacred Machines; U.L.T.R.A. S.; and Vethaken; you can hear the infusion of those styles on display.
At the age of three, what started as a curious, playful orchestration on pots and pans grew into a passion. Jarrett’s first love has always been jazz. This allure continued at age 11 when he began studying at NJPAC TD Jazz for Teens program in 2001. After his studies at NJPAC, he continued to pursue his passion for music at Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he received his B.A. (2012) and M.M. (2017) in Jazz Performance. Jarrett has made a career playing with various artists over a wide variety of genres, from jazz to rock to theater. Some notable artists Jarrett has performed with include bassist Rufus Reid and Kenny Davis, trumpeters Valery Ponomarev and Eddie Allen, vocalist Carla Cook, and Chico Freeman, to name a few.
When not performing, Jarrett is an educator at The Whitney E. Houston Academy of Creative and Performing Arts, NJPAC, and His & Her Music, where he shares his love of music and inspires the next generation of young artists.