Fri May 15
"Like his better-known contemporaries John Scofield & Bill Frisell, Sawyer was weaned on the Beatles, the blues & ‘Bird’. You can hear it in everything he plays, a new kind of guitarspeak comprised of pop, improv and sounds never before heard. It is a language Sawyer uses with authority.” – Joe Vanderford
Scott Sawyer displays his musical diversity like a badge of honor, re-visiting his blues & rock roots while continuing to explore the jazz tradition & beyond. He’s performed Central America, Asia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. He has shared the stage and/or recorded with many artists of note, including John Abercrombie, Charlie Byrd, David Murray, Philip Morris Superband, Nnenna Freelon and Kate McGarry, to name a very few. Sawyer has appeared on 45+ recordings (6 as a leader) spanning a range of genres. His latest albumn “Night Songs” was released in 2023. He teaches at the Durham Jazz Workshop.
Rick Bugel is a versatile bassist equally at home in many styles of music, performing on both upright and electric bass. He is a longtime member of the nationally touring Americana band Yarn, which has been together for 19 years and recorded 12 albums, performing at festivals and premier venues across the United States. Rick earned his undergraduate degree from the The Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the University of Hartford and completed his master’s degree at New York University. He lived in New York City for 10 years, appearing at renowned venues including Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Blue Note, and Smoke Jazz & Supper Club. He now resides in Raleigh. Above all, Rick brings a deep love of the bass to every performance.
Iajhi Hampden has shared stages and rubbed elbows with some of the hottest stars and legends in the music industry. He has toured or recorded with Raphael Saadiq, Aly & A.J., Macy Gray, John Legend, Engelbert Humperdink, Everlast, and Nikka Costa to name a few.
Scott Sawyer - guitar
Rick Bugel - bass
Iahji Hampden - drums