The Trio
The Julien Kasper Band
"Even though this isn't jazz in the traditional sense, we are all experienced jazz musicians. No tune is ever the same from one night to the next."
The Trio
"Even though this isn't jazz in the traditional sense, we are all experienced jazz musicians. No tune is ever the same from one night to the next."
Guitar
A guitarist who has spent his career dissolving the boundaries between genres — channeling rock's intensity, jazz's imagination, and the deep truth of the blues into a voice unmistakably his own.
Born in France in 1962 to American parents, Kasper grew up moving around the American South. He picked up the guitar at age eight, and by sixteen was already touring professionally. After earning degrees from the University of Miami and University of North Texas, he has spent over 20 years as a professor at Berklee College of Music.
His playing channels the fiery expressionism of Jimi Hendrix, the harmonic sophistication of John Scofield, the emotional power of Jeff Beck, and the sudden fury of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, often within the same composition. Whether composing or improvising, his goal remains constant: to keep the tone true, the energy alive, and let the music tell its own story.
Drums
"Zac and I had an instant rapport," says Julien Kasper about this melodic and articulate drummer.
Casher's ability to create personal and commanding grooves in a variety of styles makes him one of the most sought-after drummers in the New England area. A Berklee College alumnus, his versatility spans blues, jazz, rock, and beyond.
His credits include performing and recording with Mighty Sam McClain (Telarc), Scott Shetler and Michelle Willson (Rounder), touring with Imani Coppola (Columbia Records), Ben Swift (Acoustic Arts Prod.) and Johnny Adams (Rounder), and performing with The Ken Clark Organ Trio (Severn Records).
Zac has also produced and performed his own original rock project, Naked Wednesday (JZM Records).
Bass
A fantastic electric and acoustic bassist, the consummate professional musician.
Jesse Williams has toured extensively all over the globe and has recorded on five records with Duke Robillard, as well as with such artists as Paul Rishell and Annie Rains, Toni Lynn Washington, Ronnie Earl, Jimmy McGriff, Michelle Wilson, and Bruce Katz.
His extensive credits demonstrate a remarkable versatility and deep understanding of American roots music in all its forms. Jesse's rock-solid foundation and melodic sensibility make him the perfect anchor for the trio's improvisational explorations.
His tone is unique, his talent for melody is phenomenal and his band tighter than most working groups today... Kasper gives us a sound we can't help but listen to.
Jazzreview.com