About this Event
Jeff Fuller - Bass
Naomi Wharry - Trombone/Vocals
Nathan Edwards - Tenor Saxophone
Jen Allen - Piano
Ryan Sands - Drums
New Haven-based composer and bassist Jeff Fuller has assembled a quintet of extremely talented young jazz musicians for his fifth appearance as a leader at The Side Door Jazz Club on April 19th. The group blends the eclectic musical styles of each member into a varied program of originals and standards, instrumentals and vocals, and swing and Latin rhythms. Excitement will be provided by Ryan Sands on drums, Naomi Wharry on trombone and vocals, Jen Allen on piano and Nathan Edwards on tenor sax.
Jeff Fuller is one of the most sought after jazz bassists in the Northeast. He has toured, recorded and played with jazz masters from all styles and eras, extensively with NEA Jazz Master Lou Donaldson, and Cuban virtuoso Paquito D’Rivera. He has played with such diverse artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Mose Allison, “Papa” Jo Jones, Gerry Mulligan, and Clark Terry. Fuller has wide experience in both Afro-Cuban and Brazilian music. His published Latin jazz big band and combo compositions are frequently performed worldwide. Jeff’s trio with pianist Darren Litzie and drummer, Ben Bilello has released five CDs of original compositions. In 2023 his Afro-Cuban Suite was premiered by the Yale Concert Band.
Saxophonist Nathan Edwards holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University and a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from The Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of Music. He has had the privilege of performing with and opening for renowned jazz legends including Ron Carter, Jimmy Cobb, Kenny Garrett, David Williams, Kurt Elling, Kenny Barron, and Jimmy Greene. Though an accomplished performer, Mr. Edwards’ true passion lies in teaching and shaping the future of music education. He teaches at King Philip Middle School in West Hartford, CT, where he leads both the concert and jazz bands and supports the jazz program at Hall High School.
Jen Allen is a pianist, composer, author, and educator. She frequently performs in New York, throughout the Northeast U.S., and at venues worldwide both as a leader of her own groups and as a member of various creative ensembles. An active recording artist, Jen is featured on numerous albums, including her upcoming release (summer 2025) Possibilities, Sifting Grace, her debut album Pieces of Myself, Raise Up by the collaboratively led Trio 149, and on many others. She composes music for big bands, studio orchestras, string quartets, and other smaller ensembles. Jen currently teaches at Trinity College, Bennington College, Williams College, and the Litchfield Jazz Camp.
A native of Orange, CT, Ryan Sands is a passionate, energetic drummer on the rise. Ryan is a graduate of the New England Conservatory and Manhattan School of Music. His thunderous performance style has landed him work with Phil Markowitz, Zach Brock, John Escreet, Geoffrey Keezer, and a rotating member of the Christian Sands Trio. Ryan currently holds the drum seat for the New York-based Jazz collective Altus, featuring David Adewumi, Neta Ranaan, Nathan Reising, and Isaac Levien. They released their debut EP, Riot Cycles, in July 2021. As a bandleader, Ryan released his debut album, Standing on the Edge of Tomorrow, and his sophomore release, Forest Road: Live at the Side Door, is set to be released in 2025.
Hailing from Oklahoma, Naomi Wharry is a multi-faceted trombonist and vocalist. Currently pursuing a classical trombone degree at Yale University, Naomi enjoys playing both classical and jazz music, believing that beautiful music comes from everywhere and should be explored freely. She has shared the stage with artists such as Andrea Bocelli, John Daversa, Patrick Bartley, and many others. As a jazz musician in Oklahoma City, she brought regular jazz shows to the city including gigs with her quartet as well as her tribute to Billie Holiday. Her musical influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Frank Rosolino, JJ Johnson, and many others.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Side Door , 85 Lyme St, Old Lyme, United States
USD 22.68 to USD 49.16
