About Us

It all started with a chance meeting at the Lansing Michigan Jazz Festival in 2001, where five talented musicians (who were acquainted with one another, but who had never actually met) finally caught up with one another. Two of them were renowned, seasoned Jazz players; two were veterans of folk music, and one had been classically trained. Yet all had the inherent ability to improvise his sound to whatever was being played. It was not expected, but as they played together, there was a clear chemistry and a distinctive sound.

As interest increased, the members decided to make it official and create a band, and Just Jazz was born. The project became a common interest for everyone involved.

During the next year, the band played various concerts and private affairs. Over time they discovered their "improvisational jam" sound, bringing the band back to its roots where the music is played spontaneously and by ear (as good jazz should be). In this style, the band performs repertoire from the oldies to the standards to mainstream to straight-up...and they do it all with excitement and passion.

The band members are: Victor Dvoskin-Bass; Fred Jacobowitz-Woodwinds; Brian Choper-Drums & Percussion (Band Manager); Harry Appleman-Piano & Keyboard; Vladimir Gamarnik-Violin; Greg Twombley-Saxophone-Flute-Clarinet; Julie Stacey & Meryl Cullom -Vocalists .

Just Jazz performs jazz standards from all of the most popular eras. And although the musical pieces are standards, many are arrangements by specific band members, with input and support from other members of the band. There are no rehearsed, patterned performances-the music is spontaneous and lively-fun to watch, and toe tapping!

In their third year together, the members discussed the possibility of making a recording of their music. They debated whether to record a live concert or to use a studio. They believed that true jazz should have an uninhibited, improvisational sound, and that this might get lost in a studio production. Yet, attempts to record live were plagued with balance issues that left the band dissatisfied. After going back and forth for a year, they decided to try a compromise. The solution was for the band to go into the studio and record the entire album in one sitting, as though it were a live concert. Therefore, their CD, entitled An Evening for You, is a live performance. The CD was released August 2, 2004.