The Robert Hurst Quintet - The Blue Whale, Los Angeles, California

NOTE: This is Robert's 1st return to L.A. as a leader since our relocation to the University of Michigan.

Robert Hurst, Band Leader, Bassist

Hurst played guitar early in his career before concentrating on bass. He worked with Out of the Blue and also did work with musicians such as Tony Williams, Mulgrew Miller, Harry Connick Jr., Geri Allen, Russell Malone, and Steve Coleman. From 1986 to 1991 Hurst played in Wynton Marsalis's ensemble, and played with Branford Marsalis in the early 1990s. He was also a member of The Tonight Show Band. Robert Hurst Presents reached #13 on the Top Jazz Albums chart. He currently is an Associate Professor of Jazz and Director of Small Jazz Ensembles at the University of Michigan School of Dance, Music and Theater.


Karriem Riggins, Drums

Karriem started his carreer as jazz drummer, working with vocalist Beety Carter and trumpeter Roy Hargrove. He is also a hip-hop producer, and has worked with people like The Roots, Common and Slum Village.

 

 


Munyungo Jackson, Percussionist

Though Daryl "Munyungo" Jackson began his musical career as a classical pianist, he began to play timbales at age 17 with his high school classmates in a Latin jazz band. It wasn't long before Jackson was hooked on Latin styles of percussion, moving on to congas, bongos, bells and triangles. Throughout his career he has worked with traditional drummers from Africa, Latin America, China and Japan, building an international resumé of musical styles, as well as a collection of over 400 pieces of equipment.

Jackson has also performed with artists like Willie Bobo, The Supremes, Miles Davis and Anita Baker, as well as working on a number of film and television soundtracks. Because of his skill and range, Jackson can perform in any musical setting, from funk to pop to jazz to Latin. He has also performed and toured with Jean Luc Ponte, Stevie Wonder and Diane Reeves.


Anthony Wilson, Guitar

Anthony Wilson is one of the leading musicians of his generation.  Known for his imagination, maturity, and depth, the esteemed guitarist/composer/arranger has recorded ten solo albums since his Grammy-nominated debut album was released in 1997.


 


Geoff Keezer, Piano

Barely into his 40s, Geoffrey Keezer's singular style of intellectually abstract lyricism woven over exotically complex rhythms and harmonies makes him one of the most sought-after artists on the modern jazz scene. Regardless of the nature of his projects, from solo to duo to quartet, from bandleader to big band, from post bop jazz to electronica to global fusion, from composer to arranger, Geoffrey delivers music from the heart of the piano to the ear--and heart--of the listener.