This little offshoot of the Blue Lightning Jazz Band is for places that can only handle a duo or maybe a trio at the most.
The core of the group is pianist Nathan Hefner with Rich Willey on tuba and trumpet.
Nathan Hefner has been charming audiences all over the east coast for more than 25 years with his dazzling repertoire of music encompassing nearly 70 years of musical triumph. Nathan’s many notable shows include performances with The Smothers Brothers, The Lettermen, The Four Aces, Steve Allen and The Lennon Sisters.
Rich Willey has been playing professionally for over fifty years. He performed and recorded with the late Mel Tormé in 1992 and toured with the late Maynard Ferguson in 2001. Rich also toured with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and is on records by Seven Mary Three, Flogging Molly and the Avett Brothers as well as other albums as a leader.
When the space and the budget permits, musicians such as drummer Justin Watt may be added. Born in Ravenna, Ohio, Justin Watt is a freelance drummer now residing in Asheville, NC. He plays regularly with the Keith Davis and Asheville Art Trios, the Mike Holstein/Justin Watt duo as well as the Greenville Jazz Collective Quintet.
