The JOSA Ensemble
Held at the Center at Eastman in Grantham, NH, Wightsteeple Productions' JOSA or "Jazz On a Sunday Afternoon" was the brain child of Bill Wightman and the late Rink Mann. It's a jazz music series intended to replicate those "jazz sessions" of the 1930s and 40s in New York and Chicago where renowned players like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis would come together, sit-in, and jam for hours on end.
Now in its 31st year, the JOSA formula is tried and true. From December to April, every other Sunday afternoon, JOSA director and pianist, Bill Wightman both produces and performs with the JOSA Ensemble. These seasoned musicians get behind each of the featured JOSA performers, often internationally acclaimed, for a wonderful afternoon of good food, drink and incredibly spontaneous musical magic!
Occasionally, familiar jazz musicians from the audience are invited to join the group on stage as the afternoon quickly becomes a full fledged "jam session!"
The JOSA Ensemble that backs up each of JOSA's featured jazz performers are some of the top free lance side men in the New England jazz scene. They can include Bill Wightman on piano; Bruce Gertz or David Clark on bass; Tim Gilmore on drums; Greg Mostovoy on multiple saxes and flute; and David Ellis on trumpet.
Bill calls the Sunapee, NH area his home since high school. He currently chairs the Arts Dept. and is the Instrumental Music and Music Technology Director at Proctor Academy in Andover, NH.
Bill attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. Since the mid-1970’s, he has been performing, teaching, directing, and producing in music and theatre both in education and for the public throughout New England and New York.
Bill Wightman, Pianist
Bruce Gertz, Bassist
Gertz is known for his superb mastery of the upright bass and was named “Outstanding Bassist” by Boston Music Awards.
Gertz has performed and recorded with such artists as Gary Burton, Jerry Bergonzi, John Abercrombie, Joey Calderazzo, Kenny Werner, Mick Goodrick, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Billy Hart, Bill Frisell, Bob Berg, George Cables, Gil Evans, Tom Harrell, Jon Hendricks, Diane Schuur, Dave Brubeck, George Garzone, Mike Stern, Larry Coryell, Joe Lovano, Cab Calloway, Maynard Ferguson, Count Basie and many others.
"Ask him about his evolution and he will note that he has become a “less selfish” musician over time, one more aware of his listeners, but this has not led him to ‘dumb’ his music down or to momentarily pursue fashionable trends. As with his previous efforts, the music he creates here has the power to evoke feeling, thought, and motion. He continues to work at it, and the fruit of his efforts is unmistakable every time he plays. – Bob Blumenthal, Boston Globe
David Clark, Bassist
David Clark is bassist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer. Before joining the faculty at Berklee, he was the resident jazz instructor at the International School for the Double Bass in Cincinnati during which time he was twice the recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Study Grant. Dave currently teaches bass and jazz at Berklee, and is the musical director of the Berklee Faculty Inter-Galactic Sun Ra Astro-Infinity Myth Equation Commemorative Arkestra. As a performing bassist, David has appeared with Peter Frampton, the Drifters, Lesley Gore, and many others.
David is also a prolific jazz writer, and his compositions have been recorded by such artists as Gary Burton, Cercie Miller, and Tim Ray. He received the Massachusetts Council for the Arts Award for Jazz Composition. David holds bachelor's and master's degrees in composition from the New England Conservatory of Music.
Greg Mostovoy, Saxophonist
Originally from Chicago, Greg’s playing has that distinctive Chicago flavor in his playing. Greg is currently in the Manchester, NH area and plays with numerous area bands including the Honey Bees; Rob Parton's Jazztech Big Band; the Manchuka Funky Dance Band; the Tall Granite Big Band; and Back Bay Transit.
Mary Fagan of the Honey Bees says of Greg’s playing, “Greg Mostovoy's delicious improvisations on the Saxophone and Flute float through the air. It all blends together like the honey tastes; smooth, sweet and satisfying.”
Greg brings to JOSA his amazing improvisational ear and his ability to tune into and support each of our feature’s styles. JOSA is lucky to have Greg as a regular JOSA Ensemble member.
From Lebanon, NH, attended Berklee College of Music, and studied with both drum legends Max Roach and Alan Dawson. Having performed with such jazz greats as Mary McPartland, Dick Johnson, and Warren Vache among others, Tim is a recipient of the Presidential Arts Scholarship. He brings to JOSA an up-beat and delightful attitude, and is known for his occasional, intricate and sometimes epic (never to be missed) drum solos.
Tim Gilmore, Percussionist
From Randolph, VT, Dave studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. During his time there he studied under the principal trumpet player for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Armando Ghetalla.
Dave Ellis plays regularly with the Royal Towne Brass, Bel Canto Singers, the “Content Quartet” in Killington, Dartmouth Gospel Choir, the Key Notes, and Royalton’s Town Band and sits in with other bands such as “Soul Fix.”
Dave is co-owner with his siblings of the family business, Ellis Music, a instrument-supply company in Bethel, VT.
David Ellis, Trumpet
From Eliot, ME, is largely self taught and has also studied briefly with Lou Marini, David Baker, and Stan Strickland. Matt has toured the US and recorded 6 CD's as a member the Charlie Kohlhase Quintet. Having also recorded with Ron Carter, John Medeski, Billy Martin, Chris Wood, Gene MacDaniels, Roswell Rudd, among many others, Matt enjoys a vibrant, diverse musical career. Matt brings to JOSA a warm, personal approach and an alert ear for enhancing any musical situation.
Matt Langely, Saxophonist
From Barnstead, NH, and has a B.A and M.A. in music composition from both the University of North Texas and UNH. His performances include dates in Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New England with such jazz greats as Red Garland, David "Fathead" Newman, Little Feat, and "Blue" Lou Marini to name a few. With two CD releases to his credit, Richard brings consistent freshness and innovation to JOSA with solos that support and compliment the performance of each featured artist.
Richard Gardzina, Reedman and Flutist
Roger Kimball, Bassist
Of Haverhill, MA, studied both jazz and Classical music at the University of Miami, FL and Boston University. He studied bass with Lucas Drew and cello with Ingus Naruns of the Miami Philharmonic and with with Mischa Nieland of the Boston Symphony. He has toured the U.S, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East performing with Carly Simon, Billy Eckstine, Frankie Avalon, "The Coasters," "The Shirelles," Little Anthony, Fabian, Leslie Gore, "The Marvelettes," and Del Shannon. Roger's performance history includes the Blue Note, The Bitter End, and CB's Gallery in NYC and at Symphony Hall, Jordan Hall, Scullers, and The Regattabar in Boston. He maintains a private bass and cello studio and is a professional arranger and music copyist.