The Jerry Tolson Quartet
The Jerry Tolson Quartet is a Louisville-based jazz group that features jazz standards, contemporary originals, and Latin influenced selections. The sound of this group ranges from the feel good, foot tapping, infectious sound of the hard bop era to the contemporary smooth jazz sound of artists such as Grover Washington and Kirk Whalum.
Jerry Tolson, who recently retired as professor of jazz studies at the University of Louisville School of Music, is a pianist, vocalist, saxophonist, and composer in the jazz idiom. Tolson’s arrangements have been published by UNC Jazz Press. He is known nationally as an expert clinician and has presented clinics and workshops around the United States, in Canada, and in Europe. He is a jazz education clinician and consultant for Excelcia/Kendor Music Publications and a content consultant for Pearson Educational Publications. He is the author of The Jazz Commandments: Guidelines for Jazz Articulation and Style (Kendor) and African American Music: History and Heritage (Kendall-Hunt). His composition “In the Company of Strangers” was a runner-up in the jazz category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2001. He has been named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and was a long-time instructor at numerous summer jazz camps including the prestigious Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops. Playing both acoustic and electric piano, Tolson is joined in the quartet by Natalie Boeyink, bass; Ted Richardson, drums; and David Clark, alto saxophone.
The group has been in existence since 1994 and maintains an active performing schedule on the Louisville music scene. The group has headlined the Louisville Jazz Festival, performed on the Kentucky Center for the Arts Jazz Cabaret concert series, and made numerous regional television appearances. They have been the featured artists at numerous regional colleges and universities. A versatile ensemble, they have served as backup for such artists as The Drifters, Leslie Gore, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. They have served as the opening act for jazz artists Eric Reed, Wycliffe Gordon, Pamela Williams, and Mark Whitfield. Members of the group have also worked with, among others, Kevin Mahogany, Benny Golson, Marvin Stamm, Ndugu Chancler, Antonio Hart, Don Braden, Delfeayo Marsalis, Rufus Reid, and James Moody. The group’s first CD of all original material, “Nu View”, was released in July of 1999. A second CD “Back At The Track” was released in October of 2003. Their CD, “Fresh Squeezed,” that features Marsalis, Hart, and Reid was released in 2013. Two more CDs, “Late Night Cruise” and “Black Sand Beach” were released in 2018. Their latest recording “Just Chillin’” was released in fall 2024. The group has toured Europe with performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy, among others and has also completed a performing tour in Barbados.
Dr. Natalie Boeyink is a native of Bloomington, IN and a graduate of Indiana University, where she is associate professor of jazz studies. She has made numerous international tours with all female jazz groups and is a nationally recognized expert on female participation in jazz programs.
Ted Richardson is a native of Columbus, OH and has worked professionally in New Orleans as well as Louisville. He works with both jazz and funk ensembles. Clark is a native of Pine Bluff, AR, and a graduate of the University of Louisville where he is currently director of jazz studies. He is completing his doctorate at Bellarmine University. He is also in demand as one Louisville’s top professional saxophonists.
In addition to his work with Tolson, David Clark works with a number of other top Louisville groups and also leads his own trio and quintet.
Delfeayo Marsalis
An acclaimed, Grammy-winning producer, trombonist, composer, and NEA Jazz Master, Delfeayo Marsalis has also dedicated his prolific career to promoting music theatre and education. Marsalis has toured internationally with music legends such as Ray Charles, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones and Slide Hampton, as well as leading his own groups. At the age of 17, Marsalis began his career as a producer and has to date produced over 125 recordings, garnering one Grammy award and several nominations. In 2008, he formed the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, a highly entertaining ensemble that focuses on bringing the jazz party, all night long!
Marsalis also formed the Uptown Music Theatre in 2000, a non-profit organization that empowers youth through musical theatre training. He has written sixteen musicals to date and composed over 100 songs that help introduce kids to jazz. He has reached over 10,000 students nationally with his Swinging with the Cool School jazz workshops. As a leader, Marsalis has released ten CDs to critical acclaim. The latest, Crescent City Jewels, charted in the Jazz Week Radio charts top 10 for 8 weeks.
Historic Second Baptist of Mount Pleasant 