Melvin Jones Debuts at #6 on the Canadian Jazz Chart !Earshot

Melvin Jones Pivot's Onto the !Earshot Jazz Chart, Warming the Kanuck's Summer Months

With His Pivotal Sounds, Jones Debuts at 

#6 on the Canadian Jazz Chart 

Melvin Jones shines as a modern, consummate jazz artist. Whether performing simmering ballads in an intimate setting or screaming a solo over a professional horn section in front of thousands, Jones’ jazz trumpet delivers for fans and critics alike. His unique style, combined with his superb technical facility, crafts an almost hypnotic tone for audiences, seamlessly creating harmonious jazz compositions drawn from diverse musical genres.

Says Jones, “I believe that all music is essentially similar, and I strive to create art that takes my listeners on an imaginative journey through varied musical styles. I draw from many areas, including different forms of jazz, samba, blues, hip hop, and beyond. My music attempts to weave these influences together to create unique and memorable sounds and compositions.”

Jones, a native of Memphis, Tenn., began his own personal music journey as a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta. He made an appearance on TLC’s triple platinum hit album Fanmail, and he was a founding member of the popular Latin jazz ensemble called Rio Negro. Highly successful, this distinctive group performed nationally to wide acclaim while recording three group albums.

Jones then pursued graduate music study at the Mason Gross School of the Arts where he studied under the world-renowned trumpeter and educator, the late William “Prof” Fielder. “Prof ’s” illustrious student roster includes greats like: Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, David Sanchez, Kenny Garrett, and classmate Sean Jones. After graduation, Jones continued a multi-faceted career, performing extensively throughout the United States and abroad while also teaching and lecturing at various universities and schools. Many jazz industry giants have graced the stage with Jones throughout his career, and he relishes these artistic collaborations. He has played and partnered with: Don Braden, Clark Terry, Victor Goines, Carmen Lundy, Terence Blanchard, Antonio Hart, and Freddy Cole. Jones is especially proud to have been a member of Illinois Jacquet’s last band, which captured his final recording at the Lincoln Center.

Jones has recently finished an eight-month-long national tour with Tyler Perry’s production entitled “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” an association which began with his appearance in Perry’s film “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.” Other Jones performance credits include being co-founder for the esteemed
pre-ensemble horn section named “Solid State,” which has recorded with The Anointed Pace Sisters, The Pussycat Dolls, Fergie, Nicole Scherzinger, Missy Elliott, Keri Hilson, and most recently the “Original Dreamgirl” herself, Jennifer Holiday. In addition to performing at jazz clubs around the country, he can now be seen as a reoccurring addition to the house band, the “Penthouse Players,” on the Mo’Nique Show which airs weekly on BET.

While Jones’ performing career is remarkable, his academic accomplishments are equally impressive. For six years, he served as the Director of Bands and Instrumental Studies at Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he had the opportunity to direct the world-renowned Morehouse College Jazz Ensemble and Marching Band.

Dubbed the “House of Funk,” the marching band has received wide acclaim playing for both local and international events, including a Super Bowl and multiple nationally televised appearances. Jones recently finished recording his debut album entitled Pivot on Turnaround Records. The album, released April 2011, is a highly unique and personal achievement. Pivot is Jones’ first recording as a bandleader, and nearly all of its compositions are original and self-written.

Says Jones, “The concept of Pivot is a reflection of multidirectional experiences and also the artists’ ability to perform diverse styles at one time.” Says Jones, “I am thrilled to have brought together for this album some of my favorite musicians who represent such a broad spectrum of creative talent.”



Jones recently finished recording his debut album entitled Pivot on Turnaround Records. The album, released April 2011, is a highly unique and personal achievement. Pivot is Jones’ first
recording as a bandleader, and nearly all of its compositions are original and self-written.

Says Jones, “The concept of Pivot is a reflection of multidirectional experiences and also the artists’ ability to perform diverse styles at one time.” Says Jones, “I am thrilled to have brought together for this album some of my favorite musicians who represent such a broad spectrum of creative talent.”

Ekendra Das Charts on the CMJ Ñ Alternative Chart for His 14th Week in a Row

Ekendra Das Chart For His 14th Week in a Row on the CMJ Ñ Alternative Chart, peaking at #14 So Far!

Ekendra Das is a multi-percussionist and drummer whose relationship with the drum goes back to his childhood. He often jammed with the musicians that played at the Blue Cornet night club managed by his father in New York. Musicians like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespe and others. Ekendra’s uncle, a famous Katherine Dunham dancer, arranged for Ekendra’s first recording, singing and playing percussion on a Harry Belefonte recording. The spark was lit; music and the drum became a huge part of Ekendra’s life.

Ekendra went on to study drumming and music under various teachers from all styles. Ekendra worked the New York music scene after college, working with artists like Kashif, Living Color’s Vernon Reid, JazzMobile all stars, sax man Carlos Garnett, Pharaoh Saunders, Nat Aderly Jr., and a special performance with Dizzy Gillespe. Broadway shows and major dance companies also used his percussive skills. When Ekendra was offered a job working in Africa he took it as an opportunity for first hand drum and percussion study of Africa percussion. This also found him playing with African artists like Sonny Okoso, Kofi Ghanaba, Banda and Congolese artist Africa One. Ekendra decided to visit India on a vacation and fell in love with the music and returned several times to study both music and philosophy. Ekendra has played Indian percussion for artists both recording and live performances.

Ekendra began a refreshed music career after returning to the States, playing and recording with Fertile Ground, David Bach, Raheem Davaughn, Mary Ann Redmond, Imani, Tim Eyerman, Caje Mosaic, Bottomland, Amikaelya, Anthony David, The D.C. Mass Choir, Havana Select, Frank Macomb, Brian Culbertson, Marcus Johnson Project, Al Williams, Scott Ambush, Julie Dexter and others; including international artists Chucho Valdes, Susana Baca, Marixtrell, Armand Ntep, Rashik Priya, Los Munoquitos, Filipe Villamil and Emekeke.

One of the most inspiring moments was playing the Smithsonian Institute tribute to Celia Cruz with Havana Select. Ekendra has for the last eleven years been the percussionist for the soul/ jazz and world music, group Fertile Ground, recording and touring the world and sharing stages with everyone from BB King to the Black Eyed Peas. Ekendra continues to teach workshops and clinics as well as private instruction. Ekendra is also a member of PASIC and the Drum circle facilitators’guild.

World Radio 108 is a collection of musicians bought together by Ekendra Das who come from various musical and cultural backgrounds who are united by the common interest in inspired music, there are no formulas, or limitations, this is heart music, from ours to yours. WR108 marks the introduction of Ekendra as a producer and composer.

WR108 is about the message and the music, we hope that you find the moods and grooves in this recording help make your day better for years to come. Ethnomusicology its academic meaning, is the study of the music of various cultures, Ekendra Das is himself a study in various cultures having lived and been inspired by music and cultures from Africa to India, Europe South America and the Caribbean., Having played for over 25yrs in all musical Genres from Jazz to Hip Hop , Afro Cuban, to Indian
Bhajans, and for years has been the percussive power behind the group Fertile Ground.

Add to that mix the rich multicultural tapestry that is WR108. The results the kind of music that you want to listen to now and for years to come. We all have many moods so why can’t the music we listen to also have many moods, WR108 is a musical experience, a sound track to life.

Mace Hibbard Debuts on the CMJ Top Jazz Chart His First Week in Promotions

Mace Hibbard Begins His First Week in Radio Promotion Hitting the #1 Top Adds Jazz Chart

A Clear Front Runner on This Chart

Grammy award winning saxophonist/composer/educator Mace Hibbard has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting and versatile saxophonists on the scene today. Remarkably void of cliché and licks, Hibbard is daring, yet precise, emerging as an important voice in the jazz saxophone heritage. Journalist John Barron succinctly commented, “Hibbard is an artist who uses his technical mastery,

compositional skills, and informed understanding of the jazz saxophone lineage, to create musical offerings that are truly unique.”

Born and raised in Waco, Texas, early music lessons included piano and voice until settling on the saxophone at age ten. Mace’s firm grasp of the history of jazz and its standard repertoire comes from the gigs he played throughout his teen years with his father (Dave Hibbard, a great trumpet player who was a staple in the Texas jazz scene for years). From there, he attended the University of Texas in Austin, where he earned a Bachelors degree in Musical Performance and a Masters degree in Jazz Studies. While in Austin, Mace developed as a composer and formed Odd Man Out, which released their self-titled debut on Viewpoint Records in 2000.

After 10 years of being one of the most sought after woodwind players in Austin, Mace relocated to Atlanta, Georgia in the summer of 2003 where he is continuing his reputation as a compelling and gifted soloist with the saxophone family, the flute, and the clarinet. In 2008, the Mace Hibbard Quintet was selected to play at the Atlanta Jazz Festival as the winner of the Future of Jazz Competition. In 2009, Mace was asked to perform in the Battle Royale celebration concert at the Savannah Music Festival where he was a featured soloist alongside such jazz luminaries as the Marcus Roberts Trio, The Clayton Brothers, Terrell Stafford, Scotty Barnhart, Jeff Clayton, Wycliffe Gordon and Andre Hayward.

Beginning in 2005, Hibbard began his association with The Derek Trucks Band and Soul Stew Revival with Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi. On select tours for the next five years, Mace was a featured soloist and horn arranger for the two bands. This union culminated in Hibbard winning a 2010 Grammy Award for his playing and horn arrangements on Already Free. He is also featured on the critically acclaimed live album, Roadsongs, released in 2010 by The Derek Trucks Band.

In 2007, Hibbard released his debut album as a leader, When Last We Met, featuring all original material and a lineup of Atlanta’s finest musicians. Released to  worldwide airplay, it amassed incredible reviews from countless critics. Canadian broadcaster Jacques Emond declared, “Mace Hibbard’s new CD grabbed me right from the git go. His writing is wonderful and his playing first class, one of the finest young alto players on the scene and he’s just as impressive on soprano and tenor. The rest of the group is also first class. This is already on my list of year’s best.”

With Atlanta, Georgia as his home base, Hibbard’s playing and compositions can be found on recordings by: Melvin Jones, Jennifer Holliday, Yonrico Scott, Ben Tucker, The Joe Gransden Big Band, Trey Wright, Bryant Thompson, and Marlon Patton. He is also a featured saxophonist/ composer on Atlanta Sax Allstars, which will be released in 2011 by Hotshoe Records and will feature four of Atlanta’s finest saxophonists.

In addition to his impressive performance career, his standing as an educator is equally notable. Hibbard has served on the faculty of Georgia State University since 2005, where he is an instructor of jazz saxophone and improvisation. He was also a professor of saxophone and jazz studies at Jacksonville State University from 2003- 2010. Hibbard has served as a clinician and soloist at many Universities in the United States and Canada, with notable engagements at: The University of Texas at Austin, Florida State University, Slippery Rock University, and The University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada.

LATEST RELEASE:

Grammy award winning saxophonist, arranger and composer Mace Hibbard, backed by his long time ensemble, is proud to release his latest endeavor, Time Gone By.

Time Gone By is a full throttle voyage firmly respectful of the traditions of jazz, but absolutely cognoscente of modern jazz idioms.

Time Gone By features pianist and composer Louis Heriveaux, bassist Marc Miller, drummer Justin Varnes, trumpeter Melvin Jones and of course the incomparable, Mace Hibbard on saxophone.

Time Gone By is the second contribution by the Mace Hibbard Quintet. His first album, When Last We Met, was released in 2007 to rave reviews and worldwide airplay. Founded in 2005 in Atlanta, having a established, working band is especially important to Hibbard. Says Hibbard, “I’ve always been influenced by the bands of Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley and in the modern time, Branford Marsalis and Dave Holland, where the contributions of all of the musicians creates a strong ensemble. I feel that the chemistry and interplay that has developed over the years has really given this band a cohesive sound in how it interprets the music. All of the members of the band have great musical instincts and suggestions, and I want the band to be a platform where they feel their contributions have equal merit. On any given concert, you will hear compositions by all of the members of the band which I feel also adds to the band’s distinctive sound.”

It is this unwavering connection of musicality that makes Time Gone By a standout recording in 2011.

“Rude on Purpose” opens the set, with high octane verve; adventurous music that swings with all the muscularity and energy of pioneers like Cannonball Adderley, Monk, and Rollins, but pays tribute to that glorious past by daring to advance the science of collective improvisation into the future.

“December 18th” and “Remembrance of Things Past“ are intensely poignant ballads that feature elongated, melodic lines of beauty tastefully supported by Varnes and Miller and underpinned with tasteful harmonies and textures by Heriveaux. Both selections are breathtaking. “Indecision” is a slow burn that calls to minds the style and passion of McCoy Tyner and John Coltrane. The end of “Indecision” highlights the splendid interplay between Hibbard and Jones as they lead the ensemble to a fevered conclusion. “Hallowed Ground” is an extremely unique composition that combines the rhythmic complexity introduced by John Coltrane and Elvin Jones while incorporating modern compositional techniques. The unapologetic swing of Heriveaux’s composition, “Theme for Dos Lyn,” is reminiscent of the early Wynton Marsalis ensemble.

A well-traversed cut “Always on My Mind”, made famous by Willie Nelson, lends itself to the theme of time and remembrance throughout the disc, a befitting halfway release in this collection of well-conceived originals. “Slip and Slide” is eloquently named, fast paced and perpetually melodic inventions swirl this up-tempo cut to fervor, as each player more than steps up to the plate. A moody cut, “The Rain King,” is a wonderful counterpoint to relax the listener with a cerebral journey of textural colors and nuance. “La Danza Olvidada” offers a good dose of funky Latin rhythms (provided by Varnes) to spice up the track, and presents a wonderful canvas for Hibbard, Jones and Heriveaux to build upon.

Closing out the offering is the peaceful composition, “For the Memories We Share,” a track that releases the listener in a relaxed way, able to reflect upon the musical journey and relish in the passage of Time Gone By, a recording destined to make its mark in jazz.

Melvin Jones Continues to Chart at CMJ for 9 Weeks in a Row!

Melvin Jones Continues to Chart For His 9th Week in a Row at #9 This Week, Peaking at #3 Overall So Far!

Melvin Jones shines as a modern, consummate jazz artist. Whether performing simmering ballads in an intimate setting or screaming a solo over a professional horn section in front of thousands, Jones’ jazz trumpet delivers for fans and critics alike. His unique style, combined with his superb technical facility, crafts an almost hypnotic tone for audiences, seamlessly creating harmonious jazz compositions drawn from diverse musical genres.

Says Jones, “I believe that all music is essentially similar, and I strive to create art that takes my listeners on an imaginative journey through varied musical styles. I draw from many areas, including different forms of jazz, samba, blues, hip hop, and beyond. My music attempts to weave these influences together to create unique and memorable sounds and compositions.”

Jones, a native of Memphis, Tenn., began his own personal music journey as a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta. He made an appearance on TLC’s triple platinum hit album Fanmail, and he was a founding member of the popular Latin jazz ensemble called Rio Negro. Highly successful, this distinctive group performed nationally to wide acclaim while recording three group albums.

Jones then pursued graduate music study at the Mason Gross School of the Arts where he studied under the world-renowned trumpeter and educator, the late William “Prof” Fielder. “Prof ’s” illustrious student roster includes greats like: Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, David Sanchez, Kenny Garrett, and classmate Sean Jones. After graduation, Jones continued a multi-faceted career, performing extensively throughout the United States and abroad while also teaching and lecturing at various universities and schools. Many jazz industry giants have graced the stage with Jones throughout his career, and he relishes these artistic collaborations. He has played and partnered with: Don Braden, Clark Terry, Victor Goines, Carmen Lundy, Terence Blanchard, Antonio Hart, and Freddy Cole. Jones is especially proud to have been a member of Illinois Jacquet’s last band, which captured his final recording at the Lincoln Center.

Jones has recently finished an eight-month-long national tour with Tyler Perry’s production entitled “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” an association which began with his appearance in Perry’s film “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.” Other Jones performance credits include being co-founder for the esteemed
pre-ensemble horn section named “Solid State,” which has recorded with The Anointed Pace Sisters, The Pussycat Dolls, Fergie, Nicole Scherzinger, Missy Elliott, Keri Hilson, and most recently the “Original Dreamgirl” herself, Jennifer Holiday. In addition to performing at jazz clubs around the country, he can now be seen as a reoccurring addition to the house band, the “Penthouse Players,” on the Mo’Nique Show which airs weekly on BET.

While Jones’ performing career is remarkable, his academic accomplishments are equally impressive. For six years, he served as the Director of Bands and Instrumental Studies at Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he had the opportunity to direct the world-renowned Morehouse College Jazz Ensemble and Marching Band.

Dubbed the “House of Funk,” the marching band has received wide acclaim playing for both local and international events, including a Super Bowl and multiple nationally televised appearances. Jones recently finished recording his debut album entitled Pivot on Turnaround Records. The album, released April 2011, is a highly unique and personal achievement. Pivot is Jones’ first recording as a bandleader, and nearly all of its compositions are original and self-written.

Says Jones, “The concept of Pivot is a reflection of multidirectional experiences and also the artists’ ability to perform diverse styles at one time.” Says Jones, “I am thrilled to have brought together for this album some of my favorite musicians who represent such a broad spectrum of creative talent.”



Jones recently finished recording his debut album entitled Pivot on Turnaround Records. The album, released April 2011, is a highly unique and personal achievement. Pivot is Jones’ first
recording as a bandleader, and nearly all of its compositions are original and self-written.

Says Jones, “The concept of Pivot is a reflection of multidirectional experiences and also the artists’ ability to perform diverse styles at one time.” Says Jones, “I am thrilled to have brought together for this album some of my favorite musicians who represent such a broad spectrum of creative talent.”

Mystéfy Continues to Chart for 3 weeks on the CMJ Jazz Chart

Mystéfy Holds Strong on the CMJ Jazz Chart this week at #22, peaking at #16 So Far!

This German born Canadian resident is a true storyteller. After the highly acclaimed debut CD, Spark Within, Mystéfy continues her musical journey with Me: Unvarnished and intimate are the songs she wrote for her new album. This doesn’t imply all tunes on Me are autobiographical – but everything Mystéfy composes and sings about relates to her, and reflects impressions and experiences Mystéfy has shared and lived through. Stories happening in her world, mostly true, sometimes altered, exaggerated or told in a witty fashion.

Mystéfy is highly intuitive and sensitive to her surroundings and easily picks up vibes – this is why her lyrics are intense, her songs are touching, yet put listeners at ease. Mystéfy embraces what we humans are made of: she is close to our emotions.

Also, Mystéfy is a practitioner – and this reflects on her life and music. She is your nice-neighbor-next-door kind of artist, no diva, no jazz singer who goes out to revamp the same old songs. Alas, she sang jazz standards, on many stages, and has a repertoire of over a hundred of them. But it wasn’t enough. With her classically trained voice and a range of over 3 octaves, she prefers to charm listeners with self-penned songs. Also, she loves to entertain. Her secret – the artist names says it all: Mystéfy is a mystic by soul. An emigrant and hence a natural at being home in different worlds, she is a spiritual being, a singer/songwriter, and a passionate painter. No surprise then that she has access to a greater artistry palette than many others.

Mystéfy also loves horseback riding, her garden and feels at home anywhere near water – be it an ocean or a mere creek. The zodiac sign of this visionary mermaid? Almost needless to say: Piscean – the fishes!

Aimée Allen’s Continues to Chart at CMJ for her 2nd Week in Row!

Aimée Allen’s Holds Strong on the CMJ Jazz Chart 

                         at #29, Peaking at #25 So Far

Aimée Allen’s intimate connection with music began as a child. Her childhood was literally scored with classic jazz, because of her mother’s intense love of the music. The influence of the jazz tradition can be heard in Aimée’s musical style and interpretation choices. But Aimée’s listeners can also hear her individual voice, nuanced and sparkling with soul and sensuality.

Aimée first began singing professionally in college. As a student at Yale University Aimée was an active member and soloist with jazz a cappella groups. After college, Aimée lived in Paris where she performed regularly. The close relationship between the francophone audiences and Brazilian bossa nova, long one of Aimée’s musical loves, led Aimée to form Les Bossa Novices, a Paris-based group dedicated to bossa and jazz. Aimée went on to earn law degrees from Columbia University and the Sorbonne in Paris, all the while continuing to perform and hone her craft as a vocalist.

Incredibly, Aimée has maintained a double identity as a practicing private attorney by day, and a jazz vocalist by night. She continues to perform and record as part of New York’s jazz community, infusing her craft with a personal and intimate style. Standards and bossa are part of her signature repertoire, but now an accomplished composer, she also includes her originals songs, many of which have become audience favorites.

Aimée’s previous CD, l’Inexplicable, was the fruit her transcontinental experiences in music and her talents as a writer. The album is a collection of warm, soulful, jazz-pop originals blending African rhythms, Brazilian bossa, and classic American jazz. With one exception, all the selections on l’Inexplicable were written by Aimée, and each is sung in French. l’Inexplicable was released in Japan in 2008 under the independent label Vivid Sound and under the Schubert Music label in Europe also in 2008.

On Dream, Aimée’s debut release, Aimée offered inspired interpretations of jazz standards, familiar bossa nova classics and one original composition. In keeping with her worldly experience, Dream includes vocals in English, French, and Portuguese.

WINTERS & MAYS

Jazz vocalist Aimée Allen’s new albumWinters & Mays is that rare combination of soulful, sensitive, and swinging. An eclectic collection of original jazz compositions and reinterpretations of standards, it seamlessly navigates complex waters between bossa nova, tango, jazz, blues, and swing, with a few detours into pop and poignant ballad.

The warmth of Aimée’s nuanced, velvet timbre and the superb artistry of the accompanying musicians shine through every track. Guitarist Pete McCann, pianist Toru Dodo, bassist Craig Akin, and drummer Jacob Melchior, each turn in masterful performances. Accordion virtuoso Victor Prieto burns as the guest star on three tracks, adding lush layers to already rich arrangements.

Pay special attention to Aimée’s original compositions “Second Time Around,” “Eden Autumn” and “Noah Too” (written for her nieces and nephew), “I’ll Get Along,” and “Stardust Reunited.” Aimée’s brother, composer and guitarist David Allen is the author of the rich, emotive ballad “We Are in Love Again,” and co-author with Aimée of “That Day.” Aimée’s inspired lyric to the Pat Metheny composition “Always and Forever” is also included here, with his permission, as a new title, “Love Aloud.”

Troy Roberts Continues to Chart at CMJ for His 6th Week in a Row

Troy Roberts Continues to Chart at CMJ for his
6th week at CMJ, peaking at #23 so far!

Troy Roberts began playing the saxophone at age 13, and was granted an early entrance into The West  Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) just two years later. During this time, he won the PJS Encouragement Award for two consecutive years, performed at the 2000 Olympics, The Manly Jazz Festival, and other shows around Australia with the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra. In 2001 he graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) degree at the young age of 19, winning the acclaimed Bob Wyllie Jazz Scholarship, the Melville Toyota Jazz Scholarship and the James Morrison Jazz Scholarship.

The following year he completed an Honors Degree on a student exchange program at the University of Miami, studying with Ron Miller, Gary Keller, Whit Sidner, James Moody, Dave Leibman and Frank Foster. During this time, he also won 2 Downbeat Awards (“Outstanding Soloist” and “Best Group Performance”) and performed with many great American musicians such as Ernesto Simpson, Kevin Mahogany and Silvano Monasterios. Troy returned to Australia in 2003 to record live at the Sydney Opera House on James Morrison’s album and DVD, “On The Edge”, which was immediately proceeded by 2 European tours with Morrison.

In 2004 Troy performed at the Fremantle Jazz Festival and the Perth International Arts Festival with trumpeter Ingrid Jenson (Canada) and drummer Jon Wikan (New York) before heading back to Europe with James Morrison to headline the Burghausen Jazz Festival in Germany. More notable performances that year include him as a soloist with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, performances with Simon Stockhausen (Germany), Gary Bartz (NY), and Christoph Spendel (Germany). Troy also sustained a fruitful 3-year residency at the Llama Bar (Perth, West Australia) with his original project, “VOID” (Winner’s of the PJS’s “Best Original Jazz Act Award” for 2005, and the “2007 West Australian Music Industry Award”).

Troy recorded his debut album Soul Garbage (Morrison Records) and VOID’s debut album and DVD before traveling to the U.S.A. in 2005 where he acquired a Masters degree and taught mostly jazz
saxophone at the University of Miami, and was the recipient of the Downbeat “Best Soloist Award” for 2005 and 2006. He commenced 2006 with performances at the I.A.J.E. (International Association of Jazz Educators) Conference in New York with the “Bop Brothers Jazz Sextet”, 3 European tours with Morrison, and VOID’s 1st European tour. Winning yet another 2 Downbeat Music Awards, 2007 was a busy year, with two successful USA tours, including performances and television appearances in Texas, L.A., San Fransisco, Santa Barbara, Miami, the I.A.J.E. Conference, NYC and headlining the Houston International Jazz Festival. VOID was also the proud recipient of the 2007 WAMI Award for Best Original Jazz Act.

Troy received his first Grammy Nomination medal for his performance on Sammy Figueroa’s album, The Magician (nominated for “Best Latin Jazz Album”), and has performed shows with Figueroa around Miami, NYC, and Europe. His freelance schedule over the years have included performances with: Figueroa, Melton Mustafa, Jonathan Joseph, James Morrison, Dave Grusin, Mike Rodrigues, Ludwig Afonso, Robby Ameen, Lew Soloff, Ed Calle, Ronnie Cuber, Marshall Gilkes, Slide Hampton, Dennis Macrell, Patti Austin, Arturo Sandoval, Kevin Mahogany, Obed Calvier, Rashawn Ross, Billy Drummond, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, and hip-hop/R&B legend, Lauryn Hill to name a few.

Troy launched his 3rd album, The XenDen Suite – an 8-part suite for jazz quartet and string quartet – in his hometown of Perth, West Australia, and also in the USA whilst in L.A. as the only Australian semi-finalist in the 2008 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. Just after winning yet another DownBeat Jazz Soloist Award for 2010, his debut DVD – The XenDen Suite LIVE – was released in the USA and Australia soon after. Troy is currently on Adjunct Faculty at The University of Miami, has just released his new album Nu-Jive (2011) and continues to maintain a busy performance and recording schedule around the globe.