The Will Scruggs Jazz Fellowship is a traditional, straight-ahead jazz combo that combines original compositions with fresh interpretations of classic jazz repertoire. The project was founded by Will Scruggs in 2003 and released its first CD, the self-titled Will Scruggs Jazz Fellowship, in 2005. Following the success of the new recording, Scruggs and the Fellowship won Atlanta’s 2005 Future of Jazz Competition and were chosen to perform at the 2006 Atlanta Jazz Festival. They quickly broke out of the Atlanta market, touring up and down the East Coast from Florida to Washington, DC. In 2007 the Fellowship was signed to Summit Records and released their second CD, Bluebari Jam, bringing national recognition and radio play.
“Scruggs’ flair for evoking classic jump-tune romps and horn-powered Crescent City funk couldn’t be more apparent.” His CD, BlueBari Jam, is “a dynamic arrangement showcasing Scruggs’ surging tenor and the Jazz Fellowship’s tight rhythm section. It’s an enjoyable trip that will appeal to fans of traditional jazz as well as devotees of R&B, blues and reggae.”
-Mike Joyce, Washington Post, February 1, 2008
Robby Handley - Bass
Formally trained in Jazz at Georgia State University, Robby Handley is one of Atlanta’s busiest musicians on double bass and electric bass. He has toured the country and recorded with major label recording artists Landon Pigg and Aslyn. He can be heard around town and the southeast performing with jazz, rock, salsa, hip-hop, and musical theater groups. His teaching experience is varied, ranging from private individual lessons to larger classes in more public settings. He gave Master Classes to promising high school students at the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program. With the Georgia State Faculty Jazztet, he traveled to Beijing, China to teach clinics at Capital Normal University. He taught middle school and high school students the fundamentals of being in a rock band at the Nuci’s Space Camp Amped in Athens, GA.
Louis Heriveaux has toured and performed with guitarist Russell Malone, vocalist Nnenna Freelon, saxophonist Jimmy Heath, vocalist Jeanie Bryson, and many others. A music producer in the popular music world, Heriveaux has worked with the likes of Dallas Austin, 112, TLC, Ginuwine, and Snoop Dogg.
Pianist/saxophonist Brian Hogans has one of the most dynamic, exhilarating, and fervent sounds of today’s young artists. Hailing from Morrow, GA, Brian has had the chance to study under great teachers and musicians, including, Danny Harper, saxophonists Bunky Green, Don Bradan, and Antonio Hart, and the late great pianist James Williams. Honing his skills throughout the years, Brian has had the chance to be a part of the Steins Institute of Jazz, and the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program. Brian is currently a part of the Sean Jones Quintet, and plays frequently in the Atlanta, GA area with trumpeter Russell Gunn and with his own collaboration.
Marlon Patton - Drums
Marlon Patton was born in Atlanta, Georgia, raised on music. He began playing his brother’s drum set at age 1. His love for drums continued to grow, picking up other instruments such as bass and guitar along the way. After studying at the University of Georgia’s school of music, he received his bachelors degree in music performance. Currently, Marlon’s weekly agenda is a continental divide of performances featuring modern and straight ahead jazz to rock, hip hop, latin, salsa, and afro-cuban influenced music. Marlon is involved in many different projects that keep him performing and recording year round and all over the world. He is the first call for so many musicians not just because of his impeccable time, but because of the incredible musicality of what he delivers. He plays within a huge dynamic range, making him the perfect match for quiet piano jazz performances to hard-hitting hip-hop and rock gigs. Marlon has performed with some of the finest musicians including recent concerts and/or recordings with Marcus Printup, Rufus Reid, Wycliffe Gordon, Mike Wofford, Ryan Waters of Sade, Keizo Nakanishi and TOKU.
