The Reunion Project at Alvas Showroom

The Reunion Project, co-led by saxophonist Tony White and guitarist John Ehlis, is an adventurous musical journey rooted in jazz with a refreshing approach that ranges through a variety of moods, conversational grooves, and sublime nuances. With lyrical melodies, broad harmonic textures, and world grooves, their performances are engaging and gratifying.

“From the first time we played together,” said Ehlis, “there was an ease with our musical conversation and quest for expression. We were really discovering our own voices, not replicating the standard riffs or imitating styles. With the passage of time, our voices have become more clearly formed, while at the same time are ever growing.”...

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The Reunion Project, co-led by saxophonist Tony White and guitarist John Ehlis, is an adventurous musical journey rooted in jazz with a refreshing approach that ranges through a variety of moods, conversational grooves, and sublime nuances. With lyrical melodies, broad harmonic textures, and world grooves, their performances are engaging and gratifying.

“From the first time we played together,” said Ehlis, “there was an ease with our musical conversation and quest for expression. We were really discovering our own voices, not replicating the standard riffs or imitating styles. With the passage of time, our voices have become more clearly formed, while at the same time are ever growing.”

White and Ehlis have performed in a variety of settings over the years including Yoshi’s Jazz Club in Oakland, with Vinny Golia at the Blue Whale in Los Angeles, and with Karl Berger’s Improvisers Orchestra in New York. Though their repertoire is founded on the steady pen of compositions written by Ehlis, they frequently play the music of visionary artists such as Don Cherry, Yusef Lateef or Joseph Jarman.

"Our music connects with audiences because it uses the traditional jazz tones with a spiritual yet bold sound. We are often told that our performances make the audience feel alive," said White.

The Reunion Project will be making a special appearance at Alvas Showroom on March 22, 2014 at 8 pm. Tickets cost $20 for general admission and $15 for students. The group will also include Emerson Cardenas on bass and Ray McNamara and Glen Fittin on percussion.

As a way of giving back to the local music community, Tony and John will host a free music improvisation workshop at Alvas Music Store on March 20 at 7 pm for all instrumentalists of all ages. Admission is free (RSVP is requested but walk-ins are also welcome).

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