This performance used with permission from Andru Dennis.

Every jazz scene, large or small, has a performer who serves as the glue that holds groups together. They're not necessarily the person that leads but they're almost always the person who helps others shine. In Northeast Ohio in general, and Akron specifically, Andru Dennis is that performer.

Andru's name is almost never on the marquee, but if you're passing through the Bop Stop here in Cleveland or a bot more often at Blu Jazz in Akron , Andru is the keyboardist and piano player you want to round out your sound.

All that said, Andru takes a turn up front in this performance which was part of our Trio Tussle series and he does not disappoint. Featuring Andru on Keys, Smokeface on Bass and Gabe Jones on Drums it's the Andru Dennis Trio and from a November 17th, 2024 performance – it's the Andru Dennis Trio – Live at the Bop Stop.

This performance used with permission from Dan Bruce.

Ohm! is the latest project from Cleveland based guitarist Dan Bruce. Dan cut his teeth in the jazz scenes in Chicago and Dallas before returning home to Northeast Ohio to continue his career as a performer and educator.

You've heard the trio on the program before with a duo of performers from Pittsburgh, but this configuration features Cleveland area performers Jordan McBride on Bass and Gabe Jones on Drums. This performance captures the trio in their last dress rehearsal before going into the studio to record their debut album The Architects which is now available.

This performance used with permission from the artist.

Ari Hoenig is a jazz drummer, composer and educator known for his unusual and intense approach to drumming emphasizing complex rhythms in direct harmony with other group members. Ari is widely noted particularly for his drumming not being relegated to just keeping tempo, or being a side issue to the music he plays in, but rather for elevating drumming as an indispensable part of the performance.

Ari pays a return visit to the program to, among other things, help work out the kinks for tracks in support of his latest release Tea for Three. Featuring Ben Tibiero on bass, Ghadi Lahavi on piano and Ari Hoenig on drums, its the Ari Hoenig Trio " Live at the Bop Stop.