Jerry Tolson

The Jerry Tolson Quintet is a Louisville based jazz group that features jazz standards, contemporary originals, and Latin influenced selections. Led by Jerry Tolson, Associate Professor of Music Education and Jazz Studies, at the University of Louisville, 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 the Lincoln Trail College (IL) Jazz Festival, Iowa Wesleyan College Concert Series, Burlington (IA) Civic Music Association concert series, and have appeared as guest artists at numerous other colleges and universities. A versatile ensemble, they have served as backup for such artists as The Drifters, Leslie Gore, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Ramona Dunlap (Pieces of A Dream), and Sonia Hensley. They have served as the opening act for jazz artists Eric Reed, Wycliffe Gordon, and Mark Whitfield. Members of the group have also worked with, among others, Kevin Mahogany, Benny Golson, Marvin Stamm, Ndugu Chancler, and James Moody. The group has performanced at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy among others. They recently returned from a ten day tour in Barbados that included performances for the Prime Minister.