Peabody Graduate Jazz Ensemble: A Voyage to New Orleans
[Photo credit: Kaveh Sardari]
On May 1st, 2026, a blustery Friday afternoon during sun-strewn golden hour, I arrived at the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center in Baltimore. Passing through the striking first floor art gallery space and a taking short elevator ride to the fourth floor, I entered the intimate concert space. Navy blue walls and grey curtains border windows allowing glimpses of the cityscape.
Sounds of the final tuning of instruments, silencing of phones, and excited conversations in anticipation of the pleasures ahead filled the intimate space. The house lights blinked.
A warm welcome began the final performance of the Peabody Graduate Jazz Ensemble, delivered by Marc Cary, who coached this year’s ensemble. The band members took the stage: Tomas Jonsson, piano; Christopher Law, bass; Joshua Watkins, drums; Kevin Brewster, alto sax; Nick Garrison, trombone; Joshua Polion, trumpet; and Roberto Villeda, piano and electric keyboard. Unfortunately, Maggie Kinney, lead vocalist, was absent due to illness, but the show delivered magic in spite of this.
The ensemble was created by famed trumpeter and Chair of Jazz Studies Sean Jones to showcase the talents of the most accomplished student artists. In his remarks, Professor Jones said that in his 20+ years as a music educator, he found that this was the most “self-sufficient” student ensemble he’d ever worked with.
The show was split into two sets. The first; bespoke tracks which interspersed jazz classics inspired by Ragtime and New Orleans jazz with originals, as an homage to the band’s love of Southern jazz and soundscapes. The second set featured all original compositions by the band.
The first piece, “Memories at Eubie,” an original composition by pianist Jonsson, instantly captured that Louisiana jazz flair. The audience quickly found the beat, toes tapping throughout the entirety of the performance, mine included; halting only for the raucous applause bestowed after each solo.
This first song, laden with gorgeous, skyward piano transitions by Jonsson, dances amongst the clouds; featuring spotlight moments for all band members present. Although rooted in Southern influenced jazz, a paramount point of inspiration for the band and their sound, visions of the city in the springtime were evoked —clear blue skies crowning the scene; parks speckled with fallen flower petals carried on the wings of music.
To me, there were two truly standout solos here: Garrison’s velvety rich trombone, and Polion’s trumpet, establishing him as a powerhouse voice. At the end of the first selection it’s been made abundantly clear; buckle up — we’re in for a real treat.
Continuing along this musical journey and the evocations of downtown jazz, the fading sun subsided and the house lights were manually adjusted. Figuratively and literally, the band was seen in a new light.
The high point of the second set was a song composed by Watkins, “Leap of Faith.” He said it is a love letter to life and his band, and the leap of faith they took upon their creation. He mentions how it took them time to find their groove with one another, to find their style, and vibe. That and more is heard in Watkins‘ own killer drum solo, as well as his percussive undercurrent throughout.
As a whole the show allowed for each of the musicians to stand out while excelling as a cohesive unit. Law’s bass was dazzling and resonant, Brewster’s sax carved through the air in the tradition of saberage; the precision slicing of champagne bottles with a sword, and Villeda’s dexterity between piano and keyboard brought a cacophony of sounds and elements.
Gabriella Alberico, Peabody Jazz Coordinator, praised the band, saying,“The Graduate Jazz Ensemble is particularly inspiring, as it grants young artists with the freedom to explore and create original music, while fostering community.” Alberico also mentioned that the band was prominently featured in the final night of the 2026 Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans, LA. – possibly sparking the theme of this concert.
Is it any wonder why Peabody’s program is considered to rival even Juilliard’s?
After the closing of the show, I thanked the artists for the sonically satisfying evening. As I walked down Howard St, jazz percolated in the air. I’m still unsure if the sounds were Eubie Blake’s own speakers, or remnants of the concert playing in my head.
— By Roy Milliner
Roy Milliner is a voracious reader, a devout lover of art, a fantasy writer, and an expert in the hospitality industry. He first discovered jazz as a child, crediting his parents’ eclectic taste in music for his own diverse musical predilections. Roy is a Maryland native and new resident to Baltimore. He looks forward to immersing himself further in the local jazz scene. This is Roy’s first piece for the BJA.