Trude Witham: Press

Bitten by jazz bug, saxophonist finds a cure WHO: The Trude Witham Group VISIT: Trudewithamgroup.com AKA: Trude Witham, saxophone; Steve Esposito, piano; Justin Maynard, bass; Steve Preston, drums. BACKSTORY: Trude Witham's relatively new band is about to make a big splash in October at Chelmsford's The Java Room. Expect to hear a variety of jazz standards and contemporary from the cool quartet. The Sun recently caught up with Witham. By ANDREW RAVENS Sun Staff When and how did you form the band? The quartet has been together for five months. I had been in another band, but I really wanted to start my own. I had jammed with different pianists, but no one worked out. Through an acquaintance of mine, I went to see our pianist (Steve Esposito) play last July. We started in September and then we added a bass player in January of '06 and a drummer in April. It took a while to form. What's your favorite kind of jazz music to play? We play mostly standards. My favorite is contemporary. I love the old stuff, too. But I've really been getting into the contemporary. I also like playing material from local people. There are a lot of locals composing jazz in the area. In your bio, you said you were "bitten" by the jazz bug. What or who bit you? My niece went to the New England Music Camp (in Maine) and I went to hear her play. I saw a jazz group with a 15-or 16-year-old saxophonist named Loren Stillman --- I was smitten by that. You were involved with folk music, singing, guitar and composing before turning your attention to jazz. Which type of music is harder to play? Jazz easily -- especially improvisation. I've mostly been an ear player and to make the transition and read music was a challenge. It sounds like you all have your own side projects. Do those get in the way or are they beneficial? I think it can be both. It does make it a challenge to schedule practice and double booking happens. Our pianist has a lot of experience and he's given me a lot of help. I'd say it's mostly positive. Catch The Trude Witham Group from 8-10:30 p.m., Oct. 7 at The Java Room, 14 Littleton Road in Chelmsford.

Here are some comments from some of our fans: "As always, we enjoyed your performance very much! The band sounded excellent. One of our regulars mentioned to me this morning about how much she enjoyed sitting there on Saturday night listening to the jazz band playing and 'especially that lady sax player, she was so good!'" Candy Liu, owner of The Java Room, Chelmsford, MA. "We enjoyed your playing very much [at Main Streets Market, Concord, MA]" Geoff and Irene Renshaw, UK. "Your 'first teacher' had a great time listening! Good work." Maureen Amaral-Gay, realtor and professional musician. "Loved the band, loved your playing. You really have a beautiful tone. Rich and full. Hope to catch you again soon." Jack Morash, band leader of Freefall. "Your band was awesome Trude! Great tone out of that sax. I hope we catch you guys a lot more often! great music!" Tag Vennard, professional pianist. "You guys are great, always a pleasure to have you play." Karen Ingle, owner, Thirty-One Main restaurant.