V.J.P. ~ Vertigo Jazz Project

After forming in early 2008, the four piece group Vertigo Jazz Project – guitarist Preston Cate, keyboardist Justin W. Powell, bassist Pajamas and drummer Sean Mason – have taken their stance as one of the premier musical acts on the scene. They continually captivate their audience’s with fresh musical ideas and new sound-scapes. VJP is based in Asheville, NC. Asheville is considered the new and upcoming music scene in the nation, and has become a mecca for quality musicians, and VJP has taken their place as a front runner.
Vertigo Jazz Project is known for their compositions and performances through the jazz idiom. But people often ask “Is this Jazz?” VJP has taken on the task of bridging the gap b/w multiple genres of music such as Jazz, Funk, Latin, Rock, Jam, Avant, Classical, World, Country, but always maintaining a distinctively recognizable element of jazz. VJP takes their varied experience and creates original compositions of their easily recognizable form of music; paying homage to the aforementioned styles, with heavy emphasis on the jazz, soul jazz and world elements. A journalist once said of VJP, “I never knew jazz could make me feel this alive, this free and this sweaty!” (Jason Bugg, Moutain Xpress)
With the rock solid foundation of Pajamas (bass) and the "brontosaurus sized backbeat" of Sean Mason (drums); Preston Cate (guitar) and Justin W. Powell (keyboards) are free to explore the many combinations of colors that are used to improvise and compose VJP's unique sound. With an improvisational approach, as well as frequent guest soloists, VJP plays a new show, every show.
Members of VJP have shared the stage with bands and artists such as The Count Basie Orchestra, Umphrey's Mcgee, Afro-beat ensemble The Afromotive, 56 Hope Road, Chicago prog-rockers The Hue, members of P-Funk, members of Toubab Krewe, members of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and members of Galactic. On the jazz front they have performed with jazz greats Bobby Watson (solo artist ;Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Horizons), Gary Smulyan (solo artist; Village Vangaurd), Mike Mcgirk, drummer Jon Riley (Miles Davis ,Woody Herman, Vangaurd Jazz Orchestra, Bob Mintzer, etc.), Chris Cheek (Bill Frisell, Brad Meldhau, & Rutter), and Andrew Clausen (Ray Charles, many Broadway shows). With members of Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, The Michael Buble Band, The Afromotive, The Spam Allstars, Johnathan Scales Fourchestra, Josh Phillip's Folk Festival, and many more having already graced the stage with VJP as guest soloists, it is a given that many more fantastic musicians will continue to help VJP make all of their live shows 'head turning!'
VJP have all realized, both collectively and individually, the positive affect that music has on society. The members of VJP have all sought to connect in a positive way with our fellow beings and share this knowledge that music is a way to knock down the barriers that stand in the way of a peaceful coexistence with all in this life. VJP knows that the best way for them to help is to PLAY, PLAY, PLAY!