Some say ‘home’ is where one flourishes, a safe haven for body and soul. Where we find it: only our hearts can tell. The holiday season brings a particular longing for the comfort of hearth and home, wherever it may be. NYC-based singer songwriter Jeanne Gies features jazz legend Larry Willis for an evening of creative exploration and tales of travelin’ home . . .

LAWRENCE ELLIOTT LARRY" WILLIS is an American jazz pianist and composer. He has performed in a wide range of styles, including jazz fusion, rock, bebop andavant-garde. Born in NYC, Willis began his career recording with Jackie McLean. He has numerous recordings both as sideman and leader, and has performed with a diverse range of musicians, including seven years as keyboardist for Blood, Sweat & Tears, Nat Adderley, Cindy Blackman, Louis Hayes, Jimmy Heath, Carmen McRae, and Roy Hargrove. His recent recording with Paul Murphy, Exposé, demonstrated the fusion principles of bebop and avant-garde jazz.

Sweden-born composer, recording artist, and trombonist MICHAEL RORBY is an international phenomenon and a steady presence on the New York jazz scene. He has recorded and performed with many jazz legends, including Philip Harper, Johnny O'Neal, Patience Higgins, Phil Young, Harvie S., Roy Merriweather, Enrique Haniene and the late Dennis Davis . A sublime soloist as well as consummate side-man, Rorby is known for his creative styling and solid swing.

For the past 20 years, MICHAEL RAITZYK has been one of the top jazz guitarists in the Baltimore-Washington area. Acclaimed for his solid rhythm chops and improvisatory imagination, Raitzyk has played with everyone from Pepper Adams and Mel Torme to Clifford Jordan and Bill Hardman.

JEANNE GIES is an international performing artist and educator. She has recorded with a stunning array of jazz greats, including Howard Alden, Gerald Cannon, Sherman Irby, Willie Jones III, Romero Lubambo, Russell Malone, Bucky Pizzarelli, Eric Reed, and Jack Wilkins. Jeanne recently penned the lyrics and recorded the critically acclaimed Window (da janela) featuring the music of Brazilian composer Manu Lafer. A licensed voice specialist, Jeanne presides over the annual Jazz Vocal and Guitar Workshop in Bolzano Italy ([email protected] for 2019 dates.)

Dubbed a 'pro' by Newport Jazz Festival founder George Wein, Jeanne is recognized for her full-bodied voice and distinctive phrasing. UK Jazz Waves host Alan Steadman sums it up: 'At a time when there are many vocalists who think they are jazz singers, it's great to hear someone who really is . . .