New Orleans Own…
Troy Sawyer and the Elementz originated from a trio that rocked the New Orleans music scene after Hurricane Katrina. Their unique sound could be described as a gumbo medley infused with funk, rock, soul, jazz, and latin influence. This energizing concoction will blow your mind and rock your soul. Troy Sawyer, the soulful trumpet player, has displayed a natural leadership and dedication to propelling the group forward. Sawyer comes from a line of great musicians including his cousin, Leon Bridges, and his great grandfather, Louis D. James (who played with and co-wrote songs with the great Buddy Bolden). New Orleans’ own, Troy Sawyer and the Elementz, are knocking down the creative barricades to inspire every listener.
French Quarter Fest 2019
Big Ed Johnson (Drummer)
Edward Lee Johnson Sr. was born to the parents of Elmer Lee Johnson and Gwendolyn R. Johnson (Willis). At the age of eight he received his first drumming job where he later became the main drummer at the age of eleven. He attended Sarah T. Reed Sr. High School where he played football and played in the marching band. After graduating, Edward continued playing for the local churches and doing gigs around the U.S. He made the decision to attend college at Southern University at New Orleans where he started his studies in music.
Jentleman Sharp (Keys)
Jentleman Sharp is a native of New Orleans. As a full-time artist, he pulls from many influences while working across multiple genres as a songwriter, performer, producer, and director. A classically trained pianist turned funk star, J ( as he’s called) has studied with many notable local, national and international jazz educators such as Kidd Jordan, Clyde Kerr Sr, Frank Mantooth, Curtis Fuller, Donald Byrd and many more. As a competing youth, he often placed high if not first and enjoyed challenging himself while studying at NOCCA, Skidmore Summer Jazz Camp, and The Jazz and Heritage School, etc. He’s also enjoyed much travel while playing such venues as a sold-out Apollo Theater, Blue Note NY, castles in Spain and hot clubs in Germany as well as Russia to name a few. He’s a former principal songwriter and performing member of Water Seed.
Gary Washington (Bass)
South Carolina native, Gary Washington, is a multi-instrumentalist based in New Orleans, LA. His music pulls inspiration from hip-hop, jazz, and funk. He has performed throughout the country on bass and cello.
Billy Frank (Guitar)
Billy Franklin was raised in New Orleans, La. He began playing guitar at age 14, and 9 months later was accepted to New Orleans Center For Creative Arts (N.O.C.C.A) After receiving his diploma in Jazz Studies at NOCCA, he went on to received his degree in Jazz Performance at the University of New Orleans. While at U.N.O, Franklin studied under the direction of Ellis Marsalis, Steve Masakowksi and Harold Batiste among others. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina he took to the road and toured over 100,000 miles with multiple projects over many years. Since his move back to New Orleans in 2008, he has been a consistent presence in the New Orleans music scene.
Jawara Simons (Percussionist)
Jawara Simon is a New Orleans native percussionist and and son of renowned percussionist Kenyatta Simon. Born into a folkloric cultural community Jawara has studied and is well verse in African,Haitian,Cuban and Brazilian music. Jawara has worked as musical director for many of New Orleans cultural arts companies. Jawara can be seen around the city performing at festivals, playing with different groups as well teaching folkloric music in New Orleans school system.
Stephen Walker (Trombone)
Stephen James Walker was born into a large family of preachers, teachers and musical talent. His father Lawrence A. Walker Sr.,was a Bishop at Beth Israel Church of God and Christ. His mother Belinda Magee was a missionary who sang in the choir. Stephen is one of five children who all played music. As a youth, he played piano, clarinet, organ and trombone at his father’s church. Attending Francis W. Gregory Jr. High School on trombone, also becoming a drum major in his last year. He then attended John F. Kennedy high school and NOCCA focusing on Trombone, moving onto to Delgado Community College. He has been on the road ever since. Stephen Walker has a musical vision that continues to expand to bring joy to his listeners.
Laquay Frazier (Sax)
LaQuay Frazier is native of Tuscan, Arizona. He Studied Jazz at University of New Orleans.