The Empyrean Trio ascends to the highest sphere of musical expression, where Sanders, Page, and Hall commune in the celestial realm of pure improvisation. Like ancient philosophers who believed the empyrean was the highest heaven—a place of fire and light beyond the physical world—this trio inhabits the ethereal space where earthbound genres dissolve into transcendent musical dialogue.
Their original compositions float between the terrestrial and the sublime, oscillating from groove-laden explorations that anchor listeners to the physical realm, to free-form adventures that lift consciousness into the empyrean heights of pure sonic possibility. Through jazz, rock, blues, and world music influences refined by years of improvisational alchemy, the trio channels the luminous fire of creative spontaneity.
In this rarefied atmosphere, Sanders' guitar becomes a conduit between the material and immaterial, Page's bass provides the gravitational pull that keeps the music tethered to human experience, while Hall's percussion creates the rhythmic cosmos in which their empyrean visions unfold.
The Empyrean Trio:
Jay Sanders - Acoustic & Electric Guitar, ERAE Touch Synthesizer, and Effects
Zack Page - Acoustic & Electric Bass and Effects
Alan Hall - Drums and Percussion
Sanders, Boyd, Page & Hall distill the pure essence of improvisational expression, converging as alchemists of sound, transmuting musical elements into their most essential forms. This quartet embodies the philosophical concept of quintessence—the fifth element beyond earth, air, fire, and water—representing the fundamental substance from which all musical reality springs.
Their original compositions crystallize the essential qualities of diverse influences, oscillating between through-composed musical themes, groove-based soul explorations, traditional jazz-influenced pieces, Americana-inspired peaceful melodicism, world music influences, free jazz adventures, and occasional forays into cacophonous noise music. Through years of improvisational study, they've learned to access that rarefied space where genres dissolve into pure creative energy.
In this musical laboratory, Sanders' guitar becomes a conduit for universal vibration, Boyd's reeds channel the breath of consciousness itself, Page's bass provides the fundamental frequency of existence, while Hall's percussion creates the rhythmic heartbeat of the cosmos. The Jay Sanders Quintessence:
Jay Sanders - Guitar, ERAE Touch Synthesizer, and Effects
Will Boyd - Reeds, Flute, EWI, and Effects
Zack Page - Bass and Effects
Alan Hall - Drums and Percussion
Aaron Irwin - Saxophones & Clarinets
Mike Baggetta - Guitar
Bill Campbell - Drums
CRAFT’s concept is simple:
Denise Kiernan sits down with a writer in this speakeasy setting to discuss not only the writer’s latest publication, but also the craft of writing itself. For each featured author, the Little Jumbo staff will create a specialty cocktail—or mocktail—inspired by either the featured book or the author themselves.
WHO
Me, Denise, sitting down with authors from all walks—literary fiction, nonfiction, graphic novelists, mystery authors, romance writers, TV and film folks…You get the idea.
WHAT
An hour of conversation about the guest author’s work, writing process and more, with time for audience questions. Conversations are followed by an author signing. Books provided by Malaprop’s.
WHERE
Little Jumbo, located at 241 Broadway Street in Asheville, a bar and then some, offering classic and classically-inspired craft cocktails, food, games, and more.
When
WHEN
The second Sunday of every month. Doors open at 4. Conversation starts no later than 4:30 PM.
Free parking is available in the lot at 5 Points Restaurant across Broadway, in addition to general street parking. On-site book sales will be provided by Malaprop’s.
Will Boyd- Reeds
Taber Gable- Keys
David Becher- Bass
Kenneth Brown- Drums
Angie Flynn-McIver is the author of Before You Say Anything: How to Have Better Conversations, Love Public Speaking, and Finally Know What to Do with Your Hands