David Gleason - Piano, Vocals and Director

David Gleason received his master's degree in ethnomusicology from Tufts University. As a pianist he has performed with ensembles such as RumbaNaMa, The Boston Latin Band, The Either/Orchestra, Laurel Masse and Mojive.  He studied music education and jazz studies at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York and jazz piano with Lee Shaw.  As an educator, he has taught music at Mont Pleasant Middle School, The Sayles School of Fine Arts and as an adjunct at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Tim Williams - Saxes, Flute and Vocals

Tim Williams is originally from Massappequa, Long Island.  He studied saxophone and Music education at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York.   As a sought after section player and soloist he  has played with Soul Session, Mojive, The Refrigerators, and the Erftones.  Tim, also an active music educator, teaches in the Troy City Schools.  

Pete Sweeny - Drum Set    www.petesweeney.net

Pete Sweeny has been a full-time professional musician since 1983.  He studied with Dave Calarco and Joe Morello.  He has recorded and performed with Jay Traynor of Jay and the Americans, Nick Brignola, and Ronnie Earl among others.  Pete has toured the US and Canada with Irish singing legend Tony Kenny, guitar virtuoso Matt Smith, and Dan Toler.  He is featured on several recordings included two grammy nominated albums with Jay Traynor and a movie sound track for the Mirimax motion picure "The Castle" with Adrien Cohen.  In addition to performing, Pete is also an active educator; He teaches privately, and at the National Guitar Workshop.  He has also written ten instructional books for Alferd Publishing.

Erik Johnson- Bass 

Erik Johnson is one of the Capital Regions most in-demand bass players. Originally from Amityville, Long Island, he has been living and playing music in the Capital Region since 1989. Primarily a freelance bassist, Erik has played with such artists as Lee Shaw, Nick Brignola, Chuck D'Alioa, David Calarco, George Muscatello, Eric Walentowicz, Ray Alexander, Sonny and Perley, and many more.  Erik teaches private bass lessons and stings in the Albany City Schools.

Tony Garcia Jr. - Congas, Percusion

Tony Garcia Jr. is a Schenectady-based multipercussionist and composer who has played with Alex Torres Y Su Orchestra, Mundo Muevo and Maximo Sabor

Steve Lambert - Trumpet www.stevelambertjazz.com

Born and raised in Schenectady NY, Steve has been playing trumpet professionally in the capital region for over 10 years.  Steve moved to New York in 1999 to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University.  He returned to the Capital Region in 2003 and has since been hired to perform with The Temptations, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Johnny Mathis, and Frankie Valli. He currently performs with: the Empire Jazz Orchestra, the Big Soul Ensemble, the Sensameya Latin Jazz Band, the Ragtime Windjammers, City Rhythm, the Karen Lawrence Band, the George Muscatello Quartet, as well as many projects under his own name. 

Walter Ramos - Lead Vocals and Percussion

Walter was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. He studied flute and piano at the Henry Street Settlement Music School, the City College of New York, and SUNY College at Old Westbury. At CUNY he received instruction from John Lewis, Dizzie Gilespie, John Faddis, Connie Kay, and Charlie Palmieri. In addition to music, Walter holds also holds a degree from SUNY Stonybrook and a law degree from SUNY Buffalo. His law career brought him to Albany in 1999, where he continues to reside. Currently he performs with Sensemaya and Mundo Nuevo.

Ben Acrish - Trumpet

Ben Acrish made Albany his home after a two year stint playing trumpet on Holland America cruises. On that gig he toured much of Europe, The Middle East, North Africa, The Caribbean, and Alaska. From 1996-2001 he studied performance and music education at the Crane School of Music. He has played with Mojive, Perfect Thyroid and others. Currently he performs with Sensemaya and the Refrigerators and teaches music both privately and for the Hendrick Hudson School District.

Tony Garcia Sr. - Bongos

Tony Garcia's has played with a "who's who" of salsa.  Originally from Puerto Rico he was a reegular congero in the Fania Salsa scene during the 70's and 80's in New York.