Based in Buffalo, NY, the Jay/Sharptet performs music with a focus on original compositions and arrangements. Founded by musicians Jacob Jay and Dalton Sharp, this versatile ensemble can perform as a trio, quartet, quintet, or even a big band. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists like the Miles Davis Quintets, Chet Baker, and Roy Hargrove, they strive to make every performance a unique musical statement that is engaging for their audience.
Past performances include the Northwest Lewiston Jazz Festival, Queen City Jazz Festival, CMC Jazz Festival, and Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Festival, as well as renowned venues like the Palmetto Theatre and Pausa Art House.
Jacob Jay is a professional trumpet player and music educator based in Buffalo, NY. With a passion for both performance and teaching, Jacob has cultivated a diverse career. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from SUNY Buffalo State and his Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. While at UAM, Jacob was recognized with the Outstanding Band Award at the prestigious Elmhurst College Jazz Festival in Elmhurst, Illinois, as a member of UAM’s Jazz One ensemble. As an educator, Jacob currently serves as the High School Band Director at Global Concepts High School, an Adjunct Instructor at Villa Maria College, and the Brass Instructor for the Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective’s Love Supreme School of Music. Jacob’s career has also taken him to some of the world’s most iconic stages. He works with the Honors Performance Series by WorldStrides, and has performed with them at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, Royal Festival Hall in London, England, and Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Dalton Sharp is an active professional saxophonist, drummer and vocalist based in Buffalo, NY. Known for his versatility, Dalton has performed with a wide range of notable artists across various genres. In addition to his work with the Jay/Sharptet his performance credits include jazz legend Onaje Allan Gumbs, Billboard #1 trad jazz singer Svetlana & the New York Collective, international touring artist Tia Brazda, Bill Easley and the CMC Centennial Big Band, and Neil Giraldo, the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, to name a few.
Nate Kalnitz is a professional bassist and sound engineer based in Buffalo, NY. Drawing from a wide range of musical influences, including jazz, funk, progressive rock, fusion, and blues, Nate brings a dynamic and versatile approach to his music. A recent graduate of the Conservatory of Music at Capital University, Nate studied under the guidance of renowned instructors Lou Fischer and Roger Hines. Nate's performance experience includes playing on Norwegian Cruise Line ships, where he had the opportunity to perform across the islands of Hawaii.
Ian Liedke is an accomplished pianist and music director based in Buffalo, NY, with over 20 years of experience performing in a variety of musical styles. A graduate of SUNY Fredonia, Ian holds a degree in Music Performance with a minor in Jazz Studies. Ian’s performance career spans multiple genres, including jazz gigs throughout Buffalo and parts of New York City. He has also served as Music Director at a regional theater in Vermont for their production of Tintypes and has taught jazz at the Chautauqua Institution School of Music. Throughout his career, Ian has had the privilege of performing alongside such renowned artists as Arturo Sandoval, Cory Henry, and Bruce Johnstone.
For more information, visit ianliedkemusic.com.