Eddie Metz Jr grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan and from the age of 3, was fascinated by the drums. His dad was a Dixieland/Swing pianist and insisted that Eddie take piano lessons at age 5. This gave Eddie a unique approach to the drums, from the melodic and musical side of things. People comment all the time about Eddie saying “Yes, he has plenty of chops but when he solos you can literally hear the melody.” In 1982, while Eddie was in the prestigious Jazz Studies program at William Paterson College of NJ, he received a call from Count Basie to join his world famous big band, which he did for 6 months before returning to school. Eddie graduated in1984 and promptly moved to Central Florida to the theme park and convention work scene. There, he quickly became the drummer of choice for all kinds of styles and influences from all genres of music, all over the world. Eddie can be heard on more than 100 CDs.

Award-winning jazz pianist Rossano Sportiello was born in Vigevano, Italy on 1 June 1974. He began studying piano at the age of 9 under the tutelage of Italian classical pianist Carlo Villa and continued until his graduation in classical piano from the Conservatory in 1996. At 16, he was performing professionally at jazz venues in the Milan area, and in 1992, he joined one of Europe’s historic jazz bands, the “Milano Jazz Gang” touring with the group throughout Italy and West Europe until the end of 2000. That same year, Rossano met legendary jazz pianist and educator, Barry Harris, who became a mentor and good friend. Mr. Harris has touted Rossano as “the best stride piano player” he has ever heard.  Stylistically, although international critics consider Rossano a follower of Ralph Sutton. The influence of other great masters can be heard in his playing, such as Fats Waller and Teddy Wilson. Rossano was introduced as a soloist by trombonist/arranger Dan Barrett and drew international acclaim at the 2002 Ascona Jazz Festival (Switzerland) while performing with the eight-piece, all-star American band led by Barrett.  Rossano has performed several times at Ascona and at the 25th anniversary of the festival, he received the 2009 Ascona Jazz Award in recognition of his expertise and mastery of jazz piano. Rossano made his first trip to the United States and was introduced to the American audience at the invitation of the late Mat Domber (Arbors Records) to perform at the 2003 “March of Jazz” party in Clearwater Beach, Florida.  Rossano has performed with many of the world’s finest jazz luminaries. He has been in great demand in the U.S. appearing at New York venues, such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the United Nations. Rossano has performed in all over the world, and in acclaimed festivals and venues. Since 2008, Rossano has performed regularly with the Harry Allen Quartet and as a member of the celebrated European trio the “Three Wise Men”. In the same year Rossano and his American trio were invited to perform for two entire weeks at the Café’ Carlyle in New York City as a tribute to piano legend George Shearing. In November 2016, Rossano received the prestigious Valenza Jazz Award 2016 as musician of the year.