Join the Justin Lees Trio for their Annual Summer concert at An die Musik Live!

Justin Lees, guitar
Aaron Clay, bass
Dominic Smith, drums

Aaron Clay is a uniquely versatile double bassist who commands great respect as a performer in both the classical and jazz worlds, but it was The Washington Post that observed, "What sets [Clay] apart is elegant bowing ... His melodic lines have a cello-like glow and flexibility...."

After completing his studies, Clay was selected to join the United States Navy Band. Upon completing one enlistment, he auditioned for "The President's Own" United States Marine Band where he has been a member since 1993. Mr. Clay is a founding member of the highly acclaimed string duo, Bridging the Gap, in which he performs with violinist Peter Wilson. Hailed by The Washington Post for "superior arrangements and uncommon musicianship," the unique duo performs works covering a wide range of musical styles. Mr. Clay is also developing a reputation as a composer and arranger of works for the violin and bass duo as well as larger ensembles. He is Principal Bassist of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and performs with other Washington, DC regional orchestras, jazz, and pop groups.

Dominic Smith has been a fixture on the local jazz scene for more than 20 years. His hard swinging style, use of dynamics and innovative rhythmic subtleties have been utilized by other jazz notables. Since 2006 Dominic has been a member of The Unified Jazz Ensemble. Dominic rounds out his playing schedule with the cream of the crop of local musicians and backing up many different national artists, performing more than 320 gigs a year, while also training students at his home studio.

Dominic studied composition at Towson University with Hank Levy and played in the “A” band there under the tutelage of drummers Steve Ashcraft and Grant Menefee, studied improvisation with bassist Drew Gress and organist Greg Hatza, and Classical Percussion studies with Dale Rauschenberg and Gary Carr. He also studied in New York City with many notables. His local drum guru was the late genius drummer Mike Smith.

Justin Lees started playing guitar professionally in the late 70’s. Although stylistically diverse, Justin's main focus is on a straight ahead approach to jazz steeped in the fifties tradition of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie and rooted in the styles of Charlie Christian and T Bone Walker. The feeling of Swing and the Blues is a constant.

He has studied seriously with Howard Alden and Michele Ramo, as well as Dr. Asher Zlotnik. Past performances include opening for Nina Simone as a member of the Ron Holloway Group at Constitution Hall. In addition to his own solo, duo, and trio projects, current projects have included being the guitarist for the John Colianni Quintet since its formation in 2006 as well as being the guitarist for John’s JAZZ ORCHESTRA. He also plays with the Gypsy Jazz Phenomenon Franglais. He will be heard on John Colianni’s upcoming Big Band Release, "John Colianni with the Big Band-New York Sessions" on Patuxent Records; the release date is on hold due to Colianni’s untimely passing.A personal favorite highlight is his annual performance each July at An die Musik Live.

In-person seats: $20 / $10 students
Attendees receive a link to the recording to view for one week.

Streaming passes: $15
Link remains active through August 1

Donations Welcome!