Amina Scott is an exceptionally talented bassist and composer. Growing up in a musically inclined family, with both her parents being music enthusiasts, she was exposed to a diverse range of musical genres, which greatly influenced her artistic development. Her interest in music peaked at an early age when her grandmother began giving her piano lessons. From then on, her love and passion for music have yet to cease. She started playing electric bass at the age of twelve and soon began playing gigs with local bands in Oakland. She switched her focus towards the upright bass after attending college at Loyola University New Orleans. In 2019, she received her Master’s degree from Florida State University under the tutelage of Rodney Jordan. She was also part of the 2017 Ravinia Jazz Program cohort under the direction of Rufus Reid, Billy Childs, and Nathan Davis.

Currently based in New Orleans, LA, Amina Scott has been a bassist for many musicians on the New Orleans music scene, as well as abroad. She has performed with artists such as Jazzmeia Horn, Chief Xian Atunde Adjuah, Don Vappie, David Murray, Johnny Vidacovich, Joanne Bracken, Nicholas Payton, Herlin Riley, and Germaine Bazzle. She currently tours with a project, spearheaded by Dee Dee Bridgewater, called WE EXIST! as well as with the DDB Big Band where she serves as an arranger and as the bassists.

Amina continues to forge her own path as a trailblazing artist, Ranging from many musical influences, she is able to express her journey into Black womanhood and capture the trials and tribulations of her career thus far. While staying true to the musical lineage as well as herself, Amina is able to captivate audiences around the world with her music and her story. Her debut album Where The Wild Seed Grows is out now on all platforms.

“Saturn Quartet is a real band, not just a collection of individual musicians.”
- Marcus Roberts

Their extremely eclectic and highly sensitive approach to melody and improvisation never fails to captivate an audience. Their debut album “Synchronicities” (2022) was produced by Grammy award-winning artist Jamison Ross and received rave reviews and radio play throughout the US and abroad. They recently released their sophomore album, “Luz” (2023) (also produced by Ross) and currently have US performance dates scheduled and a European tour in the works.

David L. Harris embodies the edge of modern jazz and the sultriness of blues taking his audiences on an emotionally engaging journey of love.

Willie Green is a talented and spiritual artist and composer from Louisiana. At a young age, he discovered
his love of drums while playing gospel music in his dad's church. Since then, Willie has infused his
performances and compositions with his spiritual sensibility. As a band leader, Willie strives to create
opportunities for his bands and friends that align with his vision for himself. He continues to play for other groups and recognizes the importance of cultivating healthy experiences and relationships with others . Willie sees music as an essential part of his life, having been a constant companion since he was young. Through his career as a musician, he has learned valuable life lessons, including perseverance, dedication, and staying calm in challenging situations. Willie's first drum teacher, his Uncle Walter, taught him a valuable lesson about the importance of playing the music. Willie has had the privilege of studying with some of New Orleans' most prominent drummers during his college years at Loyola University. Since graduating, Willie has played with many talented musicians and performed at major US and overseas festivals. Willie hopes to continue spreading his message of peace through his music and to collaborate with as many musicians as possible throughout his career.

The Steve Lands Quartet is unable to play AMAS on Wednesday, October 16th. Full refunds will be made to all advance ticket holders.

Yusa is a Cuban singer and songwriter, born in the Buena Vista district of Havana, Cuba. Her music is recognised worldwide : in 2003, she was nominated at the prestigious BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards in two categories (Best Newcomer and Best of the Americas.)

Dr. Michael Torregano comes from a musical family. The youngest of four boys, he began playing piano at the age of five. Michael studied music at Southern University in New Orleans earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. He later received a Master in Music Performance with an emphasis in conducting from the University of New Orleans. He received a Doctor of Musical Arts from Boston University. Michael has been an educator for 32 years, teaching music in Elementary, Middle, High Schools, and at the university level. He performed in his brother, Joseph Torregano’s quartet for 31 years. Michael has also had the pleasure of performing with many New Orleans artists including Allen Toussaint, Deacon John, Dave Bartholomew, and Johnny Adams.