Jazz Trio Works with MBS Jazz Ensemble and Studio Recording Class

The acclaimed Leonieke Jazz Trio visited campus on Wednesday, January 18 to perform for the MBS Jazz Ensemble and answer questions about their musical technique, background, and influences. They also recorded a version of “Summertime” with Dr. John Girvin’s Studio Recording class in the School’s Center for Innovation & Design (CID) featuring senior vocalist Maya Bhide ’23.

Senior Maya Bhide's vocal credits include winning the 2021 Morristown ONSTAGE competition and singing The National Anthem at MetLife Stadium. She was joined in the studio by pianist Leonieke Scheuble, drummer Nick Scheuble, and bassist Tim Givens. The music was mixed and recorded by Dr. Girvin's Studio Recording class.

Earlier in the day, the Leonieke Jazz Trio performed a wide range of styles for the MBS Jazz Ensemble, offering commentary and answering questions between each song. They closed their set with Mongo Santamaría’s “Sofrito” — a song the students perform regularly. 

The jazz trio is led by college student Leonieke Scheuble, who was just 10 years old when jazz great Dr. Lonnie Smith was shown a clip of her playing piano and gifted her with a Hammond organ. Three years later, she won “Best Up and Coming Young Artist” at the Hot House Fan Decision Awards. With multiple awards and two CDs, she is a frequent feature of the New Jersey Jazz Society, and performs regularly at many of New York and New Jersey’s finest jazz venues.

Nick Scheuble has performed or recorded with Wynton Marsalis, Ray Barretto, Chico Mendoza, and many other jazz greats.  Tim Givens is one of the most in-demand bassists on the jazz scene today and has been featured on Cecilia Coleman’s trio, quintet and big band recordings as well as with vocalist Tina May.