Neal Miner (bass) is a native New Yorker who was immersed in jazz by his father, an avid jazz discographer. First studying music with drummer Eddie Locke at the Day School, Miner graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy, and briefly attended the Manhattan School of Music; his primary teachers were bassist Orin O'Brien of the New York Philharmonic and jazz bassist John Webber. In New York, Miner has played with many of the best of his generation, including Ryan Kisor, Brad Mehldau, and Eric Alexander, and for two years, had a weekly gig at Smalls. Know for his composition as well as his playing, “Neal brings the bass up front and makes it the focus of a relaxed but rhythmic musical universe… he allows the melody to sing, embellishing it inventively but not losing its essence in a flurry of irrelevant notes” (Sten Grynir, New York Stringer).

Like Tuey Connell, drummer Joe Strasser has considerable experience working on TV and radio jingles. Since settling in New York, he has served as timekeeper for many of the young lions, including Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, and Eric Alexander, as well as such veteran titans as Ron Carter, Eddie Henderson, Jon Hendricks, and James Moody. Also known for his eclecticism, Strasser is co-leader of the funk band Hot-Pants and has taught at the New School University and the Stamford Jazz Workshop. His other groups have included a quartet with Etta James and trio with Ronnie Matthews and Walter Booker.