M&J Jazz Combo

Formed in 2013, the M&J Jazz Combo is a sharp, flexible five-member spin-off of the full M&J Big Band. While the big band brings the massive walls of brass, this quintet dials things back into a tight, conversational setting. It’s all about small-group improvisation, spontaneous musical dialogue, and giving great players room to stretch out and play.

The lineup features John Shoener and Jacob Shoener sharing front-line trumpet duties, backed by a driving rhythm section of John Buglio on piano, Josh Kovich on bass, and Michael Ryan on drums. Together, the five musicians lock into a tight, swinging groove that keeps the music feeling fresh and alive, running through everything from cool jazz and bebop lines to timeless Great American Songbook standards.

Because of that smaller footprint, the group is incredibly versatile and perfect for settings where a full big band would overwhelm the room. They are available year-round for events across Pennsylvania—bringing just the right amount of energy to wedding receptions, cocktail hours, and corporate events to keep things sophisticated and lively without drowning out the conversation.