Bandleader (click categories to see the other band members)
David Young, trumpet – One of the most exciting emerging artists on the Chicago music scene, David Young’s sizzling trumpet and charismatic stage presence make him a bandleader to be reckoned with. While studying under trumpet master Charles Geyer at Northwestern University, David released his critically acclaimed debut CD Appasionata. His live performances have also garnered rave reviews: the Chicago Sun-Times has said he is “never less than enthralling,” and the Chicago Tribune says, “To see this poised and gifted young man seduce an audience…was to witness the emergence of a potentially major artist.” David has cultivated his love of both Jazz and contemporary pop and dance music in performance with legendary artists such as Lauryn Hill, Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Roberts and Danilo Perez and touring around the world with ensembles like New Republic, Chicago Jazz Ensemble and BeBop Brass. David is proud to be the leader of the new and exciting dance band Entourage.
Vocalists
Ebonie Taylor – Ebonie is an exhilarating and charismatic singer, songwriter and dancer who has toured nationally and internationally. She was born into a musical family and was encouraged at an early age by her aunt Koko Taylor, the “Queen of the Blues”. Ebonie has performed on stage with artists such as R. Kelly, Mavis Staples and the Contours as well as at Radio City Music Hall, Universal Studios Sound Stage, the Chicago Theatre, the 2005 BET 25th Anniversary Show, the 2005 Billboard Music Awards and the Taste of Chicago. In addition to her vocal talents, Ebonie is an accomplished songwriter and arranger, and now brings her soulful flare to Entourage.
Timothy Butler – Timothy’s incomparable vocals and dynamic stage presence have been honed with extensive performance experience. Timothy began performing at the age of 3 and has gone on to work as a singer and songwriter with artists such as P. Diddy, R. Kelly, Josh Groban, Billy Preston and many top gospel greats, including Kim Burell Wiley and Grammy winner Smokie Norful. Timothy’s versatile voice soars on many diverse styles of music, from Motown to R&B to Rock, and he is excited to bring his eclectic experience and incredible vocal talent to Entourage.
Other Musicians
Steve Ramsdell, guitar – Steve began his career as a guitarist and songwriter in Solana Beach, California before moving on to Northwestern University for musical studies. After moving to Chicago, Steve began performing rock and jazz at the hottest venues in the city as well as a busy schedule of solo classical guitar dates. Steve's performing career has taken him from Jazz at Pearl's in San Francisco to the Chicago Jazz Fest to the Iridium in NYC, as well as musical sojurns in Portugal, Brazil and Cuba. Shows and recording projects over the years include original music as a leader and collaborations with Spider Saloff, Matt Geraghty, and Zvonimir Tot among many others. Steve's vast musical range and experience brings the right touch of elegance and a soulful edge to Entourage.
Thomas Hayes, saxophone – Thomas has been performing on the saxophone for most of his life, having studied at the renowned Music School of the University of North Texas. While in the Dallas area, Thomas performed and recorded with several award-winning ensembles, even garnering recognition from the prestigious jazz publication Downbeat Magazine. In addition to performances around the country, Thomas spent several years in Australia, producing and performing in award-winning shows at The Base Cabaret, one of the hottest music spots on the Gold Coast. He has toured the world, performing with musicians such as The Drifters, The Platters, Bob Mintzer, Steve Houghton, Rob McConnell and many others. Entourage is pleased to add Thomas’s combination of experience and fresh sound to our ranks.
Andre Beasley, drums – Andre became interested in music from an early age, growing up in Kansas City and being exposed to that city’s rich Jazz history and cutting his teeth in its exciting music scene. After honing his skills and training at Wichita State University, Andre moved to Chicago and proceeded to take the city by storm. He has performed music of all styles at the hottest clubs in the city, from rock to Jazz to blues and R&B. Along the way, Andre has performed with musicians such Oscar Brown, Jr., Bobby Broom, and Orbert Davis.
Tim Seisser, bass – Tim Seisser is a Chicagoland native who has been busy in the music scene from an early age. Tim has worked in many styles, regularly switching genres and settings, since he began his full time music career in 2004. He has worked with many of Chicago's finest musicians including Mark Colby, Howard Levy, Rob Parton, Nicole Mitchell, A Cor Do Brasil, and Max Weinberg. Tim has performed at The Chicago Jazz Festival, The Cherokee Jazz and Blues Festival and The Blues to Bop Festival in Switzerland. Tim was an artist in residence for the Union League of Chicago Civic and Arts Jazz Ensemble in 2008. In addition, he has had the opportunity to back celebrity entertainers Max Weinberg and Charo. In 2008 Tim released his first album as a leader entitled "Wire and Wood". It received acclaim from jazz reviewers and has been played on multiple Chicago area jazz stations including WDCB and WNUA. Tim is a staff writer for Bass Musician Magazine.
Matt Long, piano – Known for his versatility and sensitive musicianship, pianist Matt Long plays in a variety of styles with spirit and ease. A native of Kansas, Matt graduated with highest distinction from Northwestern University's School of Music in 1994. Since then he has been a busy free lancer in the Chicago area. As a vocal and choral accompanist Matt has played for the Too Hot to Handel concert choir, the Community Renewal Chorus, Old St. Patrick's Church concert choirs, and DePaul University among many others. For ten years he has been the pianist for Lyric Opera's Meet the Artist outreach programs, and has accompanied several singers in recitals at the Chicago Cultural Center. Matt's own annual solo recitals feature music from Beethoven to James Brown and have thrilled larger and larger audiences over the last 5 years. Matt provides elegant music for weddings, parties, and special events, including a two year stint playing for afternoon tea at Chicago's Peninsula Hotel. He has recorded and performed with Milwaukee-based psychedelic rock band The Danglers and created shows with local cabaret favorite Scott Montgomery. Matt joined the staff of the Community Church of Wilmette as organist in 2008.
