THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE SESSION

The Session was formed by four friends who decided that playing music should be an adventure full of intrigue, and honesty. They have gone against the grain and decided to develop music, branding and an online presence that reflects each band member's creative voice. This band started in 2011 and has maintained a presence on the music scene because of there unity and faith in one another's artistic vision.

There persistent will to make music that speaks to there collective truth is embodied most by Jasen Weaver.  

Jasen Weaver, who is one of the founding members of The Session, has a musical insight that is marveled by all who hear him. His strong will and melodic genius are evident through is playing and compositions. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jasen Weaver is one of the most in-demand bassists. When he’s not leading his own sextet, you can find him on the bandstand with notable artists such as Donald Harrison and Jason Marsalis. He is also a regular at some of the most recognized venues in New Orleans such as Preservation Hall, Snug Harbor, and Bacchanal Wine. A graduate of the prestigious New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) as well as the University of New Orleans, Weaver was positioned to be an impact player in the music scene from a very young age. He has toured in Europe, Australia, South Africa, Honduras, Japan and many cities in the United States. Weaver has also made a name for himself as a recording artist having appeared on albums by Carmela Rappazzo, David L. Harris, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dr John, The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music Jazz Orchestra, Jason Marsalis, the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and many more. Weaver released his debut album, “The Voscoville”, in March 2018.

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Steven Lands, the trumpeter, adds a bit of humor and compassion to the music. His warm spirit can be felt as soon as he and his trumpet enter a room. He is a 31-year-old Louisiana native and has been playing the trumpet since the age of 9. He received lessons early from New Orleans native “Sweet” Willie Singleton and began playing gospel music all through his teen years. It was only natural that he started playing jazz with parents who sang (his mother once a jazz vocalist) and brothers and sisters whom all were musically inclined. His sound on the trumpet has been described as a 'controlled fire, at one point blisteringly strong and at others, warm and inviting.’ Since moving to New Orleans where’s he’s based, he's been playing with fine musical artists like Bernard Wright, Bobby Sparks, Wess “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Terrence Higgins of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Vincent Gardner, Sean Jones, Aaron Fletcher, Ron Westray, Cyrille Aimee, The New Orleans Jazz Orchesta, Branford; Ellis; and Jason Marsalis, Shannon Powell, Joe Dyson, Herlin Riley, Germaine Bazzle, and many others still. Stephen has also headlined Jazz Festivals around the world as a sideman as well as under his own name. He also teaches clinics at High School and College, as well as for local community programs.
Steven is currently working on his Solo record, in which he will write and arranged all the music himself, as well as scoring the music for 2 upcoming films set to release in 2020.

Andrew Mcgowan is the embodiment of soulful spirituality. Each time he sits at the piano, you feel as though you have been to a revival. He left New Orleans in 2016 to add new depths to his sound and to seek new opportunities in New York City. Whilst in New Orleans, he was lucky to study with masterful teachers, Alvin Batiste and Michael Pellera at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. These mentors instilled in him the will to build on his understanding of music. Before leaving New Orleans he regularly played with Jason Marsalis, Wessell Anderson III, Ed Peterson, The Stooges Music Group, Cliff Hines, and Sasha Masakowski to name a few. Andrew looks forward to building on these experiences in the years to come while in New York City.

Rhythm is critical to all music and Darrian Douglas doesn't disappoint. His mastery of rhythm and sound are intoxicating.  He is a Jackson, Mississippi native that has fashioned a successful music career with jazz groups throughout New Orleans and New York City. At age 11, Darrian began studying music at the Academic and Performing Arts Center under Dr Perry Combs and several other inspiring music educators, including Alvin Fielder, London Branch and Chad Anderson. These musicians played a huge role in his early development and would also serve as his mentors. In 2008, Darrian moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he took over the drum chair in Ellis Marsalis's quartet. He stated, "I love playing with Mr Marsalis; he allowed me to grow and explore the music without consequence." Darrian continued to play with Ellis until his departure from New Orleans in December 2012. He has shared the stage with Wynton Marsalis, Victor Goines, Irvin Mayfield, Godwin Louis, Jazzmeia Horn, Brianna Thomas, Joe Temperley, Germaine Bazzle, Jessie McBride, Bob Cranshaw, Bria Skonberg and Ellis Marsalis. Darrians newest roll is Executive Director of Second Line Arts Collective. A non-profit organization focused on creating arts education programs that enable young artist to thrive in the modern economy.