Jarrett Walser is a musician that brings vibrant sensitivity and rich nuances to an expressive style on the drums that is refreshing. His ease and versatility in several genres (jazz, rock, R&B, the blues, funk) has made him a highly sought-after drummer. As a member of U.L.T.R.A. S (formally known as The Fanny Pack) you can hear the infusion of those styles on display.

 

What started out as an inquisitive, playful orchestration on pots and pans, at the age of three, grew into a passion. Jarrett’s first love has always been jazz. This allure commenced at the age of 11 when he began studying at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s (NJPAC) Wachovia Jazz for Teens program in 2001. During his 7 years at NJPAC, he had the fortunate opportunity to study with jazz greats -- Ralph Peterson, Cecil Brooks III, Dion Parson, Mark Gross, Valery Panomarev, Joris Teepe and Mike LeDonne.

 

After his studies at NJPAC, he continued to pursue his passion for music at Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he received his B.A. (2012) and M.M. (2017) in Jazz Performance. While there he was able to study with world-class musicians -- Victor Lewis, Ralph Bowen and Conrad Herwig to name a few. He has also performed with several notable musicians including bassists Rufus Reid, Kenny Davis, vocalist Carla Cook, trumpeter Valery Panomarev’s: Our Father Who Art Blakey Big Band, Eddie Allen’s groups PUSH, Eddie Allen Quintet and 3hree for Louis: Tribute to Louis Armstrong, Lance Bryant:SHOUT Big Band as well as Jazz Saxophonist Chico Freeman.

 

Jarrett has played at numerous major music venues in New York City including Dizzy’s Club Cocoa-Cola, The Iridium, The Blue Note, The Zinc Bar, and Carnegie Hall. He maintains constant engagements at various concert halls, clubs, and private and public events.

 

When not performing, Jarrett loves teaching and is on staff at  NJPAC and His & Her Music as an instructor, has private students, and conducts master classes for young children.       

 

He was also the Jazz Band Manager for the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Band, a 17-member swing ensemble whose single mission is to preserve the big band jazz music of the 30s and 40s as well as playing compositions of todays modern composers.

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Jarrett is an artful musician that is only at the genesis of his career. The best is yet to come.