CHRIS LEININGER Bass, Guitar
Chris Leininger cut his teeth on folk and rock 'n roll, but the subtleties of jazz captured his pure heart and steel-trap mind in the 1980's. A master of the transitional chord and a nimble accompanist, Chris is the foundation on which Jazz Connection is built. Observers often ask him for lessons, so they must be impressed!

JYL LEININGER Vocals
Jyl Leininger has spent years quietly exercising her gorgeous pipes and awes audiences wherever she goes. Our eminently listenable singer twists phrases like they're pretzels and infuses songs with fun and heartfelt passion. Whether she is working with the entire band or pairing up with Chris, prepare to go, "Ahhhh…nice."

KATIE RENEE Piano/Keyboard
Back in Wisconsin, Katie Renee began studying piano at age 5. She continued jazz studies while earning her nursing degree at the U of Iowa, and in the spring of 2001, received her minor in music, jazz emphasis, from UW-Green Bay. She has performed in Wisconsin, New York City, Iowa, New Jersey, and Washington. Her piano voicings are reminiscent of Thelonious Monk. She is devoted to communicating the infectious spirit of jazz.

JERRY SIMON Alto & Tenor Saxophone
Visual arts and improvised music have been my passion and involvement for over 40 years.

EDGAR S. STEINITZ Alto & Soprano Saxophone, Bb and Bass Clarinet
Edgar S. grew up near the 'Big Apple' saturated by music and the arts, studied clarinet from teachers on faculty at Julliard, and frequented the j azz scene in the Village. For two summers he attended Stonegate music & arts camp. At C.W.R.U., besides Pre-Med and Dance-Theatre double majors, he took lessons from faculty associated with the Cleveland Symphony at the Institute of Music. In the 1980s, he co-founded the swing band 'Paper Moon'. Since age 50, he seriously pursued passions for jazz attending Centrum's Music Camp at Port Townsend, and taking lessons from masters to include Dave Peck at Cornish, Don Lanphere until his passing (inheriting his soprano saxophone), Tracy Knoop and David Friesen. He is active in the Seattle Jazz having performed with 'ABC' Jazz Ensemble, and since 2006, with 'Jazz Quintessence'. He is co-founder of 'Jazz Connection' taking form in 2007, where he feels at home.

SANDI WALKER Drums/Percussion
Sandy Walker is a drummer who loves sharing music and spending recess in the sonic playroom. Her own music is influenced by the spirits of Sarah Allen, Dawn Clement, Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine, David Friesen, William Carlos Moore, Matt Wilson and all the sounds that life has to offer.