Entourage Jazz
Since 2009, Entourage Jazz has captivated New Mexico audiences with their stylish performances and timeless sound. Beloved by jazz enthusiasts across the state, the band has been consistently recognized for excellence, earning titles such as “Best of the City - Best Local Band” by Albuquerque the Magazine (2022) and “Albuquerque's Best Jazz Band” by the Weekly Alibi Best of Burque Music Showcase (2019). They've also been celebrated for standout performances, including “Best Performance” at the New Mexico Jazz Workshop's Jazz Under the Stars (2018) and “Best Album” for their holiday recording Entourage Jazz Wishes You A Cool Yule!
Vocalist, Emerson Corley, a Louisiana native, has twice received the New Mexico Music Award for “Best Vocal Performance” (2019, 2022), while the band has also been honored with awards for “Best Instrumental Performance” (2016, 2021) and “Best Route 66 Cover Song” (2024). Entourage Jazz has been a Top 5 Best of the City honoree for five consecutive years (2019-2024), cementing their reputation as one of Albuquerque's most dynamic ensembles.
Evolving from an intimate trio to a swinging big band, Entourage Jazz specializes in fresh interpretations of the Great American Songbook, arranged by Roger Baker. With Emerson Corley on vocals, the ensemble features Todd Lowrey (piano), Lee Taylor (saxophone), Paul Gonzales (trumpet), Maren Hatch (bass), and John Bartlit (drums) - a powerhouse lineup delivering both elegance and energy.
Emerson
Emerson Corley, Lead Vocalist, founded Entourage, an eclectic ensemble in the summer of 2007 and established Entourage Jazz in 2010. Trained as a classical singer most accustomed to performing the works of Bach and Mozart, Emerson became interested in singing in other genres as well.
Since starting Entourage Jazz, Emerson has comfortably transitioned from pop and classical repertoires to the jazz realm, specializing in standards from The Great American Songbook. Emerson's musical influences reflect the broad spectrum of music that has been performed. “On a daily basis, I am equally inspired by opera greats such as Frederica von Stade and Leontyne Price, jazz sensations Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall and Nat King Cole to pop/rock legends Karen Carpenter and the Beatles.”
Coming from a musical family, Emerson was encouraged early on to pursue formal training and education in music, having received a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory of Music, Boston. An avid performer, Emerson is excited to have made the transition from the opera stage to the jazz stage. “I am incredibly blessed to work with the amazingly gifted and versatile musicians who comprise Entourage Jazz. We have an absolute blast together.”
When not singing, Emerson is playing any type of percussion instrument on hand, including drums and banjo. Emerson's passion for music is supported by a career as a Clinical Social Worker in private practice.
Contact Emerson for bookings and additional information pertaining to Entourage at ejazzabq@gmail.com.
John
John Bartlit, drums, is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist. He has spent many years as a classical percussionist, composer, teacher, producer and accompanist with professional dance companies. For the past 25 years he has primarily made his living as a jazz drummer whose talents richly enhance the performances of other musicians.