Local Jazz Group Highlights Next 'Bands by the Pond' Event

“A groove is a terrible thing to waste,” according to Marty Knepp.

One night while driving from a gig with a close friend, he made up the motto not only for music but for life.

“It just came out and ever since then, it stuck," he said.

The Marty Knepp Trio hopes to groove the crowd at the Piney Orchard “Bands by the Pond” Saturday near the community cener from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Attendees can expect a dose of jazz and big band sprinkled with Latin flair.

“When we play Latin jazz, it will get people up to dance if they want to or they will enjoy it while sitting as well,” Knepp said.

The trio consists of pianist Clem Ehoff, bassist Jason Gano and drummer Knepp. They have been performing together for five years.

“We just really love to play together. When you listen to us play, your head will start bopping to the beat," Knepp said. "That’s just the groove coming to you.”

Knepp got started in music playing at Arundel High School, under the direction of Phil Butts, the well-regarded music director at the time. A graduate of the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, he now also plays with the Big Band Caliente, Blue Moon Big Band, Set Theory, Mike Kamuf Little Big Band and Moonlight Troopers.

When he isn’t performing, Knepp teaches music at the Anne Arundel Community College, big band clinics and private percussion lessons.

With all of the performing and teaching, Knepp seems to never run out of energy. The Marty Knepp Trio is set to record its debut compact disc.

“The working CD title is ‘Trio Conversations: Volume One.’ We plan to have a release party at Blues Alley in Washington, D.C. between October and November,” Knepp said.

Knepp said his group believes music is a gift that touches all people.

“I can tell you that it has an incredible impact on the people that play it and especially the interaction that we have with others," he said. "The world would be a terrible place if we didn’t have music. What if we had to ride in a car in silence or go to a wedding where there’s no music? It enriches people’s lives because they remember when they heard a song and what point in life where they were.”

For more information about The Marty Knepp Trio and their tour schedule, visit http://www.knepptunes.com.