The Band

The musicians behind the swampfunk.

Vocals, Guitar

Jason Cale

Jason Cale grew up between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, soaking in the blues, funk, and soul that would shape his sound. He spent over two decades as a professional musician with the U.S. Army and Air Force Bands, performing around the world and sharing stages with Grace Potter, John Popper, Joe Bonamassa, and many others.

After retiring from the military in 2019, Jason put together the band and gave the music a name: swampfunk. Equal parts blues-rock grit, New Orleans groove, and jazz fusion, it's a sound built for the stage. Jason writes, sings, and plays guitar, but what drives him most is the chemistry between the players on any given night.

“Every show is different because the guys in this band listen to each other,” Jason says. “That's what makes it real.”

Sax, Keys

Jeffrey Saunders

“I grew up in a household of music lovers not musicians,” Jeff Saunders says. “The saxophone was my first and only instrument I wanted to play. Once I reached my sophomore year of high school, I knew I wanted to create and perform music for a career.”

After high school, Jeff went to Ithaca College in New York and earned a bachelor's degree in music education. During his senior year, he auditioned and was accepted into the United States Air Force Band of Liberty. From there, Jeff traveled the world and was stationed in Japan and Germany. “I've performed with many talented musicians in many amazing places,” Jeff says. “Grateful to be supported by my loving wife, two great kids and fantastic friends.”

Jeff's musicality shines through as a multi-instrumentalist with the band, doubling on keys and saxophone. “It's a privilege and honor performing in the Jason Cale Band and the opportunity to make incredible music with good friends,” Jeff adds. “It's an absolute pleasure playing with these bandmates. The soulfulness each performer brings are the ingredients that keep listeners coming back for more.”

Bass

Jacques Jones

Jacques Jones was born in 1959 in Newport News, Virginia. He started playing bass guitar at the age of 13 and has been playing ever since, for about 50 years. He has played with international jazz recording artists, R&B singers, Doo Wop recording legends, and has also performed and recorded with 5-time Grammy winner, bassist Victor Wooten.

Jacques currently leads his own band, a jazz trio called Osmosis out of his home base of Newport News, Virginia, while also playing with the Jason Cale Band. Jacques brings an enormous amount of musicality, knowledge, and a deep pocket to the band's sound.

“I love the camaraderie,” Jacques says of playing with the Jason Cale Band, “and Jason's musical creativity sparks and challenges my musical capabilities on bass.”

Bass

Donnell Smith

Donnell Smith began playing the bass guitar when he was 6 years old and has continued to love making music with the bass to this day. As a freelance bassist in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, Donnell has had the opportunity to play with many accomplished musicians, legendary vocalists, and producers. Donnell plays an array of musical styles, including jazz, funk, R&B, country, gospel, Afro Cuban, African, blues, reggae, hip hop, and oldies. Donnell says he loves to do solo stuff, but is most happy just sitting in the pocket providing a good groove and foundation. Donnell's musical prowess shines through with the band and has been a cornerstone of the band's growth since its inception in 2018.

When it comes to playing with the Jason Cale Band, Donnell says, “I do enjoy the experimentation that is allowed on the stage; the fact that Jason's open to whatever we try musically.”

Drums

Edward Williams

Edward Williams grew up in Syracuse, NY. He began playing the drums at the age of 13 in his middle school band and continued playing in high school in the jazz band, rock band, drum corps, and marching band. After graduating high school, Ed joined the United States Navy as a musician. Once he completed the Navy School of Music, he was assigned to the Navy Band Southwest in San Diego, CA, followed by being stationed at Great Lakes, IL. After leaving IL, he finished his Naval career stationed at Pearl Harbor, HI as a part of the Pacific Fleet Band.

Ed then furthered his musical career with the United States Air Force in Langley, Virginia, where he retired from the military. Since then, Ed plays with the Jason Cale Band, exploring a contemporary fusion of blues and rock. He enjoys playing with the band as he feels freedom to explore his unique drumming background and skill sets. Ed truly enjoys creating music that brings people together in a harmonious way. Ed's passion and energy is the fuel that keeps the band intrigued, inspired, and excited to perform with each other every time they play. His smile and the joy coming from behind the set says it all.