B-Side Quartet

B-side Quartet plays in trio to quintet formats, bringing fresh interpretations, eclectic songs, history, and storytelling — always true to jazz. Led by Austin drummer Kevin Witt, the group draws on the hard bop ethos while embracing modern ideas, pushing the music forward in meaningful ways. Their performances blend historical context with narrative, spoken word, and samples, offering audiences both depth and surprise."

Andre Hayward is a world-class trombonist known for his warm tone, clarity, and gospel-tinged approach, often compared to the legendary J.J. Johnson. His sound is both refreshing and deeply rooted in the jazz tradition.

Hayward’s early break came when Roy Hargrove invited him on a European tour after hearing him at a festival jam session with the Texas Southern University Jazz Ensemble. He went on to perform and record with Betty Carter in her acclaimed Jazz Ahead program for five years, followed by collaborations with leading figures such as Joe Williams, Slide Hampton, John Lewis, Mingus Dynasty Big Band, Gerald Wilson, Jimmy Heath, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and Illinois Jacquet’s Big Band. More recent credits include work with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the San Francisco Jazz Collective, and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

In addition to performing, Hayward is a sought-after educator. He has taught jazz trombone at institutions including New School of Jazz & Contemporary Music, New York University, New England Conservatory, Michigan State University, University of Texas, University of North Texas, Huston-Tillotson, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

B-side was founded in 2015 by Kevin Witt, bringing together key jazz luminaries as its core members. Built on the unique instrumentation of trombone, organ, guitar, and drums, the group quickly developed a distinctive sound — rooted in hard bop, yet open to storytelling, history, and reinterpretation.

Over time, B-side has evolved into trio, quartet, and quintet formats, featuring many established jazz musicians. This flexibility allows the ensemble to continually explore fresh textures while staying true to its mission: to bring lesser-known gems of the jazz tradition to life through performance and narrative.

Bruce Saunders has been a vital voice in the jazz world for decades. A longtime member of the New York jazz community (1986–2014), he has recorded, performed, and toured internationally with leading artists including Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, Bill Stewart, Peter Erskine, Kenny Werner, Donny McCaslin, Joe Lovano, Bill Pierce, Bobby Previte, and Mark Murphy.

As a leader, Saunders has released seven CDs, while also appearing as a sideman on numerous recordings. In addition to performing, he is a respected educator, serving as a professor at Berklee College of Music since 1993. He is also the author of six guitar method books published by Mel Bay Publications.

Terry Bowness has been a fixture of the Austin music scene since 1997, first as a pianist and more recently on Hammond B3 organ. Soon after arriving in Austin, he joined Los Jazz Vatos, the Latin jazz sextet led by Texas drum veteran Ernie Durawa, winners of multiple Austin Chronicle music awards.

Between 1999 and 2013, Bowness composed, produced, and released four albums of original music on Aardvark Records, earning international radio play and positive reviews. He has since become a sought-after sideman, performing with leading Austin musicians and groups including Mitch Watkins, Bruce Saunders, Brian Pardo, Andre Hayward, Gerry Gibbs, Kevin Witt’s B-side Quartet, the Tommy Howard Organ Trio (with Tom Brechtlein), and Elias Haslanger’s Church on Monday.

Outside of music, Terry holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and has designed integrated circuits used in billions of mobile phones worldwide — making him a creative force both on stage and in technology.

🎶 Upcoming Shows

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🟪 Sat, Aug 23
Batch
7:00–8:30 pm

🟪 Thu, Aug 28
Elephant Room
9:00 pm–1:00 am

🟪 Thu, Sept 11
Monk’s
8:00–9:30 pm

🟪 Fri, Sept 19
Batch
5:00–6:30 pm

🟪 Sun, Sept 21
Bird-creek (Temple, TX)

12:00–2:00 pm

🟪 Sat, Sept 27
Mozart’s
9:00 am–12:00 pm

🟪 Thu, Oct 23
Elephant Room
9:00 pm–1:00 am

🟪 Sat, Oct 25
Batch
5:00p–6:30 pm

Featured guests of B-side include: Jerry Espinoza (Sax), Gene Centeno (Alto), Aaron Allen (Bass), Ben Irom (Keys), Eric Hargett (Baritone), Jeremy George (Bass), Diego Rivera (Sax), Melissa Raquel (Vocals), Shawnda Birch (Vocals), and Matt Berger (Guitar)

Core Members of B-Side