Who is The Violin Summit Project

The band consists of:

Ivan Strunin (fiddle)

Ivan Strunin is a versatile fiddler and vocalist whose musical journey spans over four decades and traverses multiple continents. Currently based in Athens, Georgia, Strunin has immersed himself in the local music scene, collaborating with various artists and contributing to the city’s rich musical tapestry.  

Strunin’s musical odyssey began in Chicago during the 1980s, where he honed his skills in honky-tonk country bars. His adaptability led him to explore diverse genres, including blues, western swing, bluegrass, and rock. His career has seen him perform in various locations worldwide, with a notable stint in Hong Kong before settling in Athens.  

In Athens, Strunin has become an integral part of several musical groups. He collaborates with Susan Staley and Maggie Mason Hunter in “The Humdingers,” a trio known for offering a fresh take on classic tunes.   Additionally, he leads “The Bones of St. Michael,” a band dedicated to Jazz Manouche, inspired by the legendary Hot Club of France.  In early 2024, Strunin released his debut solo album, “The First Day of December.” Produced by Dirk Powell and featuring collaborations with Michael Doucet, the album reflects the music that has influenced him throughout his life.

Leah Calvert: (fiddle)

Leah Calvert is many things, among them a singer-songwriter and in-demand Atlanta-area fiddler and vocalist. Over the years, she has shared the stage with award-winning artists including Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Kristian Bush (Sugarland) and renowned songwriter Radney Foster. In addition to her work as a solo artist, she is a member of Atlanta acts The Dappled Grays and John Driskell Hopkins Band (Grammy winner and founding/current member of Zac Brown Band).

Calvert’s work with The Dappled Grays has spanned over a decade, during which time the group has found an audience in the United States and beyond. In 2012, they penned music for and appeared in Clint Eastwood’s film Trouble with the Curve, and their album Doin’ My Job received critical acclaim and heavy rotation worldwide, charting on both Sirius and XM.

With her record, Satellite, Calvert moves into uncharted territory, articulating a sound that is wholly her own. Though the compositions and vocal stylings offer a humble nod to her acoustic bluegrass roots, the record is musically a departure from this sound. With co-producers Marlon Patton and Rick Lollar (of Atlanta rock outfit Weisshund) providing a refined rock backdrop, Calvert deftly maneuvers through forms and styles ranging from traditional ballads to blues. With the aptly named Satellite, Calvert launches the listener directly into space; the record soars, it orbits, transmitting complex information in a palatable form. And above all, it gets shit done.

Adam Poulin (fiddle)

Adam Poulin is a gun for hire! Sawing on the fiddle and playing it hot, Adam is equally as accomplished as a guitar player and classical violinist. Adam is one of the brightest new talents in Athens and currently sits in with more bands than we can list in this page. He started playing violin at age 9.  A few years later, at age 15, he began studying guitar. By age 24 after moving to Athens, hard work and talent turned him into one of the most sought-after professional musicians around, including as a studio player.  Adam’s high on-stage energy and musicianship makes him worth any admission price to watch and hear.

Keiko Ishibashi (fiddle)

Keiko Ishibashi teaches violin and performs with creative artists.

Originally from Tokyo, Japan, she picked up the violin at age 5, she discovered a love for music that she has dedicated her life to. She received her diploma in Jazz Performance, Berklee College of Music; B.M in Violin Performance, Musashino Music Conservatory, Tokyo, Japan. 

As a performer, she has performed with Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Christian McBride, Cee-Lo and Matisyahu and has appeared alongside the Black Eyed Peas, The Roots and Robert Randolph. She is also an arranger for CMH Records which releases string chamber music in the style of Jazz, Rock and Electronic music. You might hear her group’s music on several video games including Madden 08’. 

She now makes Athens, GA her homebase.

Tommy Sauter (bass)

If you've ever heard Tommy Sauter play bass, it likely won't surprise you that he grew up in Memphis, TN. With his natural, understated stage presence and intuitive playing, Sauter easily embodies the spirit of Beale Street.

After earning his music degree from the University of Tennessee, Sauter relocated to Atlanta in 2003. Since that time, his driving feel, lyrical soloing, and impeccable time have led him to become one of the most in-demand bassists in the southeast.

Sauter balances performances with many of jazz's heavy hitters (think Greg Tardy, Donald Brown, and Johnny O'Neal) with regular appearances on the Atlanta music scene, such as in the Houston's Jazz Trio, where he has been a steady figure since 2008. He has also performed with John Doyle, Joe Craven, The Dappled Grays, and many others.

Greg Satterthwaite (piano)

Jamaican born jazz pianist Greg Satterthwaite is an artist whose work is multifaceted,  melodic, soulful and sophisticated. Bringing an energy and touch to the  piano that has become his signature sound, Satterthwaite creates music  that infuses his Afro-Caribbean roots with the jazz tradition.

Crossing Lines is the 3rd album from Satterthwaite and is a continuation of his musical offerings and scope. The previously released album, Savannah Blue (2023),  is proof of Satterthwaite’s ability to infuse the rhythms of the African diaspora with his creativity and ingenuity. “His playing here shows many insights into his mindset. It is stylistic and cerebral, yet imaginative, which considering his academic background is not  surprising.” All About Jazz quote regarding the track Take The “A” Train from the album review, Savannah Blue.

The intersecting lines of his musical DNA share a common focal point which is embodied on the album Crossing Lines. Crossing Lines  is a sonic tapestry of island vibes, mixed with jazz improvisation and Afro-centric beats. “I am making the type of music that reflects my cultural identity. Creatively fusing the sounds of the African diaspora while paying homage to my birth country of Jamaica,” Satterthwaite says.  This is the synergy that makes the foundation of his new project, Crossing Lines.

The project is co-produced by Grammy winning artist and prominent  drummer Terreon Gully. He also plays drums on the album and contributes his mastery, skill, and versatility as a musician. The project also includes notable bassist and international award-winning musician Brian Cockerham, and renowned, and remarkable award-winning trumpeter Melvin Jones.

Passionate about education and learning, Satterthwaite pursued  degrees in jazz studies and is now an Assistant Professor of Jazz Piano  and African American studies at the University of Georgia. Satterthwaite is also a distinguished South Arts 2023 Jazz Road artist recipient. As a resident of the Atlanta-Metro area, he has been featured in Shoutout  Atlanta, the Saporta Report, and included in articles from Jazziz  Magazine, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jazz 24, and more. As the co-founder of JazzSpire.org, Satterthwaite created this platform to champion the arts, other artists, and creative education.

Jeff Reilly (drums)

Jeff was born in New Jersey and started playing trombone in the 7th grade, that didn’t last very long. I was very drawn to the drums and percussion. I have been a working professional since age 18.

He spent a lot of time going into New York City when he was in his late teens.  Being exposed to so much great music at a young age really shaped my approach to music. Jeff played in New York and New Jersey with a lot of different rock, funk, jazz and blues bands, doing national tours with many of them.

Jeff moved to Athens, GA in September of 98’ He spends most of his time doing recording sessions, teaching, and playing gigs around Athens and Atlanta. the Violin Summit Project?

One night at a party, Leah Calvert and Ivan Strunin were trying to come up with an idea where they could play together on stage. Ultimately, Ivan came up with the concept of reimagining the original “Violin Summit” concert. The Violin Summit was 1966 concert featuring four renowned jazz violinists: Svend Asmussen, Stéphane Grappelli, Jean-Luc Ponty, and Stuff Smith. This performance, and its subsequent recording, is considered a significant event in jazz history, showcasing the instrument's versatility and its place in the evolving jazz fusion genre. The concert highlighted the unique styles of each violinist, from Asmussen's bebop phrasing to Smith's swing and bop bridge, and Ponty's contribution to modern jazz. 

Thus was born “The Violin Summit Project”. Adding Keiko Ishibashi and Adam Poulin on violins filled the violin section. Greg Satterthwaite on piano, Tommy Sauter on bass and Jeff Reilly on drums filled out the most amazing rhythm section. We had to add more tunes to the repertoire than what was just on the album as it was only 45 minutes long and we had a two hour show to perform. Like the original Violin Summit band, each fiddle player has a different approach to playing jazz.

With the support of Aubrey Entertainment we had a very successful first show at the venerable Athens music venue, the 40 Watt Club.