BRIDGE

About

Formed in late 2019, BRIDGE Jazz is comprised of Nick Gummeson (piano/vocals) and Chad Ball (bass). BRIDGE harnesses the crooning vocals of the jazz songbook, the interplay in the piano trios of the 60’s, and more modern, edgier jazz currently being played in clubs and festivals.

BRIDGE is currently the house band at Fredericton's Southside Shake Gin Bar, as well as Saint John's Wasted Day Brewpub, where they have developed a near-telepathic give and take in their performances. As their repertoire has developed and expanded, they have brought traditional standards and harmonic explorations to venues of all type.

Nick Gummeson - piano/voice

A self-described old soul, Nick approaches the music with an introspection based in mid-20th century jazz but with an eye on the more complex harmonies of modern music. He has been part of the music scene in cities across the country, playing in a wide range of solo and group projects. Nick currently curates and hosts the very popular 'Wednesday Unwind' at Wasted Day Brewpub in Saint John, New Brunswick, where he accompanies the province's best musicians.

Nick studied Music at the University of Ottawa, and has studied privately with celebrated New York pianist Emmett Cohen. Nick is currently the music teacher at Rothesay Netherwood School in Rothesay, New Brunswick.

Chad Ball - double bass

Chad began his music career as part of the UNB Guitar Trio, but truly found his voice when he picked up the double bass. Stylistically, Chad draws energy from the pivotal piano trios of the New York scene, as well as the cerebral approach of European jazz. As part of the New Brunswick music scene, Chad has played in bands ranging in style from big band swing (The Thomists) to small combo jazz (Hansen|Ball, Don Bosse Quartet), but is truly at home exploring harmonies in tandem with a piano player.

Chad is the co-creator and host of Fredericton's 'Gin and Jazz' music series. He received his Minor in Music at the University of New Brunswick and now teaches at Leo Hayes High School in Fredericton, New Brunswick.