Two Trees Jazz Project

Thu, Sep 25

Franklin Murphy- keys Nate Hunnicut- trumpet Matt Cho- guitar Evan Tindall- drums Wyatt Schmidt-bass Two Trees Jazz Project By: Franklin Murphy I started the Two Trees Jazz Project about 15 years ago with a few friends I met through the Ventura Jazz Orchestra. At the time, I was spending a lot of evenings at the old Squashed Grapes and felt inspired to start a band of my own. Jazz has been part of my life since high school, when I formed my own big band and we performed three songs, including one of my originals, at our senior music concert. The reaction from the crowd was unforgettable, and from that moment I knew I wanted to keep creating and performing. Over the years I joined different bands and explored many styles, but jazz always stayed close to my heart. Eventually, I started playing with a jam band around Ventura, which meant putting the Two Trees Jazz Project on hold for a while. The Squashed Grapes, The Grape, and the people behind it, especially Adam, Tiffanie, and Josh who have always meant a lot to me. They built a space that respects and celebrates musicians while bringing the community together through music. I even used to flyer for them downtown to help spread the word of the Squashed Grapes in those early days. Over the years they became more than just collaborators; they became close friends. That’s why it feels so special to be returning to The Grape with this project. This new chapter for the Two Trees Jazz Project was inspired in part by someone I met at The Grape who developed a real passion for jazz. She had an incredible ear and a genuine excitement for the music that reignited my own. Together we went to see jazz artists and groups I might not have sought out otherwise, and through her I found myself reconnecting to jazz in a way I hadn’t felt in years. Playing with my own band again became something I truly wanted, and she was pivotal in helping me rediscover that love. Now I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a group of talented and dedicated musicians. Evan Tindall is on drums, and together we’ve been writing some funky and complex new material. Wyatt Schmidt on bass and Matt Cho on guitar bring groove and energy that locks in perfectly with the rest of the band. Leading the horn section is Nate Hunnicut on trumpet, whose motivation and talent help drive the music forward. We’ve already been playing a number of gigs together, developing strong chemistry and a sound that is both high-energy and fun to experience, whether you’re in your seat or up dancing. Alongside some of the great jazz standards, we’ve built a strong catalog of original music, much of which we’ll be debuting at The Grape on September 25th. The final person who inspired me to bring this project back is my mother. She has been there every step of the way, encouraging me from the very beginning. We are the only ones left in our family, along with my two boys, and she recently moved to Ventura as well. She reminds me of those early days in high school when I was first leading bands, and she has always believed I could do this. Her support has given me the confidence and strength needed to pursue something that isn’t always easy, and I am deeply grateful for her. The Two Trees Jazz Project is more than a band. It’s a chance to share joy, energy, and connection through music. I feel lucky to have such amazing players beside me and such supportive people around me. I can’t wait to share this next chapter with you. Come out to The Grape, sit back or get up and dance, and let the music put a smile on your face.