FOUNDER/COMPOSER/ARRANGER/ALTO SAX

Neil Carson began playing piano at the early age of six years old. After discovering he had perfect pitch Neil came to the realization that as much as he loved playing music he disliked reading sheet music which in turn led him to find another passion, composing and arranging. A few years later, Neil discovered his love for saxophone. Once he began his studies in saxophone, he quickly discovered a love for jazz. While studying jazz and composition in school, Neil realized that even though he loved jazz, he still was missing something. Neil’s love of pop/rock never left him from his early years listening to groups like The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Stevie Wonder.

These inspirations led Neil to begin his own groups where he could play his own creations with like minded individuals. “I’ve always related to music more from my heart than my brain, and I’ve always been drawn to music that has an emotional, bittersweet quality to it. I think that’s a feeling I chase in my writing, the happiness crossed with sadness, which is why I relate so much to nostalgia as an aesthetic.”

To find out what else Neil is up to, check out his other projects:

Safety Squad

J-Livi + The Party

Blueshift Big Band (Composer/Arranger)

BASSIST/ARRANGER

Tim Seisser began to play bass after his failed attempts at both saxophone and drums. He really began to perfect his skills by going to every open mic and jam session that he could upon moving to the city (Chicago). After gigging around with various bands over the years, Tim has cemented himself as an asset to every group he is a part of.

When asked why Tim is a part of New Nostalgia, he responded with; “Because it blends the best of both of my favorite things about music. Improvisation and rocking out super hard.” When further pressed as to why Tim makes New Nostalgia a priority despite having other projects he said; “The hang, the music, the ability to really showcase my voice as a contemporary bassist… and occasionally making some money.”

Tim like every other member in NN has been with us since the beginning but to see Tim elsewhere, take a look at his other projects he is currently working on:

District 97

Timothy Siesser Trio

DRUMS

Born to a musical family, Zacks passion for music came at the early age of 4. He began his journey with jazz at Deerfield High School under the direction of Dr. Dan Brame and then furthered continued his education at DePaul University. During his time at DePaul Zack was given the opportunity to work with some of the best educators in the music industry. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in jazz studies and a master’s degree in jazz studies, Zack began his career in the Chicago music scene playing drums as well as composing music for original projects, and doing freelance recordings.

Zack has been with New Nostalgia from the start and his passion for this project has remained throughout. When asked, ‘What keeps you in New Nostalgia despite having so many other projects?’, he replied “The music and the players! I love the tunes, the arrangements, the overarching vibe and concept of the project are right in my wheelhouse. And every single person in this band is a total killer on their instrument. So much fun!”

To see Zack Marks, you can catch him anytime with New Nostalgia or go and check out his other projects!

Bonelang

Bonzo Squad

Bumpus

Terrible Spaceship

MASO

Zack Markstet

TROMBONE

Matt began his music journey at a young age with a fascination with his grandmother's piano and video game music. Growing up in the western suburbs, Matt did not discover his love of trombone until he reached grade school when he was finally able to join the school’s band. However it took until high school for Matt to discover his love for jazz. During his time in high school, Matt joined various extracurricular music programs such as Youth Jazz Ensemble of DuPage (YJED), and Merit School of Music. These programs helped to cement his love and passion for jazz which helped him further his goals when he attended Eastman School of Music for college.

While attending Eastman, Matt studied both classical and jazz trombone under the direction of some of the premier trombone instructors. Once he earned his bachelor’s degree, Matt continued to further his passion by turning it into a career.

Matt has been a part of the Chicago jobbing scene for over 10 years with live performances, teaching, and many other unique opportunities. Even though he plays with many different groups, Matt has a special place for New Nostalgia; “The uniqueness of his band is unlike any other. I want to be there to see all of our hard work pay off. I can feel it, it's gonna happen soon.”

.He hopes to continue his career playing with all different types of groups, but ultimately hopes to one day lead his own ensemble to share his own music. Matt has been apart of New Nostalgia since the beginning but be sure to catch his other projects as well:

Zoofunkyou

Model Citizens

Lowdown Brass Band

Four Star Brass Band

PIANO

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Andrew started studying classical piano shortly before his fifth birthday. His interested in jazz started in high school, where he got to play in the Lincoln Park High School Jazz band, the Gallery 37 jazz band, and the Ravinia Jazz Scholars. He attended the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studied both jazz and classical piano with Dan Wall and Sanford Margolis, respectively. In his senior year, he was nominated to the Oberlin Jazz Septet, the top jazz ensemble at Oberlin, which toured the east coast, giving masterclasses at high schools and playing at clubs such as Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York.

Andrew Lawrence is currently one of the top-call pianists and keyboardists for live performances and recordings in the Chicago-area. His fluidity with classical and jazz piano, in addition to keyboards and synthesizers, has allowed him to perform with a wide variety of artists in a broad range of styles, such as Makaya McCraven, Matt Ulery and Quin Kirchner, and Sean Jones and the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. To catch Andrew in his other projects, be sure to check them out:

Bonzo Squad

Bonelang

District 97

T.S.3

Andrew Lawrence Trio

TRUMPET

Connor Bernhard is a dynamic Chicagoan trumpeter. Beginning his journey at age 10, after previously studying guitar, Connor was mostly self-taught until he began college at Northern Illinois University then later at Roosevelt University, where he learned jazz from some of the greatest jazz educators and performers. After receiving his bachelors in Music Performance, Connor also received the Luminarts Jazz Fellowship award. Connor is currently working on composing and arranging his second studio release, under his own name, after the debut of his album “Altitude” (2020).

When asked why music was so important to him, Connor answered “Music is the only way for me to truly express myself where words often fail. Language is governed by our definition of the words we choose to use to convey ourselves and then again by those who are hearing or reading those words (and obviously by speaking different languages). Music is universal. In many cases, one doesn’t even need to have advanced knowledge of music to absorb the emotional impact that it has”

Connor has been apart of New Nostalgia since the beginning but you can also check out his involvement in other projects such as:

The Connor Bernhard Quintet/Quartet/Trio

Zoofunkyou

Zochen

Kenthany Redmonds Infrared

Satchmo

Funktastic

Annalee and the Midnight Sons.

GUITAR

Brandon began his love for music at a young age initially learning piano. Growing up in Memphis TN, he found that he had an ear for music when he was inspired by the music of Nintendo 64 games at the time. This love grew into a passion once he moved to Illinois and started participating in his school’s band playing drums and guitar. During this time Brandon not only participated in marching band playing drums, he also participated in jazz band playing guitar, and he began writing his own music.

After Brandon completed his studies at DePaul University, he began teaching but during the pandemic he decided to make a major career change and took on a new passion of finance as a financial advisor. Brandon then combined his passion for music and finance by helping artists, small business owners, and busy families so they can feel more confident in planning their financial futures.

When asked what inspires Brandon to make music, he said: “It’s too much fun and I can’t imagine myself not playing music— it’s a part of who I am.” Although music is not at the forefront of his career at the moment, it has and will always be one of his primary passions and he is truly honored to be in New Nostalgia.

To catch Brandon outside of the New Nostalgia crew, be sure to check out his other projects:

Greenlight

MASO

BARI SAX

Growing up in a musical family, Andy has felt that music has been a part of his life from the beginning. Starting with guitar in elementary school, Andy soon realized that guitar was not for him. Once he got his hands on a saxophone, Andy truly found his voice in music.

Andy attended Chicago College of Performing Arts majoring in music performance where he studied with some of the premier saxophone professors of the time. Since completing his bachelor’s degree, Andy has not slowed down for a second in his saxophone career. He has been a part of various groups over the ye4ars both on the road and locally, but he continues to look for new and exciting opportunities everyday. “I live and breathe saxophone, it is my profession and passion, and I’m very lucky.”

To catch Andy outside of New Nostalgia, be sure to check out his other projects:

Saxofonix (Saxophone Quartet)

Andy Schlinder Trio + One

Joel Baer’s Blueshift Big Band

Origin of Animal

Flat Cats

TENOR SAX

Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Alex Beltran has been called “a saxophonist of impeccable musicianship” by Chicago Jazz Magazine.

Alex has quickly made himself an active member of the music scene in Chicago and around the country. His group Merge has released 2 albums of original music and has received praise from musicians and critics alike. His debut solo album, Rift is coming out on Calligram records in spring 2024.

Alex has performed in both large and small venues across the country, under his own name and with artists such as Jeff Hamilton, Phil Woods, Tim Ries, Ira Sullivan, Luis Bonilla, John Fedchok, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, the Chicago Yestet, and many others.

In addition to his busy performing schedule, Alex is proud to be a Vandoren Performing Artist and maintains an active teaching schedule, helping a younger generation discover the beauty of music.