Jazz Piersonified

Who We Are

Cindy Pierson
Cindy comes to the North Florida area from the Detroit area where she appeared in theatre as Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls", Dolly in “Hello Dolly”, Luisa in "Nine" and other traditional roles. Cindy and Jack worked together in clubs in the Detroit area before moving to Florida.

Cindy has more than 300 tunes in her repertoire from the swing era to contemporary. Her influences include Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Karen Carpenter, Julie London and Diana Krall. As an experienced theatre singer, she tells a story on every tune. Cindy has performmed locally with The Palm Coast Big Band, The Jukes of JAX, Jazz Pianist BobFraioli, The Boston Connection and others.

 Cindy is was Secretary and Event Coordinator for the St Augustine Jazz Society from 2009-2011.

 Jack Pierson
Jack has had a varied career since receiving his Masters Degree in Music Composition from Ohio University where he was principal trumpet in Orchestra, Band and was arranger for the Marching Band. His early experience was with Cannonball Adderly, Neil Hefti, Les Elgart and even Blue Barron.

After a stint in the Army, he spent 35 years in the classroom teaching high school and performing in the evening with top Detroit jazz musicians. His teaching also included Interlochen School For The Arts, Blue Lakes Fine Arts Camp and head of Jazz Studies at Schoolcraft College. Jack was also Coordinator of the Henry Ford College Jazz Studies Program which of Detroit and Monteux Switzerland and included Donald Byrd, Bunky Green and Nathan Davis on the staff.
Jack’s former students include Rick Margitza, Bob Hurst, Tim Ries, David Mann, Walter White, the Bissonette Brothers; Greg and Matt and many first call players inDetroit.

Jack is a well respected pianist for his accompanying abilities and jazz improvisation. HisDetroit area performances included both the Michigan Jazz Festival (which was dedicated to him in 2004) and the Detroit International Jazz Festival both with his trio and quartet as well as his College and High School Groups. He was music director for the Detroit Playboy Club and performed in the legendary "Bakers Keyboard Lounge" as well as the "Firefly Jazz Club" inAnn Arbor.

In North Florida, Jack has performed with a variety of bands - large and small. Among them; the Palm Coast Big Band, The Boston Connection, The TBA Band, The Jacksonville Symphony, The Jukes of JAX, and others. Jack is the current Past President of the St Augustine Jazz Society.

Jack recently had a great opportunity that was part of an 80th birthday present from his "Kids": Davin Pierson Torre, Melissa Pierson Barrett, Eric Pierson and Matthew Pierson.  

They set up a recording session at Sears Sound with Matt's friends: Engineer James Farber and assistants: Chris Allen and Abe Cavin. Jack had the opportunity to use a great piano and work with two gifted young players in Julian Lage, on gitar, and Marcus Gilmore, on drums. Jack said they had the feeling of a "working group" at all times. All tunes were in one take.  

   It was a joy to do!