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All sessions feature our Musical Host Raphael Semmes
Featuring Taylor Wells with Maya Kyles, Todd Bobo, and Raphael Semmes
Well, we're in the dog days of summer and it seems like it couldn’t be hotter, but that’s okay because the July edition of our Fusion Coffeehouse Jazz Series couldn’t be cooler! That’s because this month guitarist Taylor Wells will be on the Jazz Spot. Taylor is a fresh new face on the metro jazz scene but he’s no stranger to jazz fans. You may have seen him at the Township Jazz Festival performing with the Ridgeland High School Jazz Band and later with University of Mississippi‘s jazz ensemble, the “Mississippians” aka the Ole Miss Jazz Band with whom he also toured in Europe.
When asked to name some of his guitar influences, He mentioned John Scofield, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, and Pat Metheny. He also notes that he received some valuable knowledge and tips as a student of master guitarist Barry Leach. After graduation he put his engineering degree to good use with a new job in Laurel while still playing gigs with his own group featuring jazz vocalist Abi Thomas and other groups and musicians including Fusion host Raphael Semmes, who says “I recently called Taylor for a gig and he was impressive, especially for someone so young. In addition to being a fine guitarist, he’s enthusiastic, cool, knows lots of tunes, has a good jazz vocabulary, and great ears.” Those qualities will be on display when he is joined on the Jazz Spot by Maya Kyles on drums, Todd Bobo on sax and raphael on bass.
Get there early for a good seat, a great cup of Fusion coffee or some frosty, delicious Italian gelato to make a cool July Saturday even cooler!
Held April 11, 2026
Check out the highlight reel below, and you can seen more photos on the festival website!
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