About Us
Our History
The Jim Ferris Trio relocated to Wilmington, NC in 2018, after being a fixture on the Raleigh jazz scene since 2008, playing throughout the region. They have reached #1 on the Raleigh ReverbNation Jazz Charts every year since 2015 (and still there in 2024), receiving outstanding recognition and accolades from jazz lovers of all types & ages.
In Raleigh, the Trio performed for the Art of Cool Jazz Festival and locally at C.GRACE, Irregardless Café, Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse and Beyu Caffe'. In Wilmington they've performed for Jazz at the CAM, the Bellamy Mansion Jazz Series and perform regularly around town (see Calendar).
Our Sound
The Trio performs a wide selection of standard & contemporary jazz, funk and fusion featuring sax/flute, keyboards and drums. The group also performs as a duo, quartet or quintet.
Musicians
Jim Ferris
Mike Tavares
Jim Ferris
Jim Ferris (sax/flute) relocated to Wilmington, NC where he debuted to a sellout performance for the “Jazz at the CAM” series. Jim has been leading his own jazz group since the late '80's in New York and North Carolina. He led the Jim Ferris Quartet in Rochester, NY, the Jim Ferris Trio in Raleigh, NC, and now the new Jim Ferris Trio in Wilmington, NC. Jim has been performing for more than 40 years, playing Jazz, Funk, R&B, Top40, Rock and more.
Duke Ladd
Mike Tavares
Jim Ferris
Duke Ladd (piano, keyboards) has performed in some of the nation’s premier hotels in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas and Atlantic City. In the studio Duke has recorded three albums for renowned folk singer, John Golden and recorded a jazz album with legendary saxophonist Robert Williams. Using his talents as both a pianist and composer, Duke continues to be called upon again and again where people demand the best.
Mike Tavares
Mike Tavares
Mike Tavares
Mike Tavares (drums) is a veteran of the Southeastern Massachusetts music scene and has recently relocated to Wilmington, NC. During his time in the Northeast, Mike has played with notable bands Carousel, Harbour Lites, and since 2003 has led his own group Fuzzy and the Fuzztones. Mike credits David Garibaldi, Danny Seraphine, and Ringo Starr as his major influences, and is thrilled to be back playing trio jazz with Jim and Duke.