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 been #1 on the Raleigh ReverbNation Jazz Charts since 2015 and still hold that spot today, 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, Travinia, 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.
Our Sound
The Trio performs a wide selection of standard & contemporary jazz, funk and fusion featuring sax/flute, keyboards, piano, vocals and drums. The group also performs as a duo, quartet or quintet.
Musicians
Jim Ferris
Manny Santos
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
Manny Santos
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.
Manny Santos
Manny Santos
Manny Santos
Manny Santos (Drums) has performed with such distinguished artists as Maya Angelou, Steven Tyler, Maurice Starr, Andre Ward, Donald Harrison and Sabby Lewis and is featured on a number of recordings. Manny has also performed with 6-time Grammy Award nominee Kurt Elling. After moving to Wilmington from Boston, Manny created his own band, “Mangroove”. Manny is one of the most sought-after drummers in Eastern NC.