Virginia Commission for the Arts

The Jason Cale Band

The Jason Cale Band | Improvisation in Jazz, Funk, Blues, R&B, Fusion & Styles

About the Artist/Ensemble

Jason Cale is a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter originally from the Deep South, with roots stretching from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama. For over two decades, he traveled the world as a professional musician with the U.S. Army and Air Force Bands, honing his craft and sharing the stage with artists such as Grace Potter, Melina Leon, John Popper, Sandra Bernhard, Joe Bonamassa, and many others.

Since retiring from the military in 2019, Jason has continued to evolve as a musician, producer, and entrepreneur. With a deeper understanding of music, the industry, and the business behind it, he formed the Jason Cale Band—a powerhouse group featuring fellow musicians who share his passion and creative vision.

Blending soulful blues-rock, New Orleans funk, and jazz fusion into what the band proudly calls “swampfunk,” the Jason Cale Band delivers a rich musical gumbo that’s all heart and groove. Their fearless, genre-blurring sound is inspired by the spirit of the late ’60s and early ’70s, yet remains fresh and original. Based in Virginia Beach, VA, the band tours nationally and internationally, performing at venues of all sizes and leading masterclasses and workshops at conservatories and schools around the world.

In addition to his work on stage and in the studio, Jason is a devoted educator, teaching guitar and music several days a week to students ranging in age from 6 to 81. He takes great pride in this role, often inviting students to share the stage during live shows—a testament to his belief in the power of mentorship and community.

Since 2023, the Jason Cale Band has been a proud member of the Virginia Commission for the Arts Touring Artist Roster, further extending their reach and impact through state-supported performances and educational engagements.
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Band Bios:

Jason Cale- Vocals/Guitar; Bandleader, main songwriter/music director, manager, tour director

Jason Cale is a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose roots run deep from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama. A 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army and Air Force Bands, he’s shared the stage with artists like Grace Potter, Joe Bonamassa, John Popper, and Sandra Bernhard. Jason holds a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College and an A.A. in Fine Arts/Music from the Community College of the Air Force.
Since retiring from the military in 2019, he’s led the Jason Cale Band, a Virginia Beach-based group known for its signature blend of blues-rock, New Orleans funk, and jazz fusion—what they call “swampfunk.” The band tours nationally and internationally, offering both high-energy performances and educational masterclasses.
An active educator, Jason teaches guitar to students of all ages and often brings them on stage, reflecting his belief in the power of mentorship and community. In 2023, the band was named to the Virginia Commission for the Arts Touring Artist Roster, expanding their reach through state-supported performances and programs.

Jacques Jones- Bass; School Teacher in Newport News, VA

Jacques Jones, a Newport News native, has been laying down grooves on bass for over 50 years. A seasoned player, he’s performed with international jazz artists, R&B legends, Doo Wop icons, and even shared the stage with 5-time Grammy winner Victor Wooten. Jacques brings deep musicality, feel, and experience to the Jason Cale Band.“I love the camaraderie,” Jacques says, “and Jason’s creativity challenges and inspires me musically.”

Jeff Saunders- Sax/keys; retired military band musician (2000-2020)

Jeff Saunders is a saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist whose passion for music began in a household of music lovers. He earned a degree in music education from Ithaca College before joining the U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty, performing across the globe in Japan, Germany, and beyond. With the Jason Cale Band, Jeff brings soulful expression on both sax and keys, calling it “an absolute pleasure to create music with such inspiring musicians and close friends.”

Ed Williams- Drums; Retired military band musician (2004-2015)

Edward Williams, a Syracuse native, began drumming at 13 and honed his skills in school bands before launching a distinguished career as a military musician in both the U.S. Navy and Air Force. He performed across the U.S., from San Diego to Pearl Harbor, and ultimately retired from Langley, Virginia. Now behind the kit with the Jason Cale Band, Ed brings a deep groove, boundless energy, and a joy for music that radiates from every performance. His passion fuels the band’s rhythm and spirit.

Donnell Smith- Bass; School Teacher in Hampton, VA

Donnell Smith picked up the bass at age 6 and has been laying down grooves ever since. Based in Hampton Roads, Virginia, he’s a sought-after freelance bassist known for his versatility across jazz, funk, gospel, Afro-Cuban, blues, and more. A foundational member of the Jason Cale Band since its start in 2018, Donnell brings depth, feel, and an adventurous musical spirit. “I love the freedom on stage,” he says, “and the fact that Jason’s open to wherever the music takes us.”

Concert/Performance Description

The Jason Cale Band brings a high-energy “one-of-a-kind” show to their audience. They treat their songs like a jazz musician would improvise with a chart, utilizing their highly refined musicality to brew up exciting new elements at any given moment. 

“Having fun with music is the biggest priority for us,” Jason says, “we’ve spent our lives as musicians seeking growth personally, spiritually, and musically and we are blessed to have found each other where the sky has no limits.”  

“We preach hard work and dedication to our craft, but also want others not to forget why they started playing their instrument…and that was to express themselves and have fun,” Jason says.  

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Technical Requirements

The artist can supply sound equipment depending on venue size; for an additional fee (and depending on other factors to be discussed), the artist can provide lighting. Otherwise, proper stage lighting and outlets need to be provided by the presenter.

Educational Programs

Each member of the Jason Cale Band brings a wealth of experience, having toured extensively both nationally and internationally and worked in studio production for most of their lives. Combined with your organization’s vision, these backgrounds help create engaging and impactful masterclasses and Q&A sessions on topics such as:

  • Music Theory
  • Navigating the Music Industry
  • Musical Improvisation
  • Songwriting
  • Music Production
  • Marketing and Branding for Musicians

In addition, the band shares over 55 years of combined military service. This unique perspective allows them to deliver powerful and relatable insights on leadership, followership, and teamwork—skills that translate both on and off the stage. Related masterclass topics include:

  • Leading a successful, cohesive team to reach shared goals
  • How to be a strong supporting member of a band, group, or community
  • Communication and Time Management Strategies

Audience

  • All Ages
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