STUJOY

STU DIAS + SOJOY = STUJOY featuring Josh Gagnon 

Sojoy is a little big band modern jazz septet led by composer and drummer Jonny Peiffer.  Stu Dias is a vocalist and guitarist, known for his soulful, booming voice and as member of Soggy Po Boys, Shango, Moon, Wizardess, and more…

Together Stu and Jonny have been working on new material inspired by 10 of the 88 recognized constellations for an upcoming recording project. Ursa Minor is an ear worm already worming its way through heads who hear it. The collaboration spans many different styles, from New Orleans funk, to avant-garde, medieval, bop, soul, Afro-Cuban, and even elements of Pop. Josh Gagnon is a trombonist and long-time member of Sojoy. He is attending grad school at Eastman in Rochester, NY and will be home to join Stujoy, and also lead a short opening set.

Stu Dias + Sojoy = Stujoy:

• Stu Dias – vocals, guitar
• Eric Klaxton, Matt Langley, Nick Mainella – reeds
• Josh Gagnon, Zach Lange – brass
• Scott Kiefner – bass
• Jonny Pieffer – drums

In 2017 Sojoy received a Spotlight on the Arts Award for Best Jazz Group, and was listed among the ‘Best of Bandcamp Jazz.’

A “merry band of joyful noise creationists.” “Proving that great music still exists even as new traditions are being forged.” – Portsmouth Herald

“Tightly arranged and swinging like a modern version of John Kirbys Sextet of the 30s.” “Utterly charming!” – Jazz Weekly

“The album (The Adventures of Oliver Z. Wanderkook) stands alone as a piece of art … they maintain their memorable beauty and convey a story all their own.” – Austin Sorette, The Sound