ERIC JONES TRIO

Eric Jones Trio Featuring Laiken Williams, Marc Chesanow, Robert Saunders

Eric was born in Moultrie, Georgia, and started to play piano by ear at the age of five. At 11, Eric began studying trumpet. At 16 he started formal lessons on piano and within two years, he was awarded a piano scholarship to Andrew College. Eric went on to pursue his education at Armstrong Atlantic State University, studying under Dr. Kevin Hampton, graduating with a B.A. in Piano. In addition to teaching private lessons, composing and arranging, he completed his Masters in Composition from Georgia Southern University.

Laiken was born and raised in Nicholls, Ga. While attending CHS, Laiken was involved with many school activities. She held a state position as Secretary for the Georgia Association of Student Councils for 2.5 years.. Laiken’s other involvements included The National Honor Society, FBLA, Chorus, and Showchoir. After graduating from Coffee High in 2004, Laiken set off to Savannah, Ga to attend Armstrong Atlantic State University to major in Political Science. While at AASU, Laiken was involved with Armstrong’s University Chorale as well as holding an officer position with Student Government and Campus Union Board. 

Marc holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Memphis in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree from the Eastman School of Music in Double Bass performance. He has studied with world-renowned soloist James VanDemark, John Chiego from the University of Memphis, Louis Kosma from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Clute from the Minnesota Orchestra as well as others. Currently residing in Savannah, Georgia, Marc can be seen regularly performing with the Savannah Philharmonic and The Hilton Head Symphony as well as regular performances at jazz venues such as the Good Times Jazz Bar and The Jazz Corner. 

Robert is a Savannah native & a rising drummer on the southeast coast. He attended Savannah Chatham County Public schools graduating from Windsor Forest High School. After that, he attended Armstrong State University as a student of Dr. Stephen Primatic. He has performed with Wycliffe Gordon, Scotty Barnhart, Dred “Perky” Scott, Fred Wesley, Cynthia Utterbach, and with local jazz hero’s such as: Teddy Adams, Ben Tucker, Howard Paul, Huxie Scott, & Gina Renee. He is a member of The Eric Jones Trio, the Isaac Smith Band, Laiken Love, & is the house drummer at Good Times Jazz Bar and Restaurant.