Gavin Eckler is a New Orleans–based jazz drummer originally from Sacramento, California, who began playing drums at age three and later moved south to immerse himself in the city’s musical traditions. A full scholarship student at Loyola University, he has studied with masters like Shannon Powell, Herlin Riley, and Leroy Jones, and performed with artists including Nicholas Payton, Dayna Stephens, Amina Scott and Gabrielle Cavassa. Leading his own trio, Eckler blends New Orleans jazz with Afro-Cuban and Brazilian influences while developing projects such as a tribute to bassist Ray Brown.

Raymond “Ray” Matthews Brown (October 13, 1926 – July 2, 2002) was an American jazz double bassist renowned for his warm tone, impeccable timing, and virtuosic contributions to modern jazz. Born in Pittsburgh, he first studied piano but switched to bass in high school. He rose to prominence playing with Dizzy Gillespie’s band in the late 1940s and later became a core member of the Oscar Peterson Trio from 1951-1966. He also worked with Ella Fitzgerald (to whom he was once married), contributed to “Jazz at the Philharmonic,” and performed with many of jazz’s greats including Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, and Frank Sinatra. In addition to his performing career, Brown was a composer (his “Gravy Waltz” won a Grammy), educator, bandleader, and a mentor to younger musicians.

Tonight, the Gavin Eckler pays tribute to the late, great Ray Brown.