JT – Johnny Keys

Keyboards & Vocals

JT has been playing drums and piano since his early years and reached out to create Gaucho based on his passion for the jazz rock and percussive keys of Steely Dan. Having played at most of the live music venues in Toronto over 35 years with various bands and ensembles and after many years as the house piano player at Pauper’s Pub open mics, Gaucho is now the main focus of his professional career and the culmination of his performance goals as a musician.

JD Maass

Lead Vocals & Percussion

JD started out as a singer a long time ago, back when (some) men sported long hair and spandex pants. He played club gigs at 16 as lead vocalist, on the local Kitchener-Waterloo hard rock scene. After moving to Toronto and finding no one wanted to play bass, he took up the four-strings and served double-duty in quite a few bands, playing everything from the blues to dance rock and classic alternative. He met John and Peter while attending Ryerson University, who later coerced him into joining this band, by promising to block certain negatives for certain photographs from going public

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Roger Williams

Bass Guitar

This Toronto based Jamaican musician draws inspiration from the music of his ancestors. Roger’s sound encompasses a diverse range of genres including jazz, soul, R&B, and the blues, as well as reggae and ska. His upright and electric basses deliver powerful bass lines that complement the smoky rhythms of his music. Gaucho Live is very fortunate to have retained this highly regarded and sought after bass player who has shared the stage with many legendary musicians including Tito Puente, Toots and the Maytels, The Satellites, Buddy Guy, Roger Hodgson, Gloria Gaynor, Fergie, Chaka Khan, and many more.

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Kathryn Scobie

Trombone & Vocals

With an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Music from Wilfrid Laurier University on her main instrument the trombone, Kathryn has been playing music professionally since she was 17. She is involved with a wide variety of groups, from classical and jazz to latin and top 40s and has 25 years of experience teaching and performing in Canada, the USA, Mexico and Europe be it on piano, singing, or trombone. Currently performs with Groove Marmalade, The Achromatics, Big Band Theory and Brass Romance. Also has experience playing in pit bands including shows such as Seussical, Cat, the Wiz, and Oliver.

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Peter Morrison

Drums & Percussion

Peter has been playing drums for over 30 years professionally in the city with various jazz, rock, and funk artists and groups. Peter has owned Easy Restaurant in Parkdale Village for 25 years. Peter is currently recording jazz and funk projects in his Helicopter Studio in Leaside, Toronto.

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John (JP) Pagnotta

Saxophones, Flute & Percussion

John Pagnotta, or JP as he is known in the local music scene, is a jazz and soul saxophonist and flutist currently living in the GTA. Born and raised in the multicultural community of downtown Toronto, JP brings many world beat influences to his brand of soulful music. As a professional musician for 40 years, JP has worked with some of the finest local, national and international musicians. JP’s performances have been described as soulful, rhythmic and inspiring. JP is a big fan of Steely Dan and the various sax solos are some of his all-time favourites.

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Nico Levy

Lead and Rhythm Guitar

Local session jazz guitarist with band Marigold and other fusion projects, joined the band to emulate the styling of Larry Carlton, Jay Gordon and others fill out the Steely Dan sound

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Jessie Laird

Vocals & Keyboard

Jessie Laird is a talented vocal musician known for her bluesy, pop & r&b sound. With 10+ years of experience in the music industry, she has captivated audiences with her powerfully soulful melodies and engaging performances. As a bachelor of music graduate, a member of Toronto’s premium hip hop cover band WingNight, and now Gaucho, Jessie is dedicated to sharing her passion for music through her engaging vocal delivery. Whether performing at intimate venues or large stages, Jessie never fails to connect with the audience and leaves it all on the stage.

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Colin Flint

Bass Guitar

Started playing bass as a teenager in London England because I was told it would get me the girls. It didn’t, but I instantly loved playing and playing with my friends. Steely Dan was a favourite of mine even then but was way too hard to play. My first album and still my favourite was “The Royal Scam”. I love the strange melodies and harmonies and the storytelling in the lyrics. Started off playing rock but graduated to blues and jazz. Steely Dan draws on all those genres, and now I’m good enough to play their music.

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