He is graduate student a North Carolina Central University. He is working on his Master of Jazz Studies. This is his final semester. He grew up playing in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. His first church was Gough Tabernacle in Earlington, KY. Then Wesley Chapel in Greenville, KY. Then Mt. Vernon in Statesville, NC. Then Coulters Grove in Newton, NC and now Thomas Chapel in Conover, NC. Two older men in those churches Mr. Cecil Stinson and Mr. James Propost begin teaching him music in the Black Church. They are both deceased, but they poured into Ezra. Also, his friends Mr. Nate Johnson and Mr. Tony Wimbush and the young church musicians of Thomas Chapel. God is Good!!!!!!

Monterey Jazz is excited to announce MJF’s 3rd annual HBCU Jazz Combo Challenge! Monterey Jazz welcomes the return of our 3rd annual Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Jazz Combo Challenge that will be featured on our YouTube channel! The winner and two Honorable Mention Ensembles will be selected. The winner will be invited to perform at the 68th Monterey Jazz Festival happening September 26-28, 2025! Want to cast your vote? Check back on Jan 9, 2025, when we will post the videos submissions from these talented young performers. Submitted videos will be featured on YouTube for public viewing and voting. The three videos with the highest number of votes will move forward in the competition to be reviewed by Monterey Jazz adjudicators. Final winner will be chosen by the adjudicator panel. The winner will be announced on our website and social media. Good luck to our participating HBCU Jazz Combos! 0:00 Satin Doll (Duke Ellington) 5:05 Skylark (Johnny Mercer/Hoagy Carmichael) 9:37 Afrique (Lee Morgan) North Carolina Central University Jazz Combo 1 Directed by Robert Trowers Trumpet: Curtis Olawumi Alto Saxophone: Ezra Tutt Trombone: Brandon Seaforth Tenor Saxophone: Joshua Rorrer Piano: Jonah Smith Bass: Kenneth Gay Drums: Chrishawn Darby Vocal: Margaret Johnson, Debbie Long

The Fall jazz festival performances of Jazz Ensemble 1, held on campus on Nov. 21, 2025. The jazz ensemble continued the set with Theme for Malcolm arranged by Dr. Brian Horton Directed by Prof. Robert Trowers Jazz Ensemble: Saxophone section- Josh Rorrer, Ezra Tutt, Ricardo Forges, Jibreel McDonald, Seth Sullivan Trombone section- Nalani White, Brandon Seaforth, Kendell Edwards, Nicholas Carter Trumpet section- Curtis Olawumi, Yah Yah Corbett, Mason Manassa, Anthony Towns Rhythm Section- JaCari Diggs, Nova Morgan, Butler Knowles, Jalen Jackson, Silas Seigler

The Fall jazz festival performances of Jazz Combo 2, held on campus on Nov. 18, 2025. The combo opened their set of music with this composition "On the Ginza". NCCU Combo 2 members: Trumpet- Mason Manassa Trombone- Kenedll Edwards Alto Sax- Ezra Tutt Tenor Sax- Seth Sullivan Vocals- Emani Jones Guitar- Nova Morgan Bass- Professor Damon Brown Drums & Piano- Jay McLaurin Drums- Silas Seigler Director of combo 2- Damon Brown

The North Carolina Central University Jazz Combo 1 performs on the Courtyard stage at the 67th Monterey Jazz Festival. Hank Mobley's "Dig Dis" arranged by Brandon Seaforth (trombone). Tenor Sax- Josh Rorrer Trombone- Brandon Seaforth Alto Sax- Ezra Tutt Trumpet- Curtis Olawumi Piano- Jonah Smith Bass- Kenneth Gay Drums- Chrishawn Darby

The North Carolina Central University Jazz Combo 1 performs on the Courtyard stage at the 67th Monterey Jazz Festival. Horace Silver's "Nica's Dream" arranged by Debbie Long (vocals). Vocals- Debbie Long Tenor Sax- Josh Rorrer Trombone- Brandon Seaforth Alto Sax- Ezra Tutt Trumpet- Curtis Olawumi Piano- Jonah Smith Bass- Kenneth Gay Drums- Chrishawn Darby

The North Carolina Central University Jazz Combo 1 performs on the Courtyard stage at the 67th Monterey Jazz Festival. Freddie Hubbard's "BirdLike" arranged by Curtis Olawumi (trumpet). Tenor Sax- Josh Rorrer Trombone- Brandon Seaforth Alto Sax- Ezra Tutt Trumpet- Curtis Olawumi Piano- Jonah Smith Bass- Kenneth Gay Drums- Chrishawn Darby

Ezra Tutt on the alto saxophone.

Livingstone College Jazz Ensemble #7 Duke Energy Fletcher Theater