TRP (The Reese Project)

jazz, funk, blues

Tom Reese (flutes & pennywhistle)

Kirk Reese (piano)

Laurie Haines Reese (cello)

Hayden Reese (drums)

TRP (The Reese Project) is a modern day ensemble with an eclectic repertoire of original Jazz, Funk, Rock, Blues, Classical and World music with the unique instrumentation of flute & cello with a jazz rhythm section. This team of outstanding musicians brings a wide array of backgrounds & talents to the stage, captivating & engaging audiences everywhere. Since 1992 TRP has performed their magical sound throughout the US and Canada. TRP’s compositions and arrangements weave elements from around the world into up-tempo, high energy music with haunting sounds that flow from calypso to waltz feels.

TRP has recorded and released 14 CD’s . The 2021 release, called “Peace of Mind” features dreamy music, some with vocals, and some funky blues (Horseplay). Their 2014 release, “Comin’ Home Baby”, is a collection of funky, bluesy jazz tunes (VectorDisc). The Reese Brothers (Tom & Kirk) have also released a CD titled “Connected” (Rhombus Records) that features TV themes and other songs.

In addition to original scores for silent films, they play events ranging from concerts, festivals, corporate events, private events, clinics & workshops at schools and universities. They perform many unique concert events, including a concert featuring the Reese Project with the Hershey Symphony in Feb 2022, and the Bolling Suite for Cello and for Flute.

Their influences include JS Bach, Claude Bolling, The Beatles, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, David Grisman, Stephane Grapelli, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mark O’Connor, Modeski Martin & Wood, The Kronos String Quartet and Yo Yo Ma.

Members of TRP have performed or recorded with Al Grey, Bert Denis Trio, BJ Thomas, Bobby Dey, Cecil Bridgewater, Cedar Walton, Chuck Mangione, Connie Francis, Diane Shurr, Gloria Estefan, Henry Mancini, Ira Sullivan, Jerry Vale, John Blake, Johnny Coles, Melissa Manchester, Nat Adderly, Nick Brignola, Peaches, Robin Gibb, Sal Nestico, Steve Giordano, Steve Turre, Tim Warfield, Valery Ponomarev, Vic Damone, Eddie Gomez, & Mark Kramer and others.

“TRP is a special group, offering well-played, joyous jazz that refreshingly and intelligently taps into several other musical genres. Three hearty cheers for their ‘Evening in Vermont’ album.”

— Frank-John Hadley, longtime Downbeat critic 2-25-12


"...an incredible band. A great deal will be heard about them in the future."

— Bela Fleck, Banjo


"This is no ordinary combo/band. They are opening the door on a new genre of musical virtuosity. Their structure is integral, their timing is flawless."

— Dave Butler, Program Director, Innervisions


"Great sound!"

— Branford Marsalis, Saxophonist


"Top jazz band; on WVIA's 'Best of 30 Years' compilation disc."

— George Graham, Program Director, WVIA


"I caught three fabulous acts Sunday at the Lancaster Jazz Festival. The headliner, Kurt Elling, kept the listeners there, but for my tastes, the second act, the Reese Project, stole the show. This unique combination with a soloing cello playing bass lines, amazing soloist Tom Reese making the flute viable as a jazz instrument & soaring vocals by veteran vocalist Ron Smith proved that unique instrumentation equals great jazz."

— Logan McKinney "New Waves in Radio"


"They provided a special touch to our events at the Governor's Residence."

— Tom Ridge, Director of Homeland Security (Former Governor of PA)


"One of the most impressive modern jazz projects in the country...it's for jazz fans everywhere."

— Toby Knapp, The Fly Magazine


"No one plays jazz/blues better than this group! They are NOT to be missed!"

— Richard Fuller, Senior Editor, Metaphysical Reviews


"The Reese Project plays everything from blues to bop to funk, and in each style they are more than adept and quite frequently sublime."

— Chet Williamson, Reviewer, www.Rambles.net


"Fresh & new, not one weak track." (Blue Etude)

— Jack Burkell, Jazz Program Director, WRTI


"We loved the concert; they are a marvelous ensemble."

— Bob Silberbush, Music Director, Manhattan School of Arts & Sciences


"They have become my support system as I take on new projects in the restaurant business of Lancaster. With their help, I try to bring their passion for the cause of music lovers to my job, and share it with my patrons."

— Andrew Gerofsky, Manager/Partner, Alois Restaurant


"A multi-lingual fusion of blues, jazz and poetic humor. A great CD; great unique sound."

— Russ Neff, WITF-FM Harrisburg