Jazz Punishers

Jason Macres - Saxophones & EWI 

Jason is a graduate of the University of Rochester, BS Electrical Engineering and Northeastern University, MS Electrical Engineering and jazz saxophonist since the age of 10. He studied jazz saxophone with Boston-area sax player Bob Gallo, UNH Director of Jazz Studies Dave Seiler, and NH-based tenor-man Charlie Jennison. Jason went on to study jazz theory, improvisation, and the culture of Mani Greeks with jazz educator Charlie Banacos. While in high school, he played lead tenor in the Massachusetts All-State Jazz Band and continued playing while at the University of Rochester in the Eastman School of Music River Campus Jazz Ensemble and in the wildly popular campus band Every Good Boy Does Fusion. In 2008, he co-founded The Real School of Music in Burlington, MA serving as CTO and that guy that fixes things.


Jim Zaroulis - Keyboards and Piano    

Jim is a graduate of University of MA/Lowell with degrees in Music Business and Performance and a proud former student and disciple of world renowned jazz educator Charlie Banacos.  He has been honored to have performed and shared stage time with The Coasters, The Platters, Yvonne Elliman, Gloria Gaynor, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love.  As long time music director at Boston's #1 comedy theater "Improv Asylum", he composed the musical "You're a Good Man, Scott Brown", and scored music for their television series "Vanity Project" which was telecast on WCVB/TV.  He maintains a busy teaching schedule at The Real School of Music in Andover, and performs all over New England as a pianist/keyboardist.



Ed Spargo - Bass

Ed, who has been referred to as an "MVP among Boston Sidemen" by Ted Drozdowski of the Boston Phoenix, has been an integral part of the Boston music scene since the mid-80s. He's shared his sympathetic accompaniment with artists such as Johnny A., Toni Lynn Washington, Heavy Metal Horns, Greg Piccolo and James Montgomery, to name a few. Check out Ed's website for more information about Ed and his latest CD Playroom.


Brendan Byrnes - Drums

Brendan has enjoyed an active career both performing and teaching music in the Boston area for over ten years. He received a B.A. in Music Performance and Education from Berklee College of Music. As a freelance drummer, he performs a wide variety of music including jazz, funk, and rock, as well as Afro-Cuban and Caribbean music. For five years, he was a member of the Crystal Ship, a nationally renowned Doors tribute band. Brendan has also worked with a diverse number of artists including the Hot Blue Q, Doc Nelson and The Remedy, Evelyn McDonald and the Gospel Singers, Shirley Lewis, the Paul Speidel Trio, and most recently Charisma. Brendan also has a teaching studio for both drums and piano that has grown to over 50 students.


Marcia Macres - Vocals

This spunky southern red-head grew up in a musical family of eight in Dallas, TX performing regularly in four-part harmony at church and local community events during her childhood. After moving to Boston in the late 80's, Marcia sang with local community choruses before branching out to lead vocalist for bands including The Jazz Punishers. She is also Co-Director of Chick Singer Night Boston, sings in her church choir and enjoys singing backup vocals for occasional tribute bands, including with a recent Steely Dan Tribute band at Berklee Performance Center. Marcia enjoys all genres of music including blues, country, classic rock, pop, etc. but her favorite genre to sing is jazz. Some of her influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Sarah Vaughan, Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Rene Marie, Adele, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt? and more.

For booking information, please contact Jason at 978.273.1893