WILL LAYMAN — MUSICIAN
I am a keyboard player, saxophonist, songwriter, and singer. I have been playing in jazz, rock, and funk bands in the DC/ Baltimore area since the 1990s.
In addition to playing in bands, I perform classic jazz and "American Songbook" material as a solo/duo/trio artist, working in restaurants, retirement homes, and other venues.
BANDS
BETTER OFF DEAD
Better Off Dead is the finest Grateful Dead tribute in the DC/Baltimore region and has played before as many as 500 people at venues such as DC's The Atlantis and Pearl St. Warehouse, Baltimore's 8x10 and The Recher, and the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg VA. With gigs in New York City, Richmond and Charlottesville VA, Shepherdstown WV, and across the Eastern Shore, BOD the leading Grateful Dead tribute band in its area. Playing for 11 years running, the band channels the adventurous spirit of the Dead with heavy doses of funk, jazz, and harmonic bliss.
TEN FEET TALL
Ten Feet Tall is a funk/soul band performing mostly original music that gets you UP to get DOWN on the dance floor! Clever covers too, and always a good time. Scott Price on vocals, Josh Himmelsbach plays slick and molten guitar, a funky bottom from Larry Joseloff, groove all night from drummer Chris Murray, and Will Layman on keys and alto saxophone.
SOUL PURVEYORS
The Soul Purveyors mix and match music that has heart from jazz funk classics to grooving hits from artists you love, interpreted for maximum warmth — Sade, Steely Dan, Macy Gray, so many more. Musicians from great local bands (Amy Wilson's vocals, Tyrone Cabalu's bass, Brian Rosenthal on drums, Will Layman on keys and vocals, Larry Bisagur killing guitar, and many guests) come together for joy.
COLLECTIVE DISTURBANCE
jazz fusion
Better Off Dead is the finest Grateful Dead tribute in the DC/Baltimore region and has played before as many as 500 people at venues such as DC's The Atlantis and Pearl St. Warehouse, Baltimore's 8x10 and The Recher, and the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg VA. With gigs in New York City, Richmond and Charlottesville VA, Shepherdstown WV, and across the Eastern Shore, BOD the leading Grateful Dead tribute band in its area. Playing for 11 years running, the band channels the adventurous spirit of the Dead with heavy doses of funk, jazz, and harmonic bliss.
MEDICATED HEADSMEN
The Medicated Headsmen, led buy guitarist/vocalist Bobby Thompson, plays the music of Steve Winwood when he was with Traffic and The Spencer Davis Band. Soulful and rocking, this is music you love! Also featured: Drummer Ben Tufts, Bassist Larry Joseloff, and keyboards from Will Layman.
JAZZ PIANO/VOCALS
Will is a charming jazz pianist and singer, playing American songbook classics (and telling stories about the composers and songs) for are audiences, including folks in retirement homes all around the DC area.
Want to hear those old classics by Ellington, Cole Porter, Rogers & Hart, and many others, presented with humor and elegance? Will is your man!