Jazz Mandolin Project Jam Cruise

The Jazz Mandolin Project is an adventurous ensemble founded in 1993 by mandolinist Jamie Masefield in Burlington, Vermont. Originally a tenor banjo player, Masefield transitioned to the mandolin to explore new sonic territories. What began as a way for Masefield to explore improvisation outside traditional jazz frameworks evolved into a boundary-pushing trio with a rotating cast of collaborators. From its earliest days, the group was known for genre-blurring live shows that leaned into spontaneity, groove, and experimentation. The current lineup includes Masefield, drummer Jon Fishman, bassist Danton Bolles and trumpeter / multi-instrumentalist Michael “Mad Dog” Mavridoglou.

Rather than sticking to a single genre, The Jazz Mandolin Project wove together elements of jazz, rock, funk, and world-inspired rhythms. Their discography reflects that diversity, but it’s the band’s live performances—defined by musical risk-taking and unpredictability—that earned them a loyal following. At its core, JMP was always about the thrill of discovery and the freedom to go anywhere musically on any given night.