Upcoming RA & Co Performances

  • Friday, May 23rd, 2025 live at Silvana in Harlem, NYC
  • Saturday, June 7th, 2025 Live at The Jazz Loft in Stonybrook, NY – The Andy McKee Quintet ft Ryan Anselmi, Andrew Hadro, Dr. Darrell Smith & David Caldwell – Mason
  • Thursday, June 19th, 2025 live at Threes Brewing in Gowanus, Brooklyn
  • Monday, July 14th, 2025 live at Fiction Cocktail Bar for a set + hosting a killer jam session!

Past RA & Co Performances

Who we are

Ryan Anselmi & Company‘s core repertoire reflects the diverse backgrounds of its members, blending elements of traditional jazz standards with influences from Blues Pop, Country and Americana. Blending their musical tastes with over 20 yrs experience performing in NYC (RW Music Hall, Pianos, Mercury Lounge, Bowery Electric, The Garage, Fat Cat, Arlenes) RA & Co creates a vibrant, evolving musical landscape that redefines the intersection of jazz and contemporary sound.

We are sound scientists who bring disparate musical elements into a synergistic unity, resonating with a jazz sensibility while embracing the rhythmic structures of contemporary music. Rooted in deep improvisation and bold compositions, the group seamlessly fuses jazz, bluegrass, and folk traditions into a singular sound that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. The aural environment is energized by the captivating and powerful groove set by drums and bass, providing a driving foundation for the ensemble’s rich harmonic and melodic interplay. The piano crafts a textured backdrop, setting the stage for warm and vibrant horn melodies that soar with expressive depth. With instrumentation that includes hammer dulcimer, mandolin, violin, cello, upright bass, drums, guitar, piano, vocals, and saxophone, the group explores a vast sonic palette, pushing the boundaries of traditional jazz forms.

RA & Co Featuring Bassist Andy McKee

Two-time Grammy nominee for work with the Mingus Big Band. And who held the bass chair with Philly Joe Jones ‘Le Grand Prix’, Chet Baker, Elvin Jones Jazz Machine, and Michel Petrucciani Group joins this exciting group!

Ryan Anselmi & Company ft. Bassist Andy McKee at the Staten Island Jazz Festival

Our Sound

Ryan Anselmi & Company ft. Bassist Andy McKee Live at The Jazz Loft
Ryan Anselmi & Company ft. Bassist Andy McKee Live at The Jazz Loft

Members of the Band

featuring Sp. Guest Bassist Andy McKee

Two-time Grammy nominee for work his with the Mingus Big Band, Andy McKee held the bass chair with Philly Joe Jones ‘Le Grand Prix’, Chet Baker, Elvin Jones Jazz Machine, and Michel Petrucciani Group and musical director of the Mingus Big Band and the Mingus Orchestra. Mr. McKee has toured / recorded with Johnny Hartman, Jaki Byard, Hank Jones, Don Cherry, Steve Grossman, Clifford Jordan, Andrew Hill, Charlie Rouse, Archie Shepp, and others. Leader efforts include Andy McKee & NEXT, Sound Roots (Mapleshade 04432) and andy mckee // one world (CAP 965) featuring Idris Muhammad. Director of New School University’s Mingus Ensemble and clinician at conservatories and workshops worldwide.

On drums and cymbals, Dr. Darrell Smith rounds out this extraordinary rhythm section, showing his musical prowess as both a steady pulse in the rhythm section and a responsive accompanist in the solo space.
Pianist David Caldwell-Mason adds his sensitive touch to the band, articulating harmonies with zen-like discretion and broadening the sonic palette throughout. 
Andrew Hadro on baritone saxophone brings his low-end expertise to the mix, wielding with incisive articulation and creative expression that engages every audience.
Ryan Anselmi on tenor saxophone leads the front line with a personal and compelling interpretation of original and remix melodies, and asserts his skills as a soloist at every turn.