About Us

Saxophonist, Jerome Dawson, has been sizzling stages and Clubs since he was 16 years old. He has made himself known throughout Northern California and has shared the stage and opened for many talented artists, including Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Chris Botti, Aaron Neville, Roger Waters, Jazz in Pink, Sista Monica, Maruga Booker (Drummer for George Clinton), David Benoit, Pete Escovedo, and Buzzy Linhart. With a unique style that is soulful and intense, Jerome Dawson has been known to bring the crowd to its feet. Jerome Dawson’s love for David Sanborn, Wayman Tisdale, the late Art Porter and Grover Washington, Jr. fuels his desire to play an upbeat, contemporary, smooth style with an R & B funk attitude. This has driven the creation of Wazabe Blue, an eclectic mix of smooth jazz that has something to offer music lovers of every kind.
Recording his first CD with Producer Randy Emata was a great start. Incorporating musical talents such as Mic Gillette (Horns for Tower of Power), Bassist Reggie Balino, keyboardist Gene Ginn and Conte Slaton, as well as vocalist Kristen Flores, created a unique blend of smooth jazz and R&B.
Jerome released his debut instrumental jazz CD entitled “Wazabe Blue” last spring and has sold hundreds of copies. His performances always leave the audiences wanting more. Jerome began his musical career in San Jose, where he is originally from. He has been making a name for himself across the country, with fans from California to New York. Last summer, audiences at the San Jose America Festival on 4th of July, as well as at the Tapestry in Talent Festival, were treated to some of the hottest contemporary jazz around.
Jerome Dawson’s band, Wazabe Blue, is based in the San Diego Area and has been performing throughout North County and San Diego.
Wazabe Blue has in its four-piece band, bassist Gordon Costa, a native New Jersean who studied trombone before getting hooked on funk bass driven jazz. He often went home and played bass for hours, until his knuckles bled. He simply duct taped his knuckles and played on.
Mix in Keyboardist Wayne Thames, a San Diegan, moved by many kinds of music who has played with The Blues Brothers and Road Runners to name a few. Studying the likes of Herbie Hancock, Ramsey Lewis and Joe Sample, has inspired him in jazz.
Add Jazz drummer, Mike McGhee, who is truly recognized as not just a drummer, but a jazz drummer with undeniable musical talent that keeps Wazabe Blue groov’n. Look for hot Wazabe Blue smooth jazz shows in your area!