Bio "I'll play it first and tell you what it is later." — Miles Davis After Hours brings together the talents of five musicians from various decades, experiences and walks of life. Each member makes a unique contribution to a common curiosity about, and interest in, playing jazz. Their music covers the prohibition-era speakeasy of the 1920s straight through the dimly lit smoke-filled nightclub of the 1960s. Esra Erkan, vocals Esra describes her true self as a singer, aside from the industrial engineer and various corporate hats she had been wearing. She studied classical voice, jazz history and ensemble with well-known artists and attended international jazz workshops to hone her skills. She is known for her bluesy and soulful tone where you can sense her influences of rock, blues and soul. [read more] Mike Del Campo, drums Like many drummers of the era, Mike began playing drums in a rock band in his early teens. Hailing from Livingston, New Jersey, he studied with Don Megaro and then Glen Weber at what is now the New Jersey School of Percussion. He soon moved on to jazz, first sitting in with the New-Orleans-styled Buffalo Disaster Jazz Band and then playing not-so-standard standards with keyboardist and current producer and arranger Charlie Elgart. [read more] Bill Ernst, piano Bill, a chemical engineering professor, has played jazz piano for over 55 years. He and several colleagues at Georgia Tech formed the straight-ahead jazz combo, Jazz No Chaser. The group performed regularly at on-campus and off-campus events, and played at the 1997 Atlanta Jazz Festival. Bill also performs in a trio with bassist, Peter Hildebrandt and vocalist Etsuko Tomeda. [read more] John Pledger, guitar John began playing jazz guitar in high school. While studying classical guitar at Florida State University, he also was the guitarist for the FSU Jazz Band. He has played guitar in various classical and jazz ensembles for over 40 years, spanning both coasts. [read more] Peter Hildebrandt, bass Owner of a music stand light manufaturing company, Peter has been playing the string bass since he was eight. Years later, he’s still at it with classical, jazz, and everything in between. Principal bassist with the Georgia Philharmonic, he also regularly plays with the Johns Creek Symphony and other professional groups. [read more]   Copyright © , After Hours Jazz Ensemble.