Pianist/vocalist Bess Jacques and trombonist Barney Balch, each leaders of their own bands,  join forces in their new jazz duo collaboration, Bone & Ivory. They’ll be performing a mix of rich, timeless, classic jazz from the Great American Songbook at Cadenza (5 Depot St., Freeport) on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Bess Jacques is a Maine-based pianist, singer, and songwriter, performing regularly in the greater Portland area. Her music spans jazz, singer-songwriter, and pop styles, combining vintage standards with fresh originals. Earlier in 2025 her band, Bess Jacques and the Strays, released its first album, "Anthems for Lily Briscoe."

Barney Balch is a trombonist from Midcoast Maine who leads the Novel Jazz Septet, a tribute band to jazz icons Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. The Novel Jazz Septet focuses on original historic manuscripts by these composers, as well as vintage recordings, which they dust off, re-arrange for seven pieces, and bring back to life. Novel Jazz Septet has produced four albums over their 21-year history.  

The combination of Jacques’ beautiful alto voice and superb piano voicings, along with the smooth, mellow sound of Balch’s trombone, makes for a unique exploration of the music that is both elegant and vibrant.

Listen to Bone & Ivory: https://youtu.be/K_U-h9bsK1o?si=6X3Ah4cmzZYvRlow

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, as well as a reduced price for students.