New Music: Best of EMP Project — A Remastered Collection of Modern Jazz Trio Recordings 

EMP Project Releases Best of EMP Project — A Remastered Collection of Modern Jazz Trio Recordings…

Blue Canoe Records proudly announces the release of Best of EMP Project, a newly remastered compilation album from the Southern-based jazz trio EMP Project, available worldwide on May 1, 2026.

Bringing together a powerful blend of modern jazz, fusion, groove, and improvisational interplay, Best of EMP Project revisits standout recordings originally captured between 2002 and 2005. These selections, drawn from the group’s debut EMP Project and sophomore release Wherever We Go, have been carefully remastered to introduce the trio’s music to a new generation of listeners.

At the core of EMP Project is a deeply rooted musical connection between three longtime collaborators: 

William Ellis (drums) — a Nashville-based, in-demand drummer known for his versatility across genres, with touring and recording credits including Montgomery Gentry, Travis Tritt, Martina McBride, and Hunter Hayes.

Joseph Patrick Moore (double, electric & fretless bass) — a recording artist, composer, and producer with a career spanning over three decades, currently serving as bassist and back-up-band leader for Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère in Las Vegas.

Shawn Perkinson (acoustic & electric guitar) — a respected educator and performer, serving as Commercial/Jazz Guitar instructor at Lee University, with a career that bridges jazz, rock, and contemporary styles. 

The trio’s origins trace back to their time studying at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1989–1994), where they developed a shared musical language under the guidance of renowned educators, including Jerry Coker, Donald Brown, Rusty Holloway, Keith Brown, Mark Boling, and others. After years of pursuing individual careers across the country, the musicians reunited— capturing lightning in a bottle during a series of live studio recordings in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Recorded on August 6–7, 2002, with no rehearsals, the sessions document the trio’s raw chemistry, spontaneity, and collective musical intuition. Each member contributed original compositions, resulting in a truly collaborative artistic statement. 

Best of EMP Project is available on all major streaming platforms beginning May 1, 2026.