The Legacy Sessions

Vince “Kazi” McCoy was born and raised in the Caribbean twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, where he was exposed to a rich variety of musical styles from an early age. He adopted the name Kaziwazi in the mid-1980s when he joined his first band as a drummer and vocalist. As the drummer for Wifodemus and the Wifers, he taught himself to play drums, drawing inspiration from local musicians such as Dalma “Boogie” George and Andy Jacobs. Kazi later joined Lee Williams’ band, Unity, which eventually became known as Charisma. During this time, he continued to refine his craft while performing across a wide range of genres, including swing and Top 40 music. One of the defining moments of Kazi’s musical career in Antigua and Barbuda came when he was invited to perform with his mentor, the late Statchel Edwards, in the band Targets. Statchel played a major role in deepening Kazi’s connection to jazz. In 1995, Kazi left Antigua and Barbuda to pursue formal music studies in the United States. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with honors from Hunter College in 1999, followed by a Master of Arts in Music Education, also from Hunter College, in 2002.

Christian Crawford is a music educator and freelance trumpeter from Long Island, New York. A graduate of the prestigious Eastman School of Music with a degree in Jazz Performance, Christian has performed internationally across Australia, Fiji, Germany, Japan, Paris, and beyond, sharing his passion for music with audiences around the world. When he is not teaching or performing, Christian leads BrassRoots, a New Orleans-inspired brass band dedicated to celebrating the traditions of Black American music through brass band, jazz, and funk.

Dr. David Sacrestano is a versatile bassist whose deeply musical approach blends warm groove, lyrical sensitivity, and a strong instinct for ensemble playing across jazz, Americana, soul, R&B, and singer-songwriter settings. He studied with acclaimed jazz bassist/composer Martin Wind, R&B legend Jerry Jemmott, as well as noted bassists Randy Coven and John Ray, shaping a musical voice grounded in deep feel, rich tone, and expressive interaction. Equally at home on upright and electric bass, David has participated in recording sessions with members of the bands of Whitney Houston, Heart, and the Late Show with David Letterman Band, while remaining active with local jazz, R&B, and singer-songwriter artists. Known for tasteful musicianship and a song-centered sensibility, he brings warmth, depth, groove, and authenticity to every performance.

James Pipa is a New York-based guitarist, bassist, and producer with extensive experience in the Reggae, Funk, and Jazz worlds. He has performed throughout New York, as well as internationally in Brazil and Jamaica, bringing a versatile and soulful approach to every stage and studio setting. Known for his deep groove, musical sensitivity, and ability to move fluidly between genres, James has built a career rooted in collaboration and cultural connection. Whether performing live, recording, or producing, his work reflects a strong respect for rhythm, improvisation, and the rich musical traditions that continue to shape his sound.