Band Member Bios
Jason Keiser: Bandleader, lead Guitar, Composer & arranger
© Photo by Steven Glaze Live at Cornerstone Berkeley
Jason Keiser is a professional Jazz & Bluegrass guitarist, multi-instrumentalist & multi-stylist, OA2 & Adhyaropa Records recording artist, band leader, and composer based out of the Bay Area currently residing in Sunnyvale, California.
In addition to leading, composing, and managing The New Acoustic Collective, Jason is an active solo jazz recording and performing artist, composer and arranger who has has recorded, collaborated, and worked with the following artists below.
Professional Jazz guitarist & Origin Records Artist; John Stowell, professional Jazz Guitarist & Professor of Jazz Guitar at San Jose State University; Rick Vandivier, Professional Jazz Guitarist, Origin Recording Artist, Bandleader; Mimi Fox, Professional Bluegrass & New Acoustic, Acoustic Jazz Guitarist, Member of The Tony Rice Unit & ETSU Bluegrass Guitar Instructor; Wyatt Rice, Professional Double Bassist, Acoustic Disc & Oasis Recording Artist, member of The David Grisman Quintet & Sextet; Jim Kerwin, Professional Mandolinist, Acoustic Disc & Oasis Recording Artist; Mike Mullins, Professional Mandolinist, National Mandolin Champion & Common Loon Records Recording Artist; Thomas Cassell, & Bay Area Professional Vocalist, Composer, & Arranger; Melissa Garay, and more.
Tim Lessler: Fiddle
© Photo by Steven Glaze Live at Cornerstone Berkeley
Tim Lessler is a professional performing fiddler/violinist with country and Americana groups throughout the Bay Area including Scott Bell & The Cool Ranchers, Bagwell & Troy and as of late 2025 and early 2026; the newest member and fiddler of The NAC. While pursuing his law degree at Vanderbilt University, Tim Lessler continued intensive violin and fiddle training. He has studied under top teachers in both Nashville and the Bay Area for more than two decades. Former principal second violin and president of the South Bay Philharmonic community orchestra. Tim is also an educator with a encouraging, student-focused approach who works with ages 7 through adult, helping students build strong technique, musical confidence, and a lifelong love of playing.
Elijah Chen: Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Composer
Area. Elijah grew up playing Old Time music, but has branched out into multiple genres such as
Bluegrass and New Acoustic Music. Currently, Elijah is a band leader in the Bay Area based Bluegrass band, Bay Area Special. In 2024 Elijah was added as a member to the San Jose based New Acoustic music band, The
New Acoustic Collective. Elijah also continues to play with his family band, The Corn Likkers.
Trevor Gabriel
Mandolin
Trevor Gabriel is a touring musician, music teacher, and recording engineer. He is the owner of Cactus House Recording, a recording studio near San Jose, California. With over 200 published recording credits, ranging from his own production work to session playing, Trevor has established himself within the past decade as a teacher and active musician. He has played in and composed for various Bay Area bands including: Dark Satellite, Periscope, and Divided by Seven.
Ryan Triolo
Double Bass
Ryan is a talented bassist hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, where he’s become a fixture in the local bluegrass scene. Ryan plays alongside fellow NAC member Elijah Chen as a member of the up-and-coming bluegrass band Bay Area Special. A veteran performing musician, he is a frequent sub bassist for a variety of acoustic and rock ensembles. Ryan brings a dynamic playing style characterized by driving grooves to the NAC. Ryan draws influence from a wide range of bluegrass and jazz bassists, including his mentor, the legendary Jim Kerwin.