The Jazz Mandolin Project (JMP) will return to Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave., this Wednesday with a finely tuned, distinctive and fuller sound.

New York City-based singer/songwriter Jen Chapin will open.

Jamie Masefield, who plays mandolin for JMP, said that the most recent development for the former trio was the addition of trumpet and keyboard player Mike "Mad Dog" Mavridoglou. Masefield said that the group is glad to have gained Mavridoglou.

Mavridoglou joined the existing lineup of Masefield, bassist Danton Boller and drummer Greg Gonzalez.

"We were a trio for nine or 10 years, but Mad Dog really makes the sound a lot bigger," Masefield said.

Mavridoglou said he joined the group about a year ago when he was playing with his former band at a festival with JMP and sat in with the group.

About a month later, Masefield asked him to tour with the band full-time.

"It was a really cool experience and a step up for me in my career," Mavridoglou said. "I'm getting a chance to share the stage with some great musicians."

Mavridoglou said he agrees that the sound of the JMP has changed since he joined.

"The music has definitely expanded quite a bit," Mavridoglou said. "It's broadened. There are more options and more arrangements that can be done."

Masefield said that he is excited to see the group expanding from a sound that was already not what people expected it to be.

"Most mandolin players come from the bluegrass genre, and I ... don't," Masefield said. "People are often surprised at our different approach at music."

Masefield said influences come from all kinds of music, including the jazz of the 1950s, rock music from around the world, and improvisation.

"It's a new way to look at things," Masefield said.

Masefield said his love for music began with his roots in a musical family.

He began playing the banjo when he was 11 years old and continued until he went to college at the University of Vermont. He then picked up the mandolin because of the instrument's similarity to the banjo.

"When I started listening to artists like Jim Hall, John Scofield and Pat Metheny, a light bulb went off in my head," Masefield said about the beginnings of his unique music career.

Since JMP's 2003 release of Jungle Tango, Masefield said the group has been concentrating on touring.

"It's been a busy year, and it will continue to be a busy year," he said. "This is probably the most exciting year that JMP has had."

As far as where the group likes to play, Masefield said the band members enjoy playing in college towns like State College.

"There are just a lot of young, enthusiastic, open-minded people," he said. "We really like playing at Crowbar. Hey, it's not the most beautiful place, but the gigs are always great. There's always energy, and we always look forward to coming back."

Dave Wells, director of operations for Crowbar, said Crowbar is always glad to have JMP back.

"We like to present diverse music to the crowd," Wells said.

"The Jazz Mandolin Project is a diverse band, and they have an incredible following. I think that solidifies a reason for always having them back," he added.