troyk

In addition to Jovino, Seattle is blessed with a large number of great pianists ..including: John Hansen, Marc Seales, Randy Halberstadt, Darin Clendenin, Butch Nordahl , and Ryan Burns. It also boasts an unusualy cadre of quailty UPRIGHT bassists : Chuck Deardorf, Clipper Anderson, Jeff Johnson, Phil Sparks, Larry Holloway among them. and let's not forget: Jay Thomas ( a quadruple threat on both trumpet and reeds ) Thom Marriot, Vern Seilert and Paul Mazzio ( from Portland ) on trumpets, Mark Taylor, Travis Ranney, Jim Coile, Hans Teuber, Hadley Caliman,and Bill Ramsay are all great sax players ( All these are from the Origin "Artists" list -and can be checked out there ) Is Jessica Williams still around the area? By the way Phil, pianist Dick Reynolds sends his regards.. I don't believe that jessica lives in the Seattle area, but she is here frequently and has a lot of friends here. I've been to a few private parties where she has performed in the last year.

Let's not overlook Doug Miller, who I put at or near the top of that list. Out of respect, we should also mention Buddy Catlett, who was with the Basie Band among other things. He still plays out a fair bit if you know where to look.

Indeed. Also check out Pony Boy Records for some excelletn Seattle players; http://www.ponyboyrecords.com/files/pony_boy/pony_index.html Our top Trombone Players include David Marriott and occasionally Julian Priester, who I believe is based here, but seems to just pop up now and again in clubs. A hand full of other very good 'bonists. There is a broad tier of players not quite that acomplished in Seattle too. Lots of jazz, lots of players, lots of interest, a bit of money. Nice people, great food, better weather than advertised. -tk

Damn! Peep that.

And google "Portland Jazz Jams", read the site, listen to clips and email the guy who runs it. He'll tell you all you want to know and more. -tk

Yo! Seattle here. In touch with what's going on in Portland to a degree. Both cities have their scene. Good people, love of jazz. Tough to make a living, but people do. Let me know more specifically what your question is and I'll be happy to try to help. Troy

I hope you meant "groover"! Right, "groover" that's what I said, see above. -_- I was wondering the same thing about the wedding band. Based on what I've learned about his situation in the last year, I'm pretty sure that there is no family in his life, but I don't know the story.

I'm sincerely interesting in helping too. Please keep us updated on how things develop. I'd be happy to send (through you) CD's or whatever was appropriate. Troy <edit> It hurts being a "newbie" again. I had some decent "groover" status forming before the accounts were lost.