Tezeta Band is the sound of nostalgia and soulful dance music. It is part jazz, part soul and part ancient Ethiopian melodies blended with the R & B music of the 1960’s and 1970’s. It comes from a period when the influential sounds of James Brown, Jackie Mittoo and John Coltrane melted together with Ethiopian tradition in the hot clubs and lounges of Addis Ababa.
A lover and huge fan of American Classic Music, with 30-plus years as jazz radio journalist and announcer, in 2014 Yugen formed a music project. He invites from a ton of top shelf musicians to present some faves and original songs. The Jack London stage is among his most receptive audience.
The Jack London Revue is proud to continue the jazz tradition of the Monday Night Big Band. On a night when most musicians are free of gigs, they gather in numbers to play some of the music they love most: everything from Ellington and Basie to Buddy Rich and Michael Buble. Don't miss this chance to enjoy the power and diversity of the top horn-heavy bands from Portland and beyond.
The Minidoka Swing Band (MSB) was formed in September 2007, as a tribute to Japanese Americans incarcerated during WWII. MSB is led by Portland Jazz artist Larry Nobori and features two outstanding vocalists Andy Streich and Nola Sugai Bogle. MSB relives the Big Band era of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s with such artists as Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Dorsey and more. You’ll be tapping your toes or bring your dance shoes and hit the floor with some jitter bug!”
Songs have always been there for Moorea Masa (pronounced More-ray-uh Mah-sa), being raised in the musical mecca of Portland, Oregon. The daughter of an Italian immigrant father and an African-American mother born abroad, this singer/songwriter/guitarist has been making music for as long as she can remember. At fifteen, she was already looking for chances to perform by sneaking into local clubs, where she was lovingly adopted into the vibrant community of Portland musicians. Moorea then left to study at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts in England, and spent time living in a cave and soaking in flamenco music in Granada, Spain.
Returning home to the Pacific NW, Moorea began her music career in earnest. Not just writing and performing her own original material, she recorded with El Vy and The Decemberists, sang with soul legend Ural Thomas (who appears on her new album), and toured with Allen Stone. As a solo artist, she's garnered major praise from Emily King, Corinne Bailey Rae, Nick Waterhouse, and many more. Now 25 years old, Moorea has been touring with crooner KD Lang, and released her debut album to much praise this past May.
Shine A Light, the new record from Masa, comes from the depths of a sometimes-troubled childhood and expresses a belief that the unexamined life is not worth living. "I'm really sharing my whole heart in this album," says Masa. "This year I've really been digging deep into my history, my own learning lessons, and the state of the world. I feel like I took a light and shined it into all the darkness and beauty that I was too scared to look at." At times bright and hopeful, other times dark and mournful, the record (co-produced by Jeremy Most of Emily King fame) is an exquisitely-crafted gem that reveals a new gleaming facet upon every listen. Topics such as love, loss, hidden pain, and the politics of being a woman are all explored with deft musicianship, clever production, and Masa's flawless voice carrying the songs into our hearts and souls.
"If this band appeared in New York City, they'd be a sensation!" That was guitar great--and one-time Mel Brown bandmate--George Benson's reaction after hearing the Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group open for him in 2003. This true all-star band has been a sensation for a long time—including a 20-year run on Thursdays at Portland’s Jimmy Mak’s (The Oregonian dubbed them “Jimmy Mak’s signature group”). A collective resume that reads like a "Who's Who" of NW jazz, blues, and soul, this group has the talent and confidence to be completely spontaneous--from their blistering solos to their improvised arrangements and segues.
MEL BROWN -- An Oregon icon, has been labeled the "Gentleman of Jazz," with a career spanning a half century. The city of Portland proclaimed June 22, 1989 "Mel Brown Day" in recognition of Mel's achievements as a musician and educator, receiving the Governor's Arts Award in 2002. Mel first made his mark as a Motown staff drummer, recording and touring with the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and many others. He subsequently spent ten years working with Diana Ross and other pop acts before giving up the road in 1991 and returning home to his first love: jazz. Mel has been a fixture in Portland ever since, leading groups six nights a week at Jimmy Mak's and other venues when he isn't backing jazz artists like Joey DeFrancesco and Benny Golson.
DAN BALMER -- Widely considered the defining sound of contemporary jazz guitar in the Northwest. Described by the Los Angeles Times as "the model of what a contemporary guitarist should be," Dan is one of the most original and creative artists to come from the fertile Northwest music scene. Dan has played and recorded with a long list of jazz greats, has released six CDs of his own, is a jazz educator and a noted composer. Dan leads his own groups and performs with jazz artists including Diane Schuur, Benny Green, and Jeff Hamilton.
RENATO CARANTO -- described as "one of Portland's most soulful jazz saxophonists" by The Oregonian," Renato is one of the most versatile, accomplished, soulful saxophonists anywhere. Arriving from the Philippines in '81 with only his horn, Renato has built an enviable career in Portland. After gaining a foothold in the local scene, Renato became one of the most sought-after jazzmen in the NW and beyond. In recent years, he’s toured with Grammy-winning jazz artist Esperanza Spalding and late country legend Merle Haggard. Talk about versatility!
LOUIS "KING LOUIE" PAIN -- "Portland's boss of the B-3" (The Oregonian) hails from San Francisco, where he played and recorded with a wide variety of top musicians: Tower of Power guitarist Bruce Conte, Santana saxophonist Jules Broussard, Edwin Hawkins vocalist Dorothy Morrison, and B.B. King saxophonist Bobby Forte. After moving north in '86, Louis continued the trend. His 2016 cd with vocalist LaRhonda Steele, “Rock Me Baby,” was honored by Downbeat as one of the “Best Albums of 2016.” Louis’ knack for playing exactly what's needed to further the song has made him Portland's "first call" organist.
The Cherry Blossom Red Hot Stompers swing the music of the 1920s, 30s and early 40s like no other and continue to regularly perform in Portland for dancers and listeners to enjoy.
Our most important component is the music itself, without which we wouldn't exist as a group. The music's inherent qualities, we believe, are rooted in the swing and phrasing of one Louis Armstrong, and it's with the joy of Louis in mind that we present this music with a serious integrity, always respecting the masters who gave us the legacy to continue in our own humble way.
The group has played frequently in Oregon these past few years, though the musicians have been playing the music for much longer to popular acclaim. Swing dance festivals, the mammoth Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, concerts at the coast and the Capitol have all been taken in stride.
We are Swinging through Spring and taking you on a journey back to the speakeasy era with our peerless authentic sound.
BARRETT MARTIN is a Latin Grammy-winning producer, composer, and drummer/percussionist who has played on over 100 Rock, Blues, Jazz, and World music albums. His work can be heard on albums by REM, Queens Of The Stone Age, Mad Season, Screaming Trees, Walking Papers, Tuatara, Blues legend CeDell Davis, and recording sessions that range from the Peruvian Amazon, to Brazil, Cuba, Jerusalem, and the Alaskan Arctic.
Barrett holds a masters degree in ethnology and linguistics and has taught at several universities in the United States. He has written essays for Riot Material and Huffington Post, and in 2014 he was awarded the ASCAP Deems Taylor/Virgil Thompson Award for excellence in writing. His first book, The Singing Earth, was released in 2017, and his solo band, The Barrett Martin Group, has made 8 studio albums to date.
His essays for Riot Material can be read here: Riot Material
His essays for Huffington Post can be read here: Huffington Post
THE WAY OF THE ZEN COWBOY: FIRESIDE STORIES FROM A GLOBETROTTING RHYTHMATIST
SONGS OF THE FIREBIRD
It has been a very creative couple of years for percussionist, composer, producer, and storyteller Barrett Martin. In 2017 he won a Latin Grammy for his album production work in Brazil; he released his first book, “The Singing Earth: Adventures From A World Of Music”, and he released his 6th solo album, “Transcendence.”
Coined one of the most electric performances by the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) for their live set during the 2018 ESSENCE Festival, the Louis York and The Shindellas live show is a magnetic experience that redefines an expression of freedom through the arts and music. Behind some of the biggest names and songs of the last decade from Bruno Mars, Michael and Janet Jackson, Celine Dion, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, and many more, GRAMMY nominated songwriter and producer Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of the progressive band Louis York have crafted an unforgettable night of original musical works. Its a genre bending, colorful, all inclusive experience that brings together an entire community.
Get tickets for yourself, a friend, or even the whole family today!
The London is proud to continue the jazz tradition of the Monday Night Big Band. On a night when most musicians are free of gigs, they gather in numbers to play some of the music they love most: everything from Ellington and Basie to Buddy Rich and Michael Buble. Don't miss this chance to enjoy the power and diversity of the top horn-heavy bands from Portland and beyond.
Multi-year Downbeat Poll Winner and Guggenheim Fellow alto saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa leads a new trio with the highly acclaimed bassist Eric Revis (Branford Marsalis) and brilliant drummer Dave King (The Bad Plus). In the great tradition of Sonny Rollins’ A Night at the Village Vanguard, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, this ensemble explores the cutting edge of the saxophone trio’s potential. This group seamlessly forges a unified band sound consisting of the vast array of experience possessed by each individual member. Repertoire includes some of the iconic standards presented by Rollins as well as music by Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and original work by Mahanthappa.
In simultaneously reflecting history and innovation from myriad perspectives, Movable Mirror pushes the boundaries of this art form while respecting the quintessential masters of modern music.
The Lab Unit consists of veteran R&B, Soul, and Jazz, musical assassins!
They are local homegrown talent and highly regarded studio musician heavyweights, playing background on several local and nationally produced CDs and LPs over the last 20 years!
Band leader and drummer Anthony Beavers has worked with and developed numerous local and Regional vocalists during his successful music career!
He's gone over the top to put together an incredible all female lineup for this exclusive night of Soul and R&B.
The show will featuring a mix of Portland's top female vocalists starting with the return of Tony Hill, plus the beautiful Blossom and Nafesaria Scroggins along with special guest Versie Jean and more...
So don't miss this Gemini Jam with DJ Wicked and remember, ain't no Party like a JP Party because a JP party don't stop...
It's all about the combination of jazz, blues, gospel, and fun. Portland native Donna Jones sings sultry and soulful romantic and torch-jazz classics, new jazz tunes, and some powerful blues. She's backed by the Delegation, a top-flight rhythm and harmony unit comprised of soul, blues and gospel artists from in and around the Rose City.
Join us for a Father's Day celebration with Portland's best local soul singer Donna Jones with her band The Delegation!
The Jack London is proud to continue the jazz tradition of the Monday Night Big Band. On a night when most musicians are free of gigs, they gather in numbers to play some of the music they love most: everything from Ellington and Basie to Buddy Rich and Michael Buble. Don't miss this chance to enjoy the power and diversity of the top horn-heavy bands from Portland and beyond.
"If this band appeared in New York City, they'd be a sensation!" That was guitar great--and one-time Mel Brown bandmate--George Benson's reaction after hearing the Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group open for him in 2003. This true all-star band has been a sensation for a long time—including a 20-year run on Thursdays at Portland’s Jimmy Mak’s (The Oregonian dubbed them “Jimmy Mak’s signature group”). A collective resume that reads like a "Who's Who" of NW jazz, blues, and soul, this group has the talent and confidence to be completely spontaneous--from their blistering solos to their improvised arrangements and segues.
MEL BROWN -- An Oregon icon, has been labeled the "Gentleman of Jazz," with a career spanning a half century. The city of Portland proclaimed June 22, 1989 "Mel Brown Day" in recognition of Mel's achievements as a musician and educator, receiving the Governor's Arts Award in 2002. Mel first made his mark as a Motown staff drummer, recording and touring with the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and many others. He subsequently spent ten years working with Diana Ross and other pop acts before giving up the road in 1991 and returning home to his first love: jazz. Mel has been a fixture in Portland ever since, leading groups six nights a week at Jimmy Mak's and other venues when he isn't backing jazz artists like Joey DeFrancesco and Benny Golson.
DAN BALMER -- Widely considered the defining sound of contemporary jazz guitar in the Northwest. Described by the Los Angeles Times as "the model of what a contemporary guitarist should be," Dan is one of the most original and creative artists to come from the fertile Northwest music scene. Dan has played and recorded with a long list of jazz greats, has released six CDs of his own, is a jazz educator and a noted composer. Dan leads his own groups and performs with jazz artists including Diane Schuur, Benny Green, and Jeff Hamilton.
RENATO CARANTO -- described as "one of Portland's most soulful jazz saxophonists" by The Oregonian," Renato is one of the most versatile, accomplished, soulful saxophonists anywhere. Arriving from the Philippines in '81 with only his horn, Renato has built an enviable career in Portland. After gaining a foothold in the local scene, Renato became one of the most sought-after jazzmen in the NW and beyond. In recent years, he’s toured with Grammy-winning jazz artist Esperanza Spalding and late country legend Merle Haggard. Talk about versatility!
LOUIS "KING LOUIE" PAIN -- "Portland's boss of the B-3" (The Oregonian) hails from San Francisco, where he played and recorded with a wide variety of top musicians: Tower of Power guitarist Bruce Conte, Santana saxophonist Jules Broussard, Edwin Hawkins vocalist Dorothy Morrison, and B.B. King saxophonist Bobby Forte. After moving north in '86, Louis continued the trend. His 2016 cd with vocalist LaRhonda Steele, “Rock Me Baby,” was honored by Downbeat as one of the “Best Albums of 2016.” Louis’ knack for playing exactly what's needed to further the song has made him Portland's "first call" organist.
Since 2012, Buddy Jay's Jamaican Jazz Band has elaborated on the tradition of Jamaican Jazz and R n'B music. They move the music forward by engaging a deep respect for the sound, and by writing original Jamaican jazz ,ska, dub reggae, calypso and rocksteady influenced tunes and performing them with tenacity. Their sound is firmly rooted in the golden era of Jamaican music; the1960's and 1970's.
Buddy Jay and the band's unique take on the genre of Jamaican jazz have allowed them to feel comfortable sharing the stage with bands performing a meried of styles. As part of the Soul'd Out Music Festival they shared the stage with the likes of Vieux Farke Toure, Charles Bradley, Mos Def, and many more and have also shared the stage with genre icons like Winston Jarrett, The Skints, Giant Panda Gorilla Dub Squad, and The Gladiators to name a few.
The current lineup features members of Cherimoya, The Cascadians The Isrealites, Grupo Condente, and Brownish Black.
Buddy and the band's very first self titled album, was released upon the world in 2015 to great acclaim. There is an EP as well as a second full length release in the works for the band as we speak.
These heavy hitters always bring the party and never play a room without a dance floor. Stay tuned because Buddy Jay is here to stay!
The Cascadians from Portland, OR started in spring of 2018. A group of dudes that shared a love for Jamaican music, and Northern Soul, got together to play the ska, the rocksteady and the reggae. The Cascadians feature current and former members of Buddy Jay's Jamaican Jazz Band (PDX), The Dendrites (Denver), The Rudie Crew (NJ), The Israelites (PDX), and Nicodemus Snow (PDX)
Alonzo Chadwick & Zoulful Muzic is a group of incredibly talented & skilled musicians and singers who specialize in various genres of music. The likes of Soul, Funk, Jazz, R&B, Neo Soul, Blues, and gospel to name a few. Alonzo has been through many trials and tests. His heartfelt lyrics combined with a myriad of life experiences allows him to reach all generations, creeds, colors, races, and cultures. He has performed as a featured soloist with the Grammy nominated Oregon Symphony at their annual “Gospel Christmas” for the last 12 years.
This year's Summit is sponsored and supported by the Black United Fund, the Portland Skanner Newspaper and SEI...
Every generation has a musical oracle, one that points the way to the complexities of living a purposeful life in these changing times. Tiana "Verse Jean" White is such an artist, and genuine believability is the hallmark of her music. Throughout her self-revealing compositions, her music speaks to a simplistic, yet profound storytelling process, reminiscent of the great songwriters of the past. More than willing to expose her passions, as well as her disappointments, she takes you on a journey of self-discovery using uniquely melodic phrasing that is one, instructive, as well as inspiring encouragement to any and all seeking their way.
Unafraid to share her heartfelt intimacies, her lyrics will bring you face to face with a life learner that is finding peace with discomfort. She has often said, "At a young age, I challenged myself to face head on the things that actually terrified me", and her commitment to artistic courage is rooted in every song she composes.
Born the youngest daughter of a local R&B singer from Portland, Oregon, "Versie Jean" witnessed firsthand, the demands of fashioning a music career. She gleaned from her Mother's experience, the need to be a well-rounded, authentic person in the midst of pursuing your dreams. The passion she brings to her music is matched by a strong, but subtle discipline that directs her creative choices. She often refers to herself as a visual artist. "I write in images. Word pictures that allows the listener to transport into my world. At least that's what I try to do ha." Unafraid to cry, to scream, to laugh, and most importantly, to release all her energy into her songs, "Verse Jean" has created in her music, a magnetic attraction that binds the soul of the listener to hear them over and over again.
Jean is a graduate of Lee University, which has housed many great artists such as Jordan Smith season 9 winner of the voice. Clark Beckham season 14 runner up of American Idol and Brooke Simpson Season 13 finalist of the Voice. All of who have inspired her on her artistic journey.
In her upcoming project "Sincerely Verse Jean", due out this spring, she is set to debut as another great Neo-Soul artist guaranteed to move your emotions. It is our pleasure to introduce you to the sound, and the soul of the next great singer-songwriter from the Pacific Northwest. The genuinely, compelling music of "Versie Jean" Enjoy!
This year's Summit is sponsored and supported by the Black United Fund, the Portland Skanner Newspaper and SEI...
The London is proud to continue the jazz tradition of the Monday Night Big Band. On a night when most musicians are free of gigs, they gather in numbers to play some of the music they love most: everything from Ellington and Basie to Buddy Rich and Michael Buble. Don't miss this chance to enjoy the power and diversity of the top horn-heavy bands from Portland and beyond.
Brad Davis and his Kansas City Rhythm Kings
Brad Davis' Kansas City Rhythm Kings nine-piece band appeals to fans of the top hits of big band jazz and features the styles of Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and other famous modern jazz big bands.
Bandleader Brad Davis is a phenomenon in today's music scene. With 40 years of professional experience, his credits include extensive touring and high profile performances with artists as Lee Castle (Jimmy Dorsey Band), Norman Lee, Eddy Howard, Al Pierson, Roberto Griego to name a few. Brad played lead trumpet and traveled all over the world with the US Army bands. He also played freelance trumpet in Las Vegas for two years, one of those years was spent as a member of the Sahara Hotel House band where he played with a who's who of big show room acts and entertainers.
Join us at the Portland's best jazz club the Jack London Revue for smooth jazz with Portland's own Rebecca Kilgore & Casey Macgill
She regularly performs worldwide at jazz festivals, jazz parties, and on jazz cruises. She has been a frequent guest on National Public Radio’s ‘Fresh Air’ with Terry Gross, has appeared on ‘A Prairie Home Companion’, and with Michael Feinstein at Carnegie Hall.
The Rebecca Kilgore Quartet (formerly known as BED) was a popular favorite on the jazz festival circuit: with Eddie Erickson (guitar/banjo/voice), Dan Barrett (trombone), and Joel Forbes (bass).
She has been performed with the Statesmen Of Jazz, dedicated to perpetuating the art of jazz for future generations.
She is honored to have been inducted (in 2010) to the Oregon Music Hall of Fame and to the Jazz Society of Oregon’s Hall Of Fame, and to have been invited to perform at New York’s Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention for three years at Town Hall and Lincoln Center. She was the guest of honor at the 2013 Roswell (New Mexico) Jazz Festival, and honored as a Jazz Legend at the San Diego Jazz Party in 2016.
https://www.facebook.com/becky.kilgore1
Casey MacGill performs music that swings. Nat "King" Cole Trio meets the Mills Brothers. Fats Waller meets Fats Domino. Slim Galliard meets Fred Astaire. It is American music of many decades and no decade in particular, all happening at the same time, woven into a seamless, beautiful whole. At the core of his sound are his band's sometimes sweet, sometimes rough-hewn three-part harmony vocals and a piano-ukulele-bass-and-drums rhythm section that swings in a variety of textures.
"If this band appeared in New York City, they'd be a sensation!" That was guitar great--and one-time Mel Brown bandmate--George Benson's reaction after hearing the Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group open for him in 2003. This true all-star band has been a sensation for a long time—including a 20-year run on Thursdays at Portland’s Jimmy Mak’s (The Oregonian dubbed them “Jimmy Mak’s signature group”). A collective resume that reads like a "Who's Who" of NW jazz, blues, and soul, this group has the talent and confidence to be completely spontaneous--from their blistering solos to their improvised arrangements and segues.
MEL BROWN -- An Oregon icon, has been labeled the "Gentleman of Jazz," with a career spanning a half century. The city of Portland proclaimed June 22, 1989 "Mel Brown Day" in recognition of Mel's achievements as a musician and educator, receiving the Governor's Arts Award in 2002. Mel first made his mark as a Motown staff drummer, recording and touring with the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and many others. He subsequently spent ten years working with Diana Ross and other pop acts before giving up the road in 1991 and returning home to his first love: jazz. Mel has been a fixture in Portland ever since, leading groups six nights a week at Jimmy Mak's and other venues when he isn't backing jazz artists like Joey DeFrancesco and Benny Golson.
DAN BALMER -- Widely considered the defining sound of contemporary jazz guitar in the Northwest. Described by the Los Angeles Times as "the model of what a contemporary guitarist should be," Dan is one of the most original and creative artists to come from the fertile Northwest music scene. Dan has played and recorded with a long list of jazz greats, has released six CDs of his own, is a jazz educator and a noted composer. Dan leads his own groups and performs with jazz artists including Diane Schuur, Benny Green, and Jeff Hamilton.
RENATO CARANTO -- described as "one of Portland's most soulful jazz saxophonists" by The Oregonian," Renato is one of the most versatile, accomplished, soulful saxophonists anywhere. Arriving from the Philippines in '81 with only his horn, Renato has built an enviable career in Portland. After gaining a foothold in the local scene, Renato became one of the most sought-after jazzmen in the NW and beyond. In recent years, he’s toured with Grammy-winning jazz artist Esperanza Spalding and late country legend Merle Haggard. Talk about versatility!
LOUIS "KING LOUIE" PAIN -- "Portland's boss of the B-3" (The Oregonian) hails from San Francisco, where he played and recorded with a wide variety of top musicians: Tower of Power guitarist Bruce Conte, Santana saxophonist Jules Broussard, Edwin Hawkins vocalist Dorothy Morrison, and B.B. King saxophonist Bobby Forte. After moving north in '86, Louis continued the trend. His 2016 cd with vocalist LaRhonda Steele, “Rock Me Baby,” was honored by Downbeat as one of the “Best Albums of 2016.” Louis’ knack for playing exactly what's needed to further the song has made him Portland's "first call" organist.
Vincent Courtois’ classical training endowed him with technique, precision, and instrumental control. His curiosity and eclecticism led him to play with brilliant musicians from different backgrounds: Rita Mitsouko, Christian Escoudé, Michel Petrucciani, Michel Portal and Joëlle Léandre to name a few. Strengthened by his many experiences and influences, Vincent Courtois has developed a unique musical exploration. His creative process builds on musical relationships, the balance of personalities and energies, the impact of contrast, ideas of sound, images, incertitude and silence. Creating a musical form where freedom is paradoxically managed with utmost rigour and attentiveness, he gives collective creation a chance and each collaborator a unique position in a spirit of trust and mutual involvement.
"This bands ruminating respect for music of the past, and deep dedication towards the creative crafting of a new sound, sets Tenth Mountain Division apart in the Colorado music scene. Tenth Mountain Division speaks the language of Colorado, the language of the mountains.” (Noah Stein - CU Independent) Originating from Boulder, CO, founders Winston Heuga (Mandolin) and MJ Ouimette (Electric/Acoustic Guitar) originally sought to create an acoustic bluegrass outfit. After a few years dedicated to playing bluegrass, the duo transitioned to an electrified, rock’n’roll sound. Through out its preliminary years finding their roots in college and playing with an array of different line-ups, the band finally found their permanent line up in May of 2017 with the addition of bassist and vocalist Andrew Cooney. Drummer Tyler Gwynn and the ever-talented keyboard player Campbell Thomas form the quintet that creates a diverse soundscape combining soaring electric guitar leads and jabbing keys while retaining its roots in bluegrass with Heuga’s incomparable mandolin style. The rhythmic interplay of Cooney's driving bass fused with Gwynn’s incendiary drumming round out the unique sounding band that is truly a style of its own; what the band refers to as "Ski Rock". Tenth Mountain Division has evolved greatly since its inception but retains its roots in the American musical styles of rock, Americana, bluegrass, prog and the crossroads between them all. Since TMD’s first national tour upon earning a slot at the 2016 Summer Camp Music Festival with headlining acts like Tom Petty’s Mud Crutch, Moe, and Umphrey’s Mcgee, the band has embarked all across this country playing esteemed venues like Boulder's Fox Theater, Baton Rouge's Varsity Theatre, Austin's The Parish, Nashville's Acme Feed & Seed, Baltimore's 8X10, and many more; The band has played festivals including Summer Camp, Beanstalk, Head for the Hills, Pardee Palooza and after parties for the likes of Dead & Company, Twiddle, STS9, Moon Taxi, and Marcus King Band; and have had the honor of sharing the stage with artists including Nicki Bluhm, Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band/ Bela Fleck), Bill Payne (Little Feet), Jeff Austin ( Yonder Mountain String Band), Jeremy Garret ( Infamous String Dusters), Andy Thorn and Alwyn Robinson (Leftover Salmon), Jon Stickley Trio, and contemporaries such as The Magic Beans and Spafford. This is only the beginning, stay tuned for all that’s to come!
Join us at JLR for a fundraiser to help support the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival featurting Portland's own Noah Simpson!
Energetic, attentive, and dynamic define Noah Simpson's trumpet playing. Joined by Charlie Brown, Milo Fultz, and Cory Limuaco, they strive to create forward thinking Black American music.
After graduating high school Noah began establishing himself around the Phoenix area as both a leader and sideman, performing in The Young Sounds Of Arizona, The PVCC Monday night big band, numerous SCC combos, as well as groups of his own. While attending SCC he had the privilege of studying with great local musicians such as Eric Rasmussen, Will Goble, and Fred Forney. After receiving the George Benson Honorary Scholarship, he attended Portland State University under the Brad Merserau scholarship while studying with George Colligan and Darrell Grant.
Now out of college he regularly performs with his own group all over the Pacific Northwest. Noah has performed with renowned musicians such as Lewis Nash, Bernard Purdie, Alex Acuna, Jaleel Shaw, Sean Jones, Dennis Rowland, and Dominick Farinacci. In addition, he has also toured around the country with groups such as Dirty Revival, The Polyphonic Spree, and Taina Asili.
