Biographies

Ted Dortch

Tenor Sax

Originally from the Atlanta area, Ted Dortch's musical odyssey began with the 389th army band in Ft. Monmouth N.J., immersing himself in New York City's vibrant scene under mentors Dave Burns and Bob Pleasant. After Miami's salsa and jazz stint, he returned to Atlanta before settling in Seattle in '99. Renowned for his bluesy, aggressive, and soulful saxophone style, Ted is a versatile performer, educator, recording artist, and touring musician, sought after by bands of all genres in the Seattle area. He has shared the stage with numerous international artists as a featured soloist, showcasing his talent and earning acclaim on the global stage. His gritty playing has graced stages worldwide, solidifying his status as a top-call saxophonist in the Pacific Northwest's rich musical landscape.

Cliff Colon

Tenor Sax

Cliff Colón emerges as a luminous figure among Pacific Northwest tenor saxophonists. His remarkable ability to infuse each note with raw, unfiltered emotion sets him apart. Over two decades, he has risen as a leader in the field, captivating audiences with innovative solos, making him a highly sought-after sideman and studio musician. Rooted in the dynamic music scene of greater Seattle, Colón's journey began in Tacoma, Washington, where his fervor for jazz took flight. Early on, his musical roots intertwined with gospel and soul, shaping his distinct style. In his 20s, he became a fixture in Seattle's jazz and fusion scene, later expanding his repertoire to include R&B and 1970s funk, enriching his musical palette. Today, Colón is celebrated as a versatile musician, excelling as a band leader, studio recording artist, and producer. He's known for his collaborations with top local bands across genres spanning jazz, R&B, funk, gospel, pop, and blues. Leading his own projects like Jazz Overhaul, Boss Tenors, and Contraband, he also shines as a featured soloist in the prog fusion group, Velocity, and with D'Vonne Lewis' Limited Edition. He passionately contributes his talents to numerous private party bands across the Northwest. Cliff Colón's musical journey continues to evolve, a rich tapestry woven with diverse influences and an unwavering commitment to his craft.

Joe Doria

Hammond B3 Organ

Joe Doria, a Pacific Northwest native, has been captivating audiences since the early 90s with his mastery of the Hammond Organ, piano, and vintage keys/synths. Immersed in the rich tradition of the Hammond, Joe draws inspiration from the giants of the instrument while fearlessly exploring diverse musical styles. Renowned for his ability to intricately layer bass lines and chordal structures, Joe elevates every performance with depth and dimension. Based in Seattle, he founded and leads McTuff, a mainstay in the local club scene for over 15 years. Crafting a powerful funk and jazz sound, McTuff delivers jaw-dropping performances showcasing stellar musicianship and deep groove. With national tours, acclaimed albums, and residencies at legendary venues like Seattle’s Seamonster Lounge, McTuff's electrifying live shows are an unforgettable musical journey.

Max Holmberg

Drums

Max Holmberg, a Seattle-based drummer, bandleader, and educator, discovered his passion for drumming at age two. Raised in a family of artists and musicians, he immersed himself in jazz at Eckstein Middle School and Roosevelt High School before earning his B.M. at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Max performs with various bands in the Seattle area such as the Alex Dugdale Band, Danny Quintero Band, JoMoMa, Boss Tenors, and the Max Holmberg trio. Additionally, Max frequently performs with the national touring Broadway musical, Hadestown. With his versatile style and unwavering dedication, he embodies the essence of jazz drumming, earning admiration from peers and critics alike. Max possesses a remarkable ability to excel in any musical context, capturing the essence of jazz drumming with every performance.