Mt. Hood Jazz Festival

Artists:

The Four Freshmen

The Four Freshmen - Four parts harmony, a twist of elegance, with a splash of swing, and a whole lot of fun! A vocal harmony like no other. The exciting presentation of these consummate entertainers offer arrangements, audience-pleasing charisma and humor for any occasion including the jazzy sounds of the quartet to the charge of a big band as well as the lush sounds of a symphony orchestra. A show with the Freshmen is sure to entertain. As the Wall Street Journal exclaims, "Long live The Four Freshmen. May they never graduate!"

The Four Freshmen

Scott Whitfield

Scott Whitfield (trombonist, composer, arranger, and vocalist) is internationally recognized for his work with many contemporary big bands, including the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra and the new edition of Johnny Griffin’s Big Soul Band, as well as his own Scott Whitfield Jazz Orchestras (East and West). Whitfield’s discography includes 7 recordings as leader and more than 50 recordings with other artists. In addition to his own recordings, his compositions and arrangements have been performed and recorded by such artists as Diva, Maurice Hines, The Pied Pipers, Bill Allred’s Classic Jazz Band, and Pete Petersen’s 23-strong Collection Jazz Orchestra.

Terrell Stafford

Terell Stafford has been hailed as “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player” by piano legend McCoy Tyner. Known for being a gifted and versatile player with a voice all his own, Stafford combines lyricism and a deep love of melody with a spirited, adventurous edge. This uniquely expressive, well-defined musical talent allows Stafford the ability to dance in and around the rich trumpet tradition of his predecessors while making his own inroads.

Stafford has recorded five albums as a leader with his debut album in 1995 entitled Time to Let Go (Candid). In 1997, he followed this album with the critically acclaimed Centripedal Force (Candid). His third album as a leader was the popular Fields of Gold (Nagel-Heyer) featuring the talents of Bill Cunliffe, Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Antonio Hart, and Rodney Green. His fourth release was the enthusiastically received New Beginnings (MaxJazz 2003) and features Mulgrew Miller, Derrick Hodge, Dana Hall, Steve Wilson, Dick Oatts, Harry Allen, and Jesse Davis. Stafford’s latest release which features his working band is entitled Taking Chances (MaxJazz 2007) and has been called his best album yet. As a sideman Stafford has been heard on over 80 albums.

Art Abrams Swing Machine Big Band

This band's impressive collection of musicians and their musicianship is what makes the Swing Machine stand taller and swing harder and longer than any other band on the scene today. The musicianship of this band allows it to play to any situation, be it a dance or a concert. It gets down and blue with tunes like "Goin on Blues", played in the gospel style of "God Bless the Child", it captures the romanticism found in the delicate harmonies of ballads like "Misty", and it can generate the hard swinging heat of Woody Herman's Apple Honey".

To say this band swings is an understatement - it flat out cooks. What makes this band so entertaining is the sound that only a big band can generate. The sounds that make this big band so different from all the others are its unique book of charts. Under the guidance of Art Abrams, new charts by contemporary arrangers as well as standards have been arranged by some of the best jazz arrangers in the business. This adds new energy, depth, and style to the music of the Swing Machine.

Carl Saunders

Jazz listeners living in the Los Angeles area and musicians worldwide have long known that Carl Saunders is one of the great trumpet players around today. Now with the release of five remarkable recordings (Out Of The Blue, Eclecticism, Bebop Big Band, Can You Dig Being Dug and The Lost Bill Holman Charts) Saunders’ musical talents can be heard and enjoyed by a much wider audience.

Until recently known and admired primarily by fellow trumpet players, Carl Saunders has lived and worked in relative obscurity for many years. Trumpet players knew of him for his ability to make the seemingly impossible be not only possible, but easy and musical. Yet, whenever he plays in concert, whether with his group or another, Carl invariably receives standing ovations from an appreciative audience. Yes, even those who can't play the trumpet are moved by Carl's ability to get inside a song and make it sing in ways it never has before.

Bobby Shew

Born In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bobby Shew began playing the guitar at the age of eight and switched to the trumpet at ten. By the time he was thirteen he was playing at local dances with a number of bands and by fifteen had put together his own group to play at dances, occasional concerts and in jazz coffee houses. He spent most of his high school days playing as many as six nights a week in a dinner club, giving him an early start to his professional career.

Today, in addition to a busy performing and private teaching schedule, Bobby spends a considerable amount of time actively involved in the educational system, conducting clinics and master classes at high schools and college campuses all over the world. Bobby has also been active on the Board of Directors of the International Trumpet Guild, and has acted as National Trumpet Chairman for the International Association of Jazz Educator's for 16 years. He authors numerous articles of educational interest in various trade magazines, all translated into several languages for worldwide distribution. During a period of traveling to New Zealand, Bobby acted as host for a weekly TV show entitled 'Just Jazz' and has been in numerous artist-in-residence situations virtually all over the world. He has even had a few minor acting roles in movies and TV shows.

He continues to tour internationally and to produce and record excellent music. He has released several recent albums for the MAMA Foundation including Playing With Fire (w/Tom Harrell), Heavyweights (w/Carl Fontana), and Salsa Caliente. In addition, for other labels, Bobby has released the the highly regarded CD recorded with the The Metropole Orchestra, and a double-CD set for Seabreeze Records of The Music of John Harmon, plus others.

Groove for Thought

Infectious grooves, stunning arrangements, and electrifying solos are just some of the phrases used to describe Seattle based vocal group Groove For Thought. Since 1998, GFT has brought their unique brand of jazz and R&B infused tunes to festival, concert, school, and nightclub audiences throughout the United States and abroad.

The seven men of GFT create their own sound while drawing on influences as diverse as Earth, Wind, & Fire and The Count Basie Orchestra. Groove For Thought's self titled debut CD has been released to rave reviews and has received radio airplay from coast to coast. For more information go to www.grooveforthought.com

Oregon Beacock All-Stars

Tenor Saxophonist Alex Milsted just graduated from Beaverton Arts and Communication Magnet Academy, where he played a leading role as a performer and also in directing student groups. Alex has been a member of the Pacific Crest Jazz Orchestra, as well as the MENC All Northwest Jazz Band, and has played twice as a member in the MENC-OR All State Jazz Band. He was selected nationally as member of the 2008 Berklee Summer Jazz Workshop. Alex was chosen as Outstanding Saxophonist at the 2009 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, and has been recognized as an individual at the Monterey Jazz Festival, North Texas Jazz Festival, Skyview Jazz Festival, Willamette University, Mt. Hood College, and Western Oregon University. Alex will be attending the Berklee College of Music on full tuition scholarship in the fall. Guitarist Alden Harris-McCoy recently graduated from Lincoln High School in Portland. Alden was chosen through national audition as the guitarist in the 2009 Grammy Jazz Ensemble. He has performed as a member of his school ensembles as well as the Pacific Crest Jazz Orchestra, at venues which include the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Lionel Hampton Festival. He has also been a member of the MENC-OR All State Jazz Band, and has participated in the Mel Brown Summer Workshop as well as programs at the Berklee College of Music. Alden was awarded tuition scholarship to New York University where he will be attending this fall.

Pianist Caili O'Doherty graduated from Arts and Communication Magnet Academy in Beaverton, choosing to do so a year early in order to attend the Berklee College of Music on full tuition scholarship this coming fall. Caili is the recipient of a Downbeat Student Music Award, and was also selected nationally as member of the 2008 Berklee Summer Jazz Workshop. She has been a Grammy band finalist and a member of the MENC-OR All State Jazz Band. Caili recently was honored to receive a 2009 ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Award.

Bassist Jared Henderson just graduated from Sisters High School where he played bass and tuba. Jared was selected through national audition as a member of the 2008 Berklee Summer Jazz Workshop, and was also named as a 2008 Brubeck Institute Jazz Colonist. Jared was awarded Most Outstanding High School Rhythm Section Player in the 2008 Reno Jazz Festival, and was also selected as the bassist in the Reno Jazz Festival All Star Ensemble in 2008 and 2009. Jared has been a Grammy band finalist, and has been a member of the MENC-OR All State Jazz Band and Combo. He has been awarded as performer at the University of Oregon, Mt. Hood College, Clarke College, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Britt Institute, as well as the OSAA State Music Championships. Jared will be attending the Berklee College of Music on full tuition scholarship in the fall.

Drummer Tanner Smith will be a Junior at Sisters High School, where he plays in the top Jazz Ensemble as well as the Wind Ensemble. He has also performed with the OR Jazz Education All-Star Ensemble at the Monterey Jazz Festival and Portland Jazz Festival. Tanner has attended the Jazz Improvisation Camp at the University of Oregon and has also participated in the Mel Brown Jazz Workshop. Tanner has earned individual performer awards at the Reno Jazz Festival, the Oregon Jazz Festival, and the Western Oregon Jazz Festival.

Soul Vaccination

Soul Vaccination is the Hottest Funk Band in the PNW. This great band infuses the Stage with the greatest soul standards and has been a fixture in the Northwest music scene for over 10 years, bringing you tunes from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Earth Wind & Fire and Tower of Power. The band features the mighty Hammond B-3 organ playing of Louis Pain, as well as the precision guitar playing of Max Rees. Handling the bass is Leah Hinchcliff, while Edwin Coleman III keeps the time on drums. Jeannine Wiggins and Mark Wyatt share the vocal duties. And Lewis Livermore and Dave Mills carry the backbone sound of the Soul Vax horns on trumpets, with Mary Sue Tobin and Gary Harris on saxophones.

Cana Son

Cana Son is a Cuban son band that plays traditional son music. The group focuses on popular Cuban son music from the turn of the last century through the 1950’s.

Click here for more information.

Emily Braden

Originally from Boise, powerhouse singer Emily Braden came to Gresham to study with Dave Barduhn and perform with Mt. Hood CC's vocal group GENESIS. She then moved to Victoria to start what became a four-year mentorship with revered jazz musician Louise Rose. A bold and gifted vocalist, Braden often uses her voice like an instrument, unfurling improvisations that show an affinity for the blues as well as a familiarity with the classic female vocalists of jazz. Her talent brought her to the attention of the great Harry Manx, the "blues raga" guitarist, with whom she has recorded on three albums and toured across Canada. Braden brought out her live "View Street Session" CD a year ago and has just released a new CD "Soul Walk" recorded last fall in NYC with producer/arranger/pianist Misha Piatigorsky.