A groovier, funkier change of pace to end the Summer Jazz Series
John Mazzocco’s “Heavy Sugar” Jazz Quintet
Pictured above on stage with Carlos Santana and Johnny Lee Hooker, John Mazzocco (right) is the bandleader ending the summer Jazz series at Tavern on Kruse on a funkier instrumental uptick.
Known to many Portlanders as more of a blues guy, John has honed his jazz chops playing for Etta James, Earth Kitt, Diane Schuur, Hank Crawford, Red Holloway, Les McCann, Milt Jackson, Stanley Jordan and dozens more.
I have known John since my nights tending bar at Portland’s legendary “Key Largo” nightclub where he was a fixture as Curtis Salgado’s bassist. I told John that I was craving variety for our jazz program but didn’t feel connected enough to the Jazz scene here. He got all excited and said “I’ve got a jazz band that will blow your mind.” I’ve since heard them and they’re upbeat, fun, cool, and tight.
Join me this Saturday for some killer jazz. Kent
Justin Copeland – Trumpet
Justin has shared the bandstand with many world-renowned musicians including saxophonist Victor Goines, vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, saxophonist Branford Marsalis, singer/songwriter Solange Knowles and jazz vocalist Kurt Elling. In 2017, Justin had the distinct fortune of winning 1st place in the Yamaha Jazz Division of the National Trumpet Competition
Todd Marston – Keyboards
Justin received a jazz piano education at Berklee College of Music, toured nationally as a sideman with singer-songwriter Sonya Kitchell and indie folk pop band The Grownup Noise, and performed extensively in Asia with the Sam Hooper Band and Mike Null’s Soulcasters. In 2017, Todd earned a master’s degree in jazz studies at Portland State University.
Ron Steen – Drums
Veteran drummer and bandleader Ron Steen is one of the Northwest’s top rhythm keepers and leader of the Portland jazz scene. He has performed with a host of jazz artists such as Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw, Dexter Gordon, Eddie Harris,Sonny Stitt and Charles Lloyd among many others. He is also the “Godfather of Jazz Jams” in Portland, having hosted ongoing jam sessions since 1980. Steen’s ability to bring together top musicians in town and around the nation make him one of the city’s most valuable assets.
Stan Bock – Trombone
Stan Bock began his professional career playing “tailgate” trombone in his Dad’s Dixieland Band. This led to college for degrees in Music Ed. and Solo Performance, then on to a full career with the U.S. Air Force Band program. After retiring from the A.F. in the mid 90s, Stan landed in Portland. He taught at Willamette University and Mt. Hood Community College until 2012, when he retired from Higher Education. He continues to be an active performer, composer, and arranger, appearing throughout the Northwest as a Clinician and Performer.
