Chris Anderson, 1970's Generation,
hails from Cuyahoga Falls, and is a professional muisc consultant for the Cleveland City Schools. Chris’ long-standing commitment to performance and education has rightfully earned him the reputation as Cleveland’s first call trombonist. If you would like to get some insight into his soloing approach, ask him about his Quadra Tone discoveries - they will surely blow your mind!
Sam Blakeslee, 1980's Generation,
is from Columbus, Ohio and is pursuing his undergraduate degree in jazz studies at Youngstown State University. Tricky Sam, as he's known on the bandstand, will sing you a sweet song with his pixie and plunger mute combination. Sam cites his influences as Frank Rosolino, J. C. Higginbotham, Trummy Young and Chris Anderson.
Matthew Bott, 1980's Generation,
is originally from North Olmsted, Ohio, and is MOJO’s bandleader. He formed the group in the summer of 2008 upon a suggestion from Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Winning jazz icon, Clark Terry. Thanks to Dennis Reynolds (see below), Matthew met Clark in December 2007 and both Reynolds and Terry continue to play an integral role in the success of MOJO. Matthew served six years in the Air Force National Guard with the 555th Air National Guard Band of the Great Lakes, receiving his honorable discharge in June 2009. Aside from staying busy with the big band, he is in the planning stages to develop a music education program for at-risk children in Cleveland's Glenville neighborhood. Musicians and non-musicians alike, feel free to come up and say hello when you see him, he enjoys meeting the new faces.
Theron Brown, 1980's Generation,
is originally from the jazz mecca of Zanesville, Ohio and is quickly becoming one of Cleveland’s most prized pianists. Son of a preacher man, Theron began playing the drums in church and eventually picked up piano. He stays busy between gigging and working on his jazz studies degree from Akron University. His pet peeve is when people owe him money, so pay up!
Johnny Cochran, 1980's Generation,
is from Cleveland, Ohio, and is currently attending the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and is MOJO’s youngest member. It should be made known that this is not a stage name; he was given this name at birth, and, since the infamous O.J. Simpson trial, Johnny has had few problems being remembered. When Johnny is not in school, he is a plumber by trade, and rumor has it that he keeps a spare sax in his toolbox.
Eric Dregne, 1960's Generation,
lives in Concord, Ohio. His collection of big band charts is largely how MOJO keeps playing a steady flow of new material. When Eric is not working with big bands he works as an “IT guy” for a day job. Playing the bass trombone chair in the band has earned him the nickname, “Mr. Low-Blow”. Don’t interpret this nickname as aggressive; he’s a nice cat.
Tom First, 1950's Generation,
resides in Lakewood, Ohio. His unmistakable sound and undeniably masterful technique of the horn have made Tom "Mr. Clean" First a staple in the Cleveland music scene for years. Formerly a construction worker, Tom now focuses his time on practicing and performing with many diverse musical organizations. He plans on making a solo recording in the near future.
Mike Hazlett, 1950's Generation,
lives in Avon Lake, Ohio and is MOJO's resident arranger. Mike "Jerry Springer" Hazlett attended the New England Conservatory of Music, where he played in the jazz ensemble under the direction of legendary composer and teacher George Russell, and has been on the Cleveland music scene for many years. He has also spent several decades teaching music in the Lakewood Public School District.
Dave Kasper, 1980's Generation,
lives in Lakewood, Ohio. Dave received his undergraduate degree in Music Performance from Cleveland State University. He can be seen in several different venues in town playing numerous different instruments and styles of music. He enjoys playing classical, rock, funk, and jazz, but enjoys big band the most, as it incorporates all of these styles.
David Kay, 1950's Generation,
hails from Berea, Ohio, and is one of Cleveland's most experienced jazz teachers. He received his Jazz Studies Masters from Indiana University, where he played lead alto in the top jazz ensemble lead by David Baker, one of the most revered Jazz educators in the world. He has performed with The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, and over two dozen such music greats. He teaches music at University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio, but in the summers, David heads to the northern lakes of Michigan where he is on the jazz faculty at the Interlochen Arts Camp.
Tim Keehn, 1960's Generation,
born to musician parents in Woodstock, NY, Tim still studies trombone, piano, euphonium, bass trombone and voice. His training at Manhattan School of Music and numerous awards have put him on performance stages from Broadway to Beverly Hills. In Orlando Tim toured extensively with Michael Andrew and Swingerhead and performed with Sam Rivers. While recently living in LA Tim held celebrity-laden gigs as Musical Director for Merv Griffin’s Coconut Club Orchestra, rockin’ Slash’s Snakepit, ASV and Andy Dick’s Bitches of the Century. In addition to MOJO, Tim is performing with the finest bands and orchestras in this region playing sounds from big band, jazz, classical, salsa, Dixieland to Rockabilly. He brought his recording studio to Cleveland and is still producing and teaching. Visit timkeehn.com for the full scoop and hear his Hollywood tales.
Chad Komocki, 1970's Generation,
lives in Wickliffe, Ohio. Chad is a teacher at Hawken High School where he teaches Spanish and jazz and pop ensembles. He attended University School where his jazz ensemble teacher was, MOJO’s very own, David Kay. He previously studied at the Drummers Collective in New York City, and played with groups of various styles. His high energy is contagious throughout the ensemble and the audience, and he is quickly earning himself a solid reputation as a big band drummer, having recently played with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra.
Steve Kortyka, 1980's Generation,
originally from Middleburg Heights, attended St. Edward High School, and received his degree in Music Education from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. After sailing the world while playing on cruise ships for several years, Steve decided to go back to school to get a Masters Degree in Music at Ohio State. Upon graduation, Steve will begin work on recording his original compositions.
Scott McKee, 1980's Generation,
plays lead trumpet and is currently MOJO's largest member. Scott "Son of Andre the Giant" McKee received his undergraduate degree in Music Performance from Cleveland State University. He recently returned to Cleveland after spending the past three years attending grad school at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado. Scott can be seen all over the Cleveland area playing big band, salsa, musicals and everything in between.
Damani Philips, 1970's Generation,
is the head of the Jazz Studies department at Grinnell College in Iowa, where Herbie Hancock was an undergraduate music and electrical engineering student. Due to his present location, his attendance at MOJO gigs is unfortunately rare, but once you hear him, you’ll understand why he was asked to be an original member of the group. Dr. Philips is currently in the process of recording his arrangements for saxophone accompanied by string quartet and rhythm section.
Dennis Reynolds, 1950's Generation,
lives in Warren, Ohio. Dennis attended Youngstown State University where he received his undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies. He has had the great fortune to play with some of the greatest big bands and musical artists in the world, including the Count Basie Orchestra, Buddy Rich, Dizzy Gillespie, and Illinois Jacquet big bands. His attendance at Brother's Lounge on Mondays is catch as catch can due to his teaching schedule at the Oberlin Conservatory.
Chris Scott, 1970's Generation,
was born and raised in Chester, West Virginia, but now resides in Lakewood, Ohio. Chris is an eclectic musician whose tastes, knowledge, and experience span everything from orchestral music to jazz to experimental electronica. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree at Youngstown State University. Chris is currently teaching privately at Vance Music Studios in Lakewood, Ohio.
Ed Stevens, 1970's Generation,
has been a staple bass player in town for several years. Ed received his degree in Music Performance from Cleveland State University. He plays jazz, classical, heavy metal, and everything in between. Ed and his bass, Benjamin (pronounced Been-jammin), are MOJO’s timekeepers. To only name a few, Ed cites his main influences as being Ray Brown, Richard Davis, and Charlie Haden.