Thomas DeLano: Saxophonist, Composer, & Arranger

DeLano is a self taught saxophonist and composer with over 30 years of professional playing experience. At home on the tenor, alto, soprano, and baritone saxophones, DeLano’s rich tone and creative solos are a real crowd pleaser. He cut his teeth in the music business in Chicago performing with many of the Southside blues greats such as Jimmy Johnson, Lucky Lopez, Sugar Blue, Guitar Sam. At the same time, while working in Chicago in the 1980’s, DeLano also hooked-up with a number of ex-patriot musicians from Havana, Cuba who relocated to Chicago’s Login Square, including master conga player, Carlos Argylas. It was within these two diverse musical worlds that DeLano began formulating his own distinctive sound as a saxophonist and composer.

Karl Ludwigsen: Keyboardist, Composer, & Arranger

Ludwigsen has been playing piano for over 15 years. He began piano lessons at the age of ten studying first for several years with Charlene Lamb and several months with George Mitchell (pianist for Diana Ross). He also played trumpet for seven years before dedicating himself to piano. While attending the University of Oregon, Ludwigsen played in several jazz combos and big bands. Since graduating from the U of O, Ludwigsen has worked in Portland playing in a variety of settings as a solo pianist. Ludwigsen’s playing is full of spontaneity and inventive rhythmic and melodic ideas. His compositions display a great deal of originality and rich harmonic concepts.

Bill Chapman: Drummer

Chapman began his professional music career as a drummer at the tender age of 13. After high school he went to Los Angeles Community College to further advance his studies in music. At the age of 20 he hit the road, with groups like Solid Gold, the Brazil Jobim Show, and Riff Raff. After returning to LA he studied with Les DeMerell, Joe Morello, and Buddy Rich, greatly expanding his musical horizons. While in LA, Chapman played with James Taylor, Afro Blues Quintet, David Benoit, and The Coasters. Since returning to Portland, Chapman has worked with several area bands including singer Carlee Smith. He also teaches drums to a number of aspiring students. Chapman excels in providing creative rhythmic ideas and inventive fills.

Jasper Balraj: Bassist

Balraj’s musical roots extend back over twenty five years. Coming from a musical family, at the age of eight, his formal studies began with violin and piano lessons from Prof. Cleophas, an eminent music director, pianist and music teacher in Tirunelveli, India. Later he moved on to formal training on the guitar and then at the age of 15, inspired by one of India’s best bass players, Lionel Satya, Balraj switched his focus to the electric bass. He began working in music professionally at the age of 17, working in studio sessions and stage shows for several music directors in India, including the very popular Music Director, James Vasanthan. Jasper moved to Portland, OR in 2000, where he became vastly influenced and inspired by great contemporary jazz musicians such as Victor Wooten, Bela Fleck, Chic Corea, and Stanley Jordan. His bass lines are very groove oriented, melodious and full of energy while providing a strong rhythm foundation for the band.