Mike Vax and John Worley have been performing together for over 30 years. They have worked together in the TRPTS group, The Mike Vax Big Band, The Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra, backing up shows, and with other big bands. While their styles are a bit different, their musical compatibility is always prevalent. Their on-stage communication is remarkable.
Mike is a product of Oakland High School and has been performing professionally for over 60 years. He was the lead trumpet and road manager of the Stan Kenton Orchestra in the early 1970’s and has been leading the Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra for over 30 years. He has performed with many of the top jazz musicians including Louie Bellson, Freddy Hubbard, Art Pepper, Don Ellis, Gene Krupa, June Christy, Anita O’Day, Joe Williams, The Dukes of Dixieland in New Orleans and The Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Band. He has also performed on the “ghost” bands of Harry James, Glenn Miller, and Jimmy Dorsey. As an educator, Mike has done over 3000 workshops in schools all over the world, and taught at University of the Pacific, Loyola University in New Orleans and the University of New Orleans. He is a Warburton Performing Artist.
John is a Yamaha Performing Artist who has performed with the SJZ Collective, touring the USA and Asia; most of the “name” big bands in the Bay Area, and worked with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Pell, Wayne Shorter, Pete Escovedo, Malo, Carla Bley, and Steve Swallow. He leads the groups: Mo-Chi Ensemble, WorlView, and Bari Bari. As an accomplished music educator, he is on the faculty of Stanford University and The San Jose Summer Jazz Camp and has done workshops in schools all over the USA and beyond.
In this group, they play music from the rich history of trumpet in the jazz idiom, plus the great American songbook, and original music written by both. Their music attains a great swinging feel, whether playing from the early history of jazz music or the music of today.
The rhythm section is from John’s Mo-Chi Ensemble.
Murray Low – Piano
Ken Okada – Bass
Wally Schnalle - Drums
Tickets at Mike Vax Quintet