Steve is a veteran of the Universal Jazz big band where he holds the jazz chair in the trumpet section.  Steve studied jazz with trombonist Lance Strickland and with trumpet masters Kelly Rossum and Pat Harbison.  Steve composes for the quintet, and teaches jazz improvisation skills to Twin Cities youth.

Chip Minor, Bass

Chip loves jazz, gospel, and R&B.  He studied under local artists Jay Young and Anthony Cox, and plays in a variety of Twin Cities venues.  He has served as assistant band director at Walker West Music Academy.  He is a certified K-12 music instructor and continues to educate Twin Cities Youth in America’s Music.

Chris hails from Brisbane, Australia where he received his Bachelor of Music Performance from the Queensland Conservatorium.  He later studied in Paris with world-renowned saxaphonist Jean-Yves Formeau, and played throughout Europe in various ensembles.  In America since 2005, he now plays in a variety of big bands, combos, and saxophone groups, while he maintains a private teaching studio.

Norman was born in the Chicago area where he studied piano at Northwestern Music Conservatory.  Norman formed the Ensemble for Accoustic Research in 1989, and later studied with sax master Eddie Berger and jazz notables Sam Favors and Gene Adams.  Norman has done sound performance internationally, and now focuses on performing with, and composing for small jazz groups.

Steven Dwyer, Drums

Originally from Milwaukee, Steven studied jazz under Bob Case at the University of Wisconsin where he played with the University’s jazz ensemble.  More interested in playing than studying, he began a long stint with Wisconsin blues artist Otis McLennon, as well as regular gigs with former Muddy Waters sideman Billy Flynn.  Steven also worked with the Petrified Aliens blues band and the Minneapolis-based James Tyler O’Neill Trio

At the Fine Line Music Cafe, March 6, 2007