North Coast Jazz Ensemble

North Coast Jazz Ensemble
1991

The North Coast Jazz Ensemble was an offshoot of Deuce Coupe during the last couple of months of its existance, and for a few months after. Members included Ted Best (drums), Judy Ames (vocals & sax), John Bowman (from Bop Nouveaux on trumpet & flugel horn), Tom Cunningham (guitar), Gary Farmer (who played lots of things), Margaret Stiles (vocals), Gregg Akkerman (piano) and me on bass & vocals. Very like the Phoenix V.I.P.'s, four or five of us would show up, somebody would call off tunes and we jammed. Everyone was a quality player. This was a fun project. A memorable gig was the Oceanside Harbor Days Celebration. I wish this band had survived just a little bit longer.