Being a jazz musician who was born and raised in Southern California, I've always felt a certain draw towards the West Coast Jazz movement of the 1950s & 60s. Back then, artists like Chet Baker, Shorty Rogers, Gerry Mulligan, Howard Rumsey & The Lighthouse All-Stars and many more were creating music that matched California's laid-back, breezy beach attitude. While it ignited a small East/West war among jazz critics and some musicians and fans, there's no denying there was some terrific playing being done on this side of the country, and the music they made has endured over the years.
I started this band, West Coast Sound, to pay homage to that era and to get a chance to play great music with some truly stellar musicians. We invite you to grab your flip-flops and maybe something cool to drink, head down towards the beach with the top down, and sit back on your beach chair. And dig the sounds of the Coast...
- Tony Guerrero
TONY GUERRERO
Flugelhorn/Trumpet
Tony has been releasing albums to wide critical acclaim since his debut in 1988, building a worldwide audience along the way. Learn more about Tony's music, including his recent album, "The Thing Is...", at his website.
MARK VISHER
Saxophone
A veteran of bands like The Brian Setzer Orchestra, The Arturo Sandoval Big Band and The John Tesh Big Band, Mark has been in-demand as a woodwind player for many years. He has toured the world and performed with a vertiable whose-who of the music industry.
RYAN DRAGON
Trombone
One of the young guard of stellar musicians coming up the ranks in L.A., Ryan has already made a name for himself by working with many of the industry's top names. He is regulary featured with bands like Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band and at venues like the Hollywood Bowl. Check out his own music here.
ERIC DRIES
Piano
Aside from being a terrific pianist, Eric is a noted composer and educator. He leads his own ensembles frequently and is in-demand as a sideman in multiple situations. You can learn more about Eric and his music at his website.
DAVID MILLER
Bass
After ten years as part of New York City's thriving jazz scene, David now is now one of Southern California's most respected jazz bassists and educators. He has worked with artists as diverse as Ornette Coleman, Jane Lynch, and Gene Simmons. Visit his website here.
DEAN KOBA
Drums
Dean is one of L.A.'s favorite drummers and has worked with jazz luminaries like Bud Shank, Makoto Ozone, Jeff Clayton, Gary Foster, Bob Sheppard, Tamir Handelman and many more. Learn more about Dean at his website.