Meet the Band!

Swingin' Jazz or Jazzy Swing,
take your pick...

It's the Big Band sound with half the carbs!

Inspired by the "Boss Tenor" sounds of legendary powerhouse tenormen such as Ben Webster, Illinois Jacquet, Lester Young, and others, PORKPIE is a 7-piece ensemble specializing in the hard-swinging "Kansas City" Jump Blues sound of the 30's, 40's, and 50's. The band combines the talents of some of the Pacific Northwest's finest jazz musicians and successfully recreates the Big Band sound that's a hit with Swing dancers and Lindy Hoppers all across the country.

The originators of this music we call "Jazz" were the Rock Stars of their day. They played every note with conviction, every phrase with attitude, and along the way they invented a new art form. We approach our performance of this great music with the same energy; to do any less would be doing the music a great injustice.

Porkpie has an ever-growing book of over 100 arrangements including classics by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman, as well as brand new original compositions and arrangements by members of the band.

Band members are all "A-list" Jazz musicians in the Pacific Northwest, and have all performed and/or toured with internationally-recognized name artists.

The band has recently hit the national stage, with featured headline performances at the 2006 Chicago Swing Music Festival and the 2006 Denver Lindy Exchange festival in addition to numerous regional Northwest performances in Seattle and Portland.

photo by Scott Larson

Swingin' Jazz or Jazzy Swing, take your pick... It's the Big Band sound with half the carbs! Inspired by the "Boss Tenor" sounds of legendary powerhouse tenormen such as Ben Webster, Illinois Jacquet, Lester Young, and others, PORKPIE is a 7-piece ensemble specializing in the hard-swinging "Kansas City" Jump Blues sound of the 30's, 40's, and 50's. The band combines the talents of some of the Pacific Northwest's finest jazz musicians and successfully recreates the Big Band sound that's a hit with Swing dancers and Lindy Hoppers all across the country.		Audio Clips: clips from the new CD 'Hats Off' Tickle Toe As Time Goes By Being With You Flying Home Idaho Nature Boy Hammin' it Up Just a Closer Walk Other Porkpie Selections: Taps Miller Splanky King Porter Stomp Warm Valley Jersey Bounce
	The originators of this music we call "Jazz" were the Rock Stars of their day. They played every note with conviction, every phrase with attitude, and along the way they invented a new art form. We approach our performance of this great music with the same energy; to do any less would be doing the music a great injustice.
Porkpie has an ever-growing book of over 100 arrangements including classics by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman, as well as brand new original compositions and arrangements by members of the band. Band members are all "A-list" Jazz musicians in the Pacific Northwest, and have all performed and/or toured with internationally-recognized name artists. The band has recently hit the national stage, with featured headline performances at the 2006 Chicago Swing Music Festival and the 2006 Denver Lindy Exchange festival in addition to numerous regional Northwest performances in Seattle and Portland.		Band Members: Pete "Spanky" Petersen (Tenor Sax, Leader) Bryan "BigBad" Dickerson (Alto Sax, Clarinet) Greg "Gregzilla" Garrett (Trumpet) Ben "Intense" Medler (Trombone) Brian "Wonderbread" Ward (Piano) Andre "Sweetbread" St James (Bass) Ed "Eddy" Pierce (Drums) With guest vocalist: Karen Maria Capo (Vocals)
photo by Scott Larson	Buzz: "You and your band were the highlight of my weekend! I walked into that place and instantly felt at home. My grandparents were both professional musicians, and I grew up singing and playing big band music. I can't wait to see you play again." -- Shel "Charlie Girl" Bailey, Marketing/Promotion director, 97.1 Charlie FM "This group, their arrangements, and musical choices are a big band at its best." --- Mary Burlingame-producer/host, Home Grown Live, KMHD 89.1 The Jazz Station www.kmhd.fm Album Review: "Porkpie plays spirited, with enthusiasm and like they're having fun with it. Throwing in a novelty tune like "Hey Pete" just has to help the image. Their music book has some great stuff obviously. You can't go wrong with the Basie charts for sure. Their album is a must have in my collection." - Tim "Java Man" Taylor, On-air Host, KMHD 89.1 FM the Jazz Station We had a great time with your band, you were terrific. I kept hearing praises all night, and everyone agreed that it was our best party ever. Thanks again. I will not hesitate to recommend you. --Kym Woods, Pacific Legal Services Live Performance Review www.swingout.net After last night they're EASILY my favorite band in the northwest. The amount of energy they put into that room was incredible. I've just never heard a band that good playing so many classic swing tunes.. and the muted trombone! .. and Warm Valley! (I've never even heard a DJ play that, much less a band!) .. and so many great classic tunes like Don't Be That Way and Shorty George and Air Mail Special. -Kevin Schaper, Eugene, OR (www.swingout.net) Unsolicited Comment via e-mail: Great fantastic stupendous show. Please please tell the rest of the guys how much we enjoyed the music. In case you couldn't tell, we REALLY enjoyed the music. REALLY!!! -Amy, Seattle, WA Unsolicited Comment Via e-mail: Porkpie was like having our own Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra at the Viscount. Some of these songs were the best versions I've ever heard performed anywhere. I'd never heard a band perform "Song of India" anywhere before. -Scott, Portland OR	Satisfied Clients include : Intel Pacific Legal Services Cedar Hills Crossing Macy's Northwest College of Naturopathic Medicine Chicago Swing Music Festival Denver Lindy Exchange Westside Swing Viscount Studios Dancemode Studios