Meet the Band
We are Black Belt Jones, a diverse group of musicians with wide-ranging experience united by a passion for music and performing.
Joe Bigham ,
guitar, backing vocals
Joe is a musician, educator and theorist with 22 years of performance experience. Playing guitar across genres including rock, funk, classical, jazz, celtic and klezmer. He's shared the stage with renowned artists including the Rippingtons, Tony Levin (bassist for Peter Gabriel) and Acoustic Alchemy.
James Bridges ,
vocals, drums
James takes the stage bringing energy and lyrics to build a party on. With 20 years of vocal experience rooted in gospel choir and harmonization, his range includes funk, R&B and soul. James has 13 years drums and percussion, and 7 years experience on electric bass.
Ray Bujarski ,
drums, samples, steel drums, backing vocals
Ray takes the stage with over 16 years of ensemble, drumline, and various acts. You might have seen Ray play steel double seconds, marimba, or drum set. Studied with Gregg Gerson (of Billy Idol, Roger Daughtry, Jason Mraz). From MTV's spring break week, sharing the show with Iggy Pop and Sammy Hagar, to the Zombie Lounge in SD with now San Franciso's own Wendy Darling, Ray's beats hit home.
Barry Dorr,
trombone
Barry is a San Diego studio player with over 30 years experience including funk bands, brass/wind ensembles, jazz clubs and street performing. He learned studio survival from trumpeter Frank Glasson, learned to groove from bassist Gunnar Biggs and was a finalist on Gordon GoodwinÕs 2006 Phat Jam solo competition. Barry hits the zone with endless energy and classical lyricism.
Brent Gutzwiller,
percussion
Brent works his magic as an active member of the San Diego music scene, appearing with multiple artists on percussion and banjo. He is influenced by percussionists ÒPatatoÓ Valdez and Chano Pozo. Brent brings a variety of percussion textures to excite your ears and maintain the funky groove.
Chris Kellaris ,
bass
After building a foundation as a drummer, Chris transitioned to bass in college when he began to study music theory, ear training, piano and jazz ensemble. Due to his Rock music upbringing, some of his original influences included Les Claypool, Flea and in particular, Geddy Lee. As he progressed through his musical studies, his influences shifted towards the likes of Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke and many, many others. Chris tastefully lays down a funky, powerful low end.
Ivy Li,
vocals
Meet the newest member Ivy. Ivy brings the crowd alive with her on-point vocals, energy, and her funky charisma baby! With over 12 years of singing experience and performing she has shared the stage with musicians such as Jonathan Moffet (drummer for Madonna and Kameo) and David Paskowitz (Goldfish, Surfwise). Just a few of her influences include Sade, Sarah McLachlan, Aaliyah, Ann Wilson (Heart), Alicia Keys and Linda Ronstadt. If you live in SoCA and you don't know this funky black belt, you must be living under a rock. Get out of the house right now! Call us, and find out when our next practice is for god's sake...drop what you are doing right, now because she's gonna make you move! This black belt has owned San Diego since she was barely talking!
Lenny Obregon,
trumpet
Lenny's phenominal playing style and musicianship are what set him apart from other trumpet players. His ability to captivate audiences makes him a key member of the band. After attending the University of Central Oklahoma on a music scholarship in the early 90's, Lenny joined the Navy and ended up with his final port call being in San Diego where he has been playing with various musical groups ever since. His influences include the likes of Clifford Brown, Freddie Hubbard and Chet Baker.
Adam Tierney ,
keys
Adam draws on the great jazz piano masters through numerous projects on his resume. A graduate from the renowned jazz program at Indiana University, Adam received an award for best Jazz Combo. He has quickly established himself in the San Diego music scene, while pursing a Ph.D. in cognitive science focusing on music at UCSD.
Andy Zahurak,
alto, tenor and bari sax, woodwinds
Since cutting his teeth on the New York scene, AZ has been funking up SoCal with his funk/jazz/soul style for since 2005! He has played with some of the "best of the best" across the US and Europe, bringing that added sound that only a great sax player can. AZ is well known in the San Diego area having worked with the most sought after bands such as Jivechops, Chuck Walker Trio, and Lady Dottie and the Diamonds.
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