The Band

Jazz Therapy formed in 2019 by seven lifelong musicians to create space to share in the creative art of music improvisation. We pride ourselves in being a versatile group of musicians and revel in performing jazz standards, Latin jazz, R&B, funk, rock and many dance standards.

Outside of our weekly jam sessions, we enjoy playing clubs, festivals and any event that brings people together who are seeking a great musical experience.

Alex

Guitar
After graduating from music school in 2014, Alex played professionally for a few years in Chicago, where he gained lots of valuable experience as a working musician. Alex moved to Puyallup, WA in 2022, where he is enjoying becoming part of the local jazz scene.

Mr. Bill

Trumpet, Flugelhorn
“Mr. Bill” Throssell was born in Seattle in 1955 and grew up in California. He began playing trumpet in 4th grade and continued until his retirement from teaching in Tacoma. Drawing inspiration from the playing styles of Doc Severinsen and Chet Baker, Mr. Bill performed with many jazz groups in the Phoenix area before settling “full time” in Tacoma with his wife Helen in 2021.

Jay

Tenor and soprano saxophone
Jay has been performing in the Pacific Northwest for over 50 years. He studied at Cornish College for the Arts and has played with multiple jazz combos and R&B bands including Touch of Class, CPC Jazz, and Indigo Jazz. Jay loves the jazz greats like Stan Getz, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald and more contemporary players like Joshua Redmond and Steve Grossman. In addition to music, he enjoys restoring old things, snow skiing, cycling, sailing and kayaking.

Jon

Alto and tenor saxophone
Jon grew up in the Northwest playing his saxophone amongst many talented local musicians in the prestigious Olympic College and University of Washington Jazz ensembles. He has continued his lifelong music passion studying early on with the likes of Johnnie Jessen and Don Lanphere and as a member of big band and R&B/soul groups. His continued inspiration includes favorites Michael Brecker, David Sanborn, Phil Woods, Wayne Shorter and Chad LB.

Pete

Drums
Pete started his musical journey behind the drums at 13. At 17, he began gigging around Seattle and also performing with full-time groups around the Northwest. His early inspiration was Buddy Rich and lists other favorites Max Roach, Ray Brown, Miles Davis and Bill Evans.

Teal

Bass guitar
Bassist, vocalist, arranger, and a US Army Band Veteran from Dallas, TX, now living in Tacoma, WA. Teal has over 30 years of experience playing jazz, classical, Latin, reggae, rock, R&B, blues, punk rock, pop, and many other genres. Initially self-taught, Teal eventually completed a formal musical education. He has performed in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the USA. Teal was honored to share the stage with legendary artists such as Phil Woods, Joe Williams and Paul Shaffer.