The band is an ongoing musical project that explores an energetic blend of swing, bebop, funk, and modern jazz. They focus heavily on the art of live improvisation and building a vibrant connection with local audiences.

The Lineup

The quartet is made up of seasoned regional musicians, many of whom have ties to public music education and other prominent local acts:

• Ian Jones (Saxophone): The bandleader. He grew up through Bremerton public schools, graduated from Bremerton High, and studied under highly regarded local mentors Mark Lewis and Rick White (Olympic College). He is also a 10+ year veteran of the regional Latin jazz outfit WEPA.

• Joe Rice (Piano): Originally from Bremerton, Joe studied jazz theory under Mark Lewis as a teenager before sharpening his craft at Lewis & Clark College. When he isn't playing with WEPA or the fusion group Mission Drift, he teaches social studies at Bainbridge High School.

• Jaymes Dunlap (Bass): A multi-instrumentalist who transitioned from jazz trumpet and piano to jazz bass, bringing deep musicality and rhythmic grounding to the group.

• Harley Trotland (Drums): A highly versatile drummer whose career spans country, blues, and Latin music. He is best known globally as a touring drummer for the legendary Bremerton punk rock band MxPx, but returns to his roots in jazz with Hardmode.