'An Evening of Fine Fine Jazz' with Richard Saunders, Tim Randles and Micheal Vatcher

Tim Randles, piano, began his studies at the age of nine. He was drawn into jazz during the birth of the jazz-fusion era in the 70s. He is also influenced by World and Theatre Music. He was in a jazz workshop band with the Danish saxophonist John Tchicai for one year, he played with the Afro-Cuban band Ponche for 8 years; traveled to Senegal with the band Djlaly Kunda Kouyate. He has been keyboardist and musical director for shows at Dell’Arte International (including Mary Jane the Musical Potumentary which won best musical at the Oregon Independent Film Festival), and also musical director at Humboldt State University. He has played with Joe Craven of The Dave Grisman Quintet, jazz violinist Jenny Scheinman and accompanied Jane Siberry. He currently hosts the jazz series at Westhaven Center for the Arts in Humboldt County. His jazz trio RLA, has released their first CD.

Richard Saunders, bassist, has been playing professionally for more than 50 years. He has worked with Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, Eddie Henderson, Michael Moore, Gregg Moore, Cat Anderson, The Pickle Family Circus and The San Francisco Mime Troupe.He has recorded with Country Joe and the Fish, Jessica Williams, Dan Hicks, the Cleanliness and Godliness Skiffle Band and various movie scores, television shows and ads. He lives in Oakland, California, and frequently visits Humboldt County where his daughter and granddaughters live.

Michael Vatcher , drums and percussion, started vibes lesson at 10, but soon switched to the drums.He played music with family or at school. He played with “Joint Session” here in Humboldt County ( which also featured Richard Saunders ). Then he traveled, spent a few years in NYC in the late 70’s, then an invitation to play gigs in Europe helped him find a home in Amsterdam.He now lives between NYC and Amsterdam.A few favorites from his discography; Available Jelly and a number of recordings led by Michael Moore, Tristan Honsinger “Picnic”, John Zorn “Spy vs Spy”, Tom Cora “Roof”, Four Walls, Jewels and Binoculars, Michael Moore Quartet, Corchestra. Another highlight is his work with Jan Klare; the group “1000” , we went to Myanmar and recorded with the folk tradition there, his work with Georg Graewe groups and the recording featuring Damon Smith on Bass. He played with the Steve Swell trio– “Brain in a dish” ( 2018 ) and the Sophie Agnel Trio. Another favorite is his continuing connection with the Dutch bassist Wilbert de Joode