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This group is well rooted in Jazz tradition, exploring thick harmony, rhythm, and interactive improvisation. New twists on old tunes, new tunes in retro styles, fresh beats, hard swing, tasty blues, originals, modern edge. We are based in Portland, OR USA

Michelle Medler, a multi-instrumentalist who displays a diverse range of musical styles, fronts this
modern jazz ensemble on soprano, alto, and tenor saxes and flute. Her regular band includes
Ben Medler on electric bass, Marcus Reynolds on Piano and keyboards, and Edwin Coleman III on drums.

Michelle is influenced by all kinds of Jazz from big band to straight-ahead to experimental. Along with everything from dirty-blues, funk, hip hop, Latin music, r’n’b, rock ‘n’ roll from the 50‘s on, and classical music. Michelle tells a story with her lyrical sound. Whether a saxophone or a flute, she makes a fierce statement and says it with a graceful integrity.

In addition to leading her Quartet, Michelle performs with ensembles such as:
The Quadraphonnes, Lily Wilde and her Jumpin’ Jubilee Orchestra, The Medler Quintet & Sextet, Alex’s Body and Soul, Afincando, & Cubaneo. Shell has also played with the Mambo Queens, Melao, Metro, Big Bamboo, Eclectifunk, Norman Layden, Porkpie, Bill Hagen, and others. She has shared the stage with The Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans, and performed with Ingrid Jensen, Don Braden, Leroy Vinnegar, Mel Brown, and Terell Stafford with Portland State’s Jazz Ensemble. Michelle is also the co-director of the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra (PYJO).