Artist description 4 OUT OF 5 DOCTORS consists of Sue Orfield on sax, Dan Tyack on pedal steel guitar, John Kessler on bass, and Larry Dennis on drums. The group puts its emphasis on writing and playing songs, while at the same time featuring each person's varying improvisational styles. Their instrumental, original music (Mingus and Monk meet Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers and Count Basie) blurs the lines between rock, jazz, R&B, funk, and swing.

Music Style groovy, original instrumental music that blurs the lines between rock, jazz, R&B, funk, and swing

Musical Influences Mingus, Monk, Count Basie, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Led Zeppelin

Artist History Sue Orfield has been playing her horn for over 20 years, freelancing in the jazz, blues, and rock scene. She was voted "BEST HORN" in 1999 by the Washington Blues Society. Besides heading up 4 OUT OF 5 DOCTORS, she is currently playing with The Billy Tipton Memorial Saxophone Quartet and Nick Vigarino's Meantown Blues. She continues to freelance and blend her quirky, distinctive sound with such local artists as Junkyard Jane, Ellen Whyte, Nicole Fournier, and many more. In the past, Sue has shared the stage with the likes of the Indigo Girls, Bo Diddley, Ann Wilson of Heart, Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, and Bobby McFerrin. Sue's artistry, individuality, and powerful presence on the stage make her one of the Northwest's favorite saxophone players.*****Dan Tyack's unique playing style has earned him the respect and admiration of musicians all over the world. He has played with artists such as Asleep at the Wheel and Bill Frisell, and is currently sharing the stage with such eclectic Seattle bands as Rod Cook & Toast, Crack Sabbath, Danny Barnes, and many more. But even more important than who he has played with is Dan's unique approach to the pedal steel, and to music in general. He is definitely not roped in by any conventional concept of the typical, country steel guitar -- in fact, his playing is filled with textures, sounds, and passion from a wide variety of musical styles, from rock to blues to jazz to gospel. He will make you listen, and you'll be glad you did!*****John Kessler is a veteran bass player who served as the music director and bassist for West Virginia Public Radio's internationally syndicated Mountain Stage for 15 years. John has played bass for literally hundreds of national acts, including Dr. John, The Band, and Mose Allison. Most importantly, though, he plays the bass in the pocket, and sets up grooves through which the average person cannot sit still. John is also the Jazz & Blues host for KPLU, 88.5 FM.*****Larry Dennis has been playing drums for over 30 years, and it shows. He has played with a variety of different kinds of bands throughout the years (among them the quirky alternative group, Albert Figures, and blues veteran Freddy James) and has a distinctive style that undoubtedly shapes the energy of any band he plays with. He is a groove-master, and has the intense creativity that distinguishes him among musicians.

Group Members Sue Orfield (sax), Dan Tyack (pedal steel guitar), John Kessler (basses), Larry Dennis (drums and percussion)

Instruments tenor sax, pedal steel guitar, bass, drums, percussion

Albums 4 OUT OF 5 DOCTORS

Press Reviews "Sue Orfield is one of those rare players wyo can deliver technique with charisma." --Dave Desrochers, WBS Bluesletter. *****"(Sue is) as confortable playing Nirvana as Thelonious Monk." --Diane Wright, Everett Herald. *****"A reinvigorated pedal-steel guitar expert, Tyack is stretching the boundaries of the instrument." -- Matt Rosenberg, Seattle Times.

Location Seattle, WA - USA

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