Press Kit

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Online Press Kit for Promotional Use

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FULL BAND PHOTO

ABOUT THE BAND

SwayCool is a group of seasoned Pacific Northwest musicians who love bringing jazz standards to life, along with the irresistible rhythms of bossa nova, samba, and other Latin beats. Rooted in the great music of the twentieth century, Sway Cool celebrates the masters who inspire them – sharing timeless songs with heart, groove, and a whole lot of joy. If you like Antonio Carlos Jobim, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis and Luiz Bonfá, you’ll love Sway Cool.

BAND MEMBERS PHOTOS & BIOS

Aaron Wolff grew up in Olympia and trained with SOGO, Tacoma Youth Symphony, Capital Playhouse, and toured Europe with the US Youth Ensembles. A POSSCA scholarship recipient, he studied on music scholarship at Central Washington University, performing in top wind, symphony, and jazz ensembles, including as a featured soloist at the Monterey Next Generation Festival. He has performed with renowned artists, toured with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and played in award-winning local bands. Aaron teaches single reeds, jazz, and theory in Olympia and remains active in community arts programs.

Mario Pesacreta is an active teacher and performer throughout Lewis and Thurston County. Mario studied music performance at the University of Colorado performing in the Downbeat Award winning “Lab One” Jazz ensemble. He toured nationally as a founding member of the group Locust Street Taxi. These days Mario’s passion lies in teaching k-8 music at Boistfort Consolidated School and performing with groups like Sway Cool and the Olympia Jazz Senators. Mario loves being an active part of his Church and his community.

Bassist John Roth’s musical journey began at age 3 with the gift of a ukulele. Formal study of strings, brass and piano was capped with a Jazz Studies performance degree in acoustic and electric bass from Western Washington University, under the direction of Bill Cole, Scott Reeves and Chuck Deardorf. His decades-long involvement in the greater Seattle/Puget Sound music scene includes playing, composing and arranging with a long and growing list of regional artists, groups and organizations.

Johnny Toulouse is a dynamic and innovative jazz guitarist and bassist known for his skillful and soulful improvisations; he performs across the Pacific Northwest. He is also a music educator teaching in the Olympia and Oakville areas; he is currently involved with the Olympia School District as a general music teacher. In addition to playing in Sway Cool, Johnny currently organizes and hosts a weekly jazz jam in downtown Olympia.

Carlos Herrera, originally from La Habana, Cuba, grew up surrounded by music in his household. Carlos focuses on incorporating Latin percussion into other music forms including jazz, r&b, rock, and folk. He’s been a member of and recorded with several NW bands including Shakin’ Josie, Six of One, the Bill Derry Band, and the Tim Hunter Band.

Melany Herrera, was born and raised mostly in Olympia, studied accordion and piano from age 6; by the time she was 10, she was busking on the streets of Reno, Missoula and Milwaukee. She’s taught piano and accordion for decades, and has played, sang and recorded with several folk rock bands (Six of One, Bill Derry Band.) She sees Sway Cool as a great opportunity to enjoy her favorite genre, jazz.