FULL BAND PHOTO
ABOUT THE BAND
SwayCool is a collective of serious Pacific Northwest musicians who deftly interpret well known jazz standards and explore the best of the bossa nova, samba, and Latin musical traditions.
Keeping the flame of epic twentieth century jazz alive, SwayCool channels, invokes, and pays homage to the greats of the genre.
If you like Antonio Carlos Jobim, Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis you’ll love SwayCool.
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.
Cory Mahler, originally from Utah is now based in Olympia. As a musician and composer, he received much of his musical training in the hills of Ephraim, Utah at Snow College. For the past 10+ years, his bass playing has been in high demand. A handful of groups he’s played with include: Eyewitness Testimony, Made by Machines, The Fruity Rebel, Geography, Purple Shadows, The Loose Floorboards. In addition to playing in Sway Cool, Cory enjoys composing and recording for his primary musical outlet, Flalaski.
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.
Annie 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.
LOGO
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