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Dennis W Mellen
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA Upon leaving the Air Force in Alaska, Dennis formed his own group, performing with many visiting Jazz stars includin flutist James Newton, and saxophonist Azar Lawrence, and having his rhythm section being hired out with pianist/compser Toshiko Akiyoshi. His associations also let to many TV, radio, and stusio performances.
PHOENIX, AZ
In 1986, Dennis returned to Phoenix, where he performed with many of the Valley's leading performers: Francine Reed (w/ Lyle Lovett, also winner of the WC Handy blues Award), Dennis Rowland(from Count Basie) Patti Williams, and trumpet master Jessie McGuire (Tower of Power, James Brown, Wynton Marsalis) He could also be found filling in with Top40 band Jamtrak, R&B singer Small Paul, reggae Band Donnie Dean Explosion, C&W singer Nina Kaye: as wellas leading his own groups. Dennis' wealth of music experience brought oppurtunites as Music Director and Arranger for many concerts, part time M?D for the CC Jones orchestra, as well as being involved with opening acts for Maynard Ferguson, Etta James, Billy Cobham, George Duke/Stanley Clarke Projec, as well as performing with Gary Puckett and Chuck Berry.
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