Tip Top plays at the Jazz Station in Eugene
- Noah Simpson trumpet
- Brandon Nelson piano
- Matt Sazima bass
- David Hagen drums
Welcome Portland jazz group Tip Top featuring trumpeter Noah Simpson.
Matt Sazima is a Portland based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator. He received his B.M. in improvised music from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, his M.F.A in Jazz Keyboard from California Institute of the Arts, and was also a fellow at the 2016 Ravinia Steans Music Institute Jazz Program. Matt has been recognized as a composer by Downbeat (2013/2014) and by ISJAC as a 2017 SONIC composer.
Since moving to Portland, he has become an in-demand performer, sharing the stage with local powerhouses and visiting artists such as Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, George Benson, Jonathan Pinson, and Ari Hoenig.
As an educator, Matt serves as the Director at Hoffman School of Music, and as a professor at Willamette University. Matt has studied under David Roitstein, Bennie Maupin, Alan Jones, George Colligan, Billy Childs, Rufus Reed, and Joe Labarbera, Joe Gilman, James Miley,.
Noah Simpson is a trumpet player, composer, and producer currently based in the PNW. Originally from Phoenix, Noah started his music education at Scottsdale Community College, and would finish at Portland State University. Simpson’s modern approach to trumpet playing and improvisation is described as energetic, dynamic, and attentive. While currently teaching at Reed College, he frequently collaborates with artists like George Colligan, Alan Jones, Domo Branch, and other PNW natives. He’s also worked with artist like George Benson, Maggie Rogers, Amos Lee, Bernard Purdie, Alex Acuna, and Ron Artis II.
Brandon Nelson is a jazz pianist based in Portland, Oregon, where he has been an active presence in the city’s music scene since 2017. Known for his expressive style and collaborative spirit, he has performed extensively with a range of respected local musicians, steadily building a reputation as a dynamic and versatile artist. Through live performances and ongoing creative partnerships, he continues to establish himself as a dedicated contributor to Portland’s vibrant jazz community.
David Hagen is a highly experienced drummer, educator, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter with a deep-rooted passion for music. He earned his Music Performance Degree from the University of Idaho, where he studied with esteemed musicians Dan Bukvich and Dr. Vern Sielert.
