Cheryl Alex and Randy Porter play at the Vino Veritas

Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Randy Porter has a refined understanding of improvisation and the spontaneous communication between musicians. As a Steinway Artist, Randy Porter draws from a rich palette of sonorities found within his imagination and the depths of the piano. Lynn Darroch of The Oregonian states, “Porter has built a reputation as a musician’s musician, a knowledgeable, inventive, and sophisticated player with a remarkable sense of time and gorgeous keyboard facility…”

One of the best kept secrets of the Northwest jazz scene, flutist/vocalist/pianist, Cheryl Alex has been central among the region's jazz community for over twenty years, appearing regularly and recording with luminaries such as Nancy King, Randy Porter, Leroy Vinegar, Lawrence Williams and most notably guitar wizard Jerry Hahn. At home with a wide range of styles, from straight-ahead bebop to tender ballads, Cheryl's versatility shows a masterful command of her instruments (alto flute and concert C flute.) Influenced in her early years by the music of Herbie Mann, Eric Dolphy, Roland Kirk, Ella Fitzgerald and Carole King, Cheryl's original compositions reflect a deep harmonic sense with memorable melodies and Latin influences. With the release of her CD "Take My Time", Cheryl has begun to reach an international audience with her flair for the flute, amazing dead-ahead chops and heartfelt vocals. "Your wish for a different jazz voice will also be satisfied," wrote critic Lynn Darroch of the Oregonian, "with a sound more akin to Joni Mitchell than Sarah Vaughan." Besides performing and recording, Cheryl also maintains a solid teaching schedule offering instruction in flute, piano and voice. She also teaches vocal jazz workshops with 3 time Grammy nominated jazz vocalist, Nancy King.