Projects
Cliff Colón currently performs with the following groups:
Jazz Overhaul
JAZZ OVERHAUL is a jazz quartet that covers rock songs from the renowned Seattle grunge music scene that gave the world Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam. Jazz Overhaul has created arrangements from these classic bands, in addition to other popular music from the past 30 years, and has “overhauled” them to fit into the jazz structure. The group features Cliff Colon on sax, Jake Sele on keys, Osama Afifi on bass, and D’Vonne Lewis on drums. This isn’t your normal jazz quartet. This is a JAZZ OVERHAUL!
BOSS TENORS
BOSS TENORS is a dynamic quartet channeling the timeless spirit of classic 1960s two-tenor albums. Led by tenor saxophonists Ted Dortch and Cliff Colón, the ensemble, accompanied by Joe Doria on Hammond B3 organ and Max Holmberg on drums, pays homage to legends like Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Johnny Griffin, Sonny Stitt, Sonny Rollins, and Gene Amons. Embracing the blues, soulful melodies, and high-energy swing, BOSS TENORS revives the essence of a bygone era. With a nod to the iconic 1961 "Boss Tenors" album by Sonny Stitt & Gene Amons, their music is a powerful fusion of tradition and innovation, transporting audiences to the golden age of jazz with every soul-stirring note.
VELOCITY
Velocity is a prog instrumental fusion band based out of Tacoma Washington. We meld together a variety of musical styles including funk, prog rock, hip hop, and jazz. The music combines hard-hitting grooves and hook melodies with open improvisation. The energetic original compositions are largely written by keyboardist Peter Adams, with each member contributing to the arrangements and sound of the music. Common time is uncommon with Velocity. Melodies are twisted and warped around each other. Solos are aggressive, yet bind the compositions to a set of defined rules and formulas. The sounds that you expect are not the sounds you get. And that’s just the way We like it.
NW D'Lux
NW D'Lux, led by acclaimed drummer D'Vonne Lewis, is a musical journey through the legendary sounds of the Northwest and Seattle's rich musical history. This dynamic ensemble, comprised of some of Seattle's top musicians, is a celebration of iconic bands and artists that have left an indelible mark on the region.
NW D'Lux ventures into the catalogs of legends such as Nirvana, The Ventures, The Sonics, the Kingsmen, Jimi Hendrix, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Ernestine Anderson, and even pays homage to D'Vonne's grandfather, the renowned Seattle-based organist Dave Lewis. The band's lineup is a powerhouse, featuring D'Vonne Lewis on drums, RL Heyer on guitar, Josh Rawlings on keys, Osama Afifi on bass, Cliff Colón on saxophone, and the soulful vocals of Ayesha Brooks, known for her appearance on "The Voice."
This musical odyssey frequently expands into a larger ensemble, boasting a full horn section and sousaphone. NW D'Lux has graced the stages of music festivals across the Pacific Northwest, leaving audiences captivated by their electrifying performances. Each member of this ensemble is a sought-after headliner in their own right, bringing together a collective force that pays homage to the past while pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration. Brace yourself for a sonic adventure as NW D'Lux invites you to experience the timeless magic of Northwest music in an unforgettable way.
Contraband
Contraband, a Seattle-based band, fuses jazz with classic video game music, creating a dynamic and innovative musical experience. Established in 2008 by saxophonists Cliff Colón and J. Charles, Contraband draws inspiration from iconic 8-bit melodies, translating electronic scores into lively jazz compositions that captivate audiences.
Named after Konami's '80s game Contra, Contraband channels the high-energy essence of video game music through their vibrant jazz arrangements. Their ensemble features Jacques Willis on vibes, Andy Coe on guitar, Farko Dosumov on bass, and the Marriott Brothers—Thomas on trumpet and David on trombone—joining original members Colón, Charles, Eric Verlinde on keys, and D’Vonne Lewis on drums.
On their sophomore release, "Reloaded," Contraband expands their repertoire to include beloved Konami themes from Metroid and Castlevania. The album showcases standout performances, from expressive solos by Colón and Charles to inventive guitar work by Coe and rapid-fire vibraphone sequences by Willis.
Contraband's music resonates with both seasoned gamers and jazz enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and creativity. With engaging online content and an evolving sound, Contraband continues to push boundaries, delivering a captivating musical journey that transcends genres and delights diverse audiences.