ABOUT US
MARY BOEHME - VOCALS
Mary has been singing as long as she can remember. Her mother recalls Mary singing popular songs of the day from her crib.
During her school years, Mary was in many plays, choirs and when she was 16 she auditioned for a traveling theatre company and won a part in the Gilbert and Sullivan production of HMS Pinafore. She fell in love with musical theater as a young adult. She performed at Civic Theatre in downtown Portland, Studio Lyric Theatre in Sellwood, and several musicals through the Portland Parks and Recreation Department.
Later she strove to be a solo singer in church and kept her pipes in shape by singing karaoke. After raising a family and working she decided to branch out to sing in live bands. She joined musician meet up groups and met many wonderful and talented musicians.
She was in a band called Riverstreet, where she was the lead singer. The band played a variety of music including jazz. This is where Mary found her voice. Mary draws her influence from Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Billie Holliday and Etta James. She joined a traditional jazz group until she decided to form her own vintage jazz trio.
She pulled two exceptional players from that group, Mark Kellogg on jazz guitar and Murray Nunn on bass. Unfortunately Murray’s life took him to another state. And in came Steve Pinkston, a renowned bass player in his own right.
Photos by Zap Graphics
"This trio has gelled into a fun, energetic group that reels off vintage jazz like they invented it themselves. This small and mighty group can deliver as if they had a big band behind them. "
MARK KELLOGG - GUITAR, VOCALS, and TRUMPET
Mark Kellogg is a guitarist and, along with Mary Boehme, a founding member of the Jazz Tones. His foundation in solo guitar performance allows him the flexibility to create complex accompaniments in many styles of music. Mark is also a life long trumpet player active in bands and brass ensembles. Finally, he can be counted on to provide backup vocals when needed. The Jazz Tones is a great group for him to really put all of those skills work along with Mary and Steve, to create a truly entertaining show.
STEVE PINKSTON - DOUBLE BASS
Steve has been playing the bass for more than fifty years, backing up singers and performers in every style of music imaginable. He counts Ray Brown and Scott LaFaro as his primary stylistic influences. Aside from his main gig with the Jazz Tones, Steve records his own original compositions and produces records for other artists.
