Brad Bellows © Andrea Canter

The valve and slide trombones are closely related, but different animals. The slide provides the trombone's signature pitch-bending ability, but the valve version gives the trombone more agility, providing for more rapid transition between notes. While the slide trombone is by far the most prevalent, the valve trombone has been featured in jazz performance and recordings by such notable musicians as West Coast bebopper extraordinaire, Bob Brookmeyer and Juan Tizol of the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

Dave Graf © Andrea Canter

Dave Graf is one of the most versatile and talented trombonists in the Twin Cities. Dave has worked in a wide range of musical settings: Dixieland, straight ahead jazz, salsa and Brazilian music, big bands, pit orchestras and recordings. He has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Slide Hampton, Jack McDuff, the Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band, and the Woody Herman Orchestra. He has appeared on Prairie Home Companion and with the St. Paul Ragtime Orchestra, Mandala, and the Steve Wright Big Band. Dave had an eleven-year association with the late trumpeter Red Wolfe in his Port of Dixie Jazz Band and Ellington Echoes (now led by Percy Hughes). Dave also performs with the Latin ensemble Salsa Del Soul. In 2005 he released his debut recording as a leader, Just Like That on Artegra records [Click here for a Jazz Police review ].

Brad Bellows © Andrea Canter

Valve trombonist and band leader, Brad Bellows was trained at the Berklee School of Music in Boston and has been a professional musician for over 30 years. He is probably best best known as the founder and leader of Locally Damaging Winds, the Midwest's preeminent jazz trombone ensemble which brings together the finest trombone talent to perform original arrangements. Brad had a friendship and musical association with the late bebop legend Eddie Berger, spanning decades. Brad also plays euphonium and released a CD playing it in a duo with guitarist Dean Granros, Bear's Delight.

The Artists Quarter is located in the basement of the historic Hamm Building at 408 St Peter Street in downtown St Paul. Call 651-292-1359 or visit artistsquarter.com for more information. Note two for one admission and $3 taps after 11 pm.

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