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King Tet jazz it up in downtown
by: cece kegg

Orlando -- King Tet is a high energetic jazz outfit on a mission, a simple mission. "To keep playing our brand of great, high energy jazz in and around Orlando's jazz scene, while gaining more national exposure through radio promotion and national CD sales, ultimately leading the way for tours of festivals and clubs. Well, it's not really simple, but it is what we're doing", said the group's leader and drummer Roger King.

They call themselves Orlando's only dedicated straight - ahead jazz group. For what I can tell, they are truly passing the torch from the jazz greats of the past. Their sound is not unique, but it is eclectic enough to make you stop and take notice. They borrow and steal licks from the very best while keeping that jazz torch lit.

Orlando being one of the new bastions of the Neo-Jazz Movement gave jazz fans a great shot in the arm with bands like Swingerhead. Roger was part of that movement first hand. He played with the aforementioned national act during the mid 90's. As fate will have it, Roger took the historic path of many of the swing musicians of the 30's. It was a natural progression for him to tight down and play for a smaller outfit. The music also had to change as it did in the past. It was then time to hook up with some cool cats.

The Berklee College of music alum found no trouble finding quality musicians here in the central Florida area. Saxophone player E. J. Hughes was the first to follow King. The highly talented Hughes recommended trumpet man extraordinaire John Cattleman to join. They have both played the best the world of jazz has to offer including jazz great Chick Corea.

The dynamic trio knew they needed a few other cats to round up the band. UCF's own Tony "Lucky Man" Venturini, Orlando's best kept secret came on board to keep more than the beat down. His bass playing skills are phenomenal. He is very aggressive while being very melodic as well.

Christian Tamburr rounds up the quintet. Piano man Tamburr rejoined his fellow Swingerhead drummer Roger King to play the keys. He does more than just play a vibrant piano. The vibraphone is another instrument Christian excels at. His combined talents make the King Tet a more flexible force musically.

This is indeed a great band that needs to be noticed. They play their music with great conviction and precision. Whether is an original piece or a standard, they give you a memorable experience.

	KingTet new CD.

King Tet is helping shape the jazz scene here in Orlando. They recently released a new album and play often around the Central Florida area. You can also check them out intimately at the Bodhisattva Social Club in downtown Orlando every Tuesday evening.

Check them out on the world wide web at: http://RogerKingJr.com

EDITORIAL NOTE: As of 2004, central Florida's King Tet is now to be known as the Roger King Jr. band.