The Band

R u b y  B l u e
is San Diego’s premier acoustic Jazz group. Their sound is that of classic jazz with a personal touch that makes each song fresh and modern. Songs by Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Rogers and Hart, and George Gershwin, mark their repertoire as well as original compositions that are rooted in the tradition of fine jazz. They are elegant and upscale ~
well suited for corporate functions, festivals as well as jazz concerts and parties. This combo has been well received in all venues, and the chemistry, talent and musicality they share are truly a joy to behold. The members of Ruby Blue are all full time musicians and have extensive road experience throughout North America, Europe and Australia. Ruby Blue features:


R u b y P r e s n e l l

Ruby Presnell was born into a family of performers which provided the encouragement that launched her stage career. Her show business experience includes commercials and films in addition to her live musical performances and studio work. ruby has combined her theatrical ability, her highly refined sound and her satin smooth delivery of the blues and jazz to produce a riveting entertainment experience. Her unique and powerful voice melds with her beauty and sensual stage presence to draw her audience to her. Over the past 19 years, Ruby has made her living through her craft. currently she fronts a rhythm & blues / funk group and an acoustic jazz combo. She has also found the time over the last 10 years to provide backup vocals for a 15 piece Steely Dan tribute band. Ruby has shared the stage with such greats as Etta James, Charles Brown, Randy Porter, Jr. Wells, Buddy Guy and John Lee Hooker. She has performed with Papa John Creach, Solomon Burke, Poncho Sanchez , CJ Chenier, Elvin Bishop, and the San Diego Symphony among others. Audiences in such venues as the Long Beach Blues Festival, the Monterey Blues Festival, Le Bar Bat (NYC), Tipentinas (New Orleans) and the House Of Blues (L.A.) have welcomed and applauded this "sultry songstress". For references, extended bio and additional info call : 760-737-7477 or e-mail at ruby@rubyblue.info

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R o b  T h o r s e n

Bassist Rob Thorsen began performing with San Francisco street bands in 1982. He was soon after playing in jazz clubs and theaters. Regular venues in the bay area included Kimballs, Yoshi’s, the Great American Music Hall and the Concord Jazz festival. After returning to college for 2 years to study composition, he also studied privately with bassists John Clayton and Bob Magnusson. Rob moved to San Diego in 1989, where he has since been very active on the music scene, performing with Charles McPherson, James Moody, Mundell Lowe, Holly Hofmann, Ruby Presnell (Ruby Blue) and trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos.

Rob currently performs with his quartet and has just released his second CD as a leader on Azica Records. EVOLUTION features pianist Mike Wofford, saxophonist Chuck Manning, flutist Holly Hofmann, and drummers Harold Mason and Duncan Moore. The group has performed at numerous jazz festivals and has a variety of bookings in San Diego and Los Angeles. He has also received critical acclaim for his performance on the Mike Wofford CD SYNERGY featuring drummer Joe LaBarbara. Rob has also recorded or performed with national artists including Jon Hendricks, Ernie Watts, Hubert Laws, Mark Murphy, Louie Bellson, and Bucky Pizzarelli. Rob is currently working on compositions and arrangements for his next recording project and continues performing and teaching in the San Diego/Los Angeles area. Please see his website at www.robthorsen.com for more information on CD’s, upcoming concerts and booking information.

“Rob is my kind of bass player. His bass sound and time feel rank 100% alongside the great bassists with whom I’ve performed over the years.”

Mundell Lowe

Bruce Egre, President - Azica Records

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B o b  B o s s

Education MA in Humanities CSU Chico 1975 Experience/Styles Classic American Electric Guitar styles Garage bands, Jam sessions, Dances & Parties Beginning with Rock & Roll, progressing to Blues and Jazz eventually working shows, musical theatre & dance bands Concerts and Festivals including Wolf Trap, Idyllwild, Pine Knob, Ravinia, Winter Park, Street Scene and several in Europe. Performed with: Marshall Hawkins, Daniel Jackson, San Diego Symphony (Summer Pops) Dave Pike, Marguerita Page, Mike Wofford, Mark O’Connor, Herb Jeffries, Eddie Harris, Richie Cole, Harry Pickens, Hollis Gentry, Holly Hofmann, David Grisman, AJ Croce, Yve Evans, Jimmy & Jeannie Cheatham, Lou Christie, Pia Zadora & Arlo Guthrie. Recordings Marshall Hawkins: Seahawk Jason Jackson: Going Home Ruby Blue: Skin AJ Croce Diane Moser Daniel Jackson Television Tonight Show w/Jay Leno, CNN, CBS This Morning, Entertainment Tonight, National shows in France, Holland & Belgium. Teaching UCSD, Palomar College, SDSU, Idyllwild Arts and many public school performance/lectures through Jazz Artists Guild and Musicians Union Music Performance Trust Fund.

Email Bob

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R i c h a r d  S e l l e r s
has been playing drums professionally for over fourteen years. In that time, he has performed with countless groups and ensembles in a variety of styles, including straight-ahead jazz, avant-garde jazz, Brazilian, Latin, funk and hip-hop. In addition, he has worked extensively as a teacher, applying his unique rhythmic approach and meticulous technical methods. A native of Valencia, California, Richard received early training from Stewart Fischer (brother of jazz giant Clare), Earl Palmer, and Joe Porcaro. The support of such greats prepared him for his move to San Diego nearly six years ago, when he began to make frequent performance appearances at San Diego State University, and gigged incessantly with the best professionals in town. This experience includes a lasting musical liaison with (bassist) Rob Thorsen and (vocalist) Ruby Presnell, with a popular band called Ruby Blue. The band recorded their new album "Skin", and enjoyed steady stints at San Diego's finest venues, including Marriott Yacht Club of San Diego, the prestigious University Club. Soon, Richard was regarded as one of the premier drummers in Southern California, and he found himself sharing the stage with World Class artists such as Hubert Laws, Kenny Rankin, Mike Wofford, Bob Magnusson, Marshall Hawkins, Clare Fischer, Gary Foster, Jackie and Roy, Andy Simpkins, and Kamau Kenyatta. These players and many others respected him immediately for his uncanny talent with brushes, his undeniable energy, and his strict attention to dynamics and groove. Richard's name has been featured in Modern Drummer magazine, and he has made high-profile appearances at the Namm Show, an internationally recognized musical and technological convention. In 1980, he received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, and he was honored as an exceptional soloist at the 1983 Fullerton Jazz Festival. He is affiliated with Smith Custom Drums, Turkish Cymbals, and Alternative Percussion.