LA Jazz Connection

Michelle Mellicker, vocals

Michelle is a recent emergence on the LA jazz scene, bringing vast natural talent, a fresh, angelic, breathy tone, perfect pitch and the sophisticated elegance and phrasing of a classic jazz singer. Her vocal style has been compared to Astrud Gilberto, Diana Krall, and Norah Jones.

She continues to develop as a unique voice in contemporary jazz, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Josh Mellicker, guitar, arranger

Josh Mellicker’s professional music career started with his first paid gig at the age of 6.

In his teens he was fortunate to have the opportunity to play with jazz greats like Paul Wertico, Ben Wolfe, Mel Brown, Jeff Lorber and Eddie Weid. He went on to compose for and write arrangements for a 22-piece big band, taught jazz improvisation and music theory at Mt. Hood College, and helped artists like Herbie Hancock, Mark Isham, Paul Simon and Tom Grant with music technology.

Josh plays a handmade Godin Jazz guitar with stunning quality natural jazz and acoustic guitar tones along with occasional touches of unique MIDI orchestral and synth elements.

Josh is the main arranger for the LA Jazz Connection, developing a fresh new jazz genre blending styles from the past, present and future.

Nate Laguzza, drums

Nate Laguzza is a versatile drummer known for his great pocket, big sound, and diverse knowledge of musical styles. After displaying an odd affinity for banging on things around the house, he picked up his first real pair of drum sticks at age 6 and hasn’t looked back since.

Nate has toured nationally and internationally, and has logged countless hours in the studio playing anything from jazz to country. He has 15 years of playing experience and holds a degree from Berklee College of Music, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.

He currently resides in Los Angeles, CA where he continues to perform as a session and touring drummer.

Ryan McGillicuddy

Ryan began attending summer jazz workshops at age 13. At the University of North Texas, Ryan studied under noted bassists Fred Hamilton, John Adams, and Lynn Seaton and played with jazz legends like Benny Green, Pete Christlieb, Matt Wilson, Bill Charlap, Ed Soph, Dan Hearle, and Stephan Karlsson, and received his Masters in 2003. He continued his studies in Los Angeles with the legendary bassist John Clayton.

Recently, Ryan has shared the stage as a sideman with Kate McGarry, Greg Osby, Anthony Wilson, Larry Koonse, the Duke Ellington Orchestra and is a regular member of the Shelley Carroll Quartet. He has toured extensively in the United States as well as in Japan, Korea, Europe, and the middle east. Ryan currently performs and composes with the LA based trio ‘3 – ish’, among many other groups.