The Bands
Sugartime Trio began with the Purple Phoenix Orchestra under the leadership of David Duvall as part of a McGuire Sisters Review. Over the years, we expanded our repertoire to celebrate the Boswell Sisters, Andrews Sisters, classic jazz standards, and our own original arrangements—including fresh, jazzy takes on popular contemporary music.
Today, Sugartime collaborates with Critical Mass Big Band and our own jazz trio, The Mighty Few, under the musical direction of Phil Demaree, bringing tight three-part harmonies, vintage swing, and modern flair to every performance.
Music Director Phil Demaree
Phil Demaree is a veteran bassist with more than four decades of professional experience. A native of Boulder, Colorado, he studied at the University of Northern Colorado under Gene Aitken before embarking on a touring career across the United States and Canada. Along the way, he has performed with legendary artists including Ray Charles, The Mills Brothers, Dianne Schuur, Joe Williams, and John Gary.
Now based in the Seattle area, Demaree is an in-demand performer, appearing regularly with the trio Trish, Hans and Phil as well as several big bands including the Critical Mass Big Band and the Eastside Modern Jazz Orchestra. He is equally respected as an arranger, contributing charts for these groups as well as for Sugartime Trio.
In addition to his work in jazz and popular music, Demaree is an accomplished choral arranger for the Seattle Choral Company. His original work Santa Through the Swing Years premiered at the company’s 2004 Christmas concert and remains part of their seasonal repertoire, along with music he prepares for their annual auction performances.
The Mighty Few
The Mighty Few bring decades of jazz, theater, and live performance experience backing up Sugartime. Bassist Phil Demaree, percussionist Chris Monroe, and pianist Leeran Z. Raphaely have performed everywhere from intimate jazz clubs and cabarets to major theaters and international stages. Together, they create a versatile, swinging foundation with a deep understanding of vocal accompaniment—from sultry ballads and classic standards to hot swing and contemporary jazz. With Phil’s four decades of performance and arranging, Chris’s extensive theater and touring background, and Leeran’s award-winning talents as a pianist and composer, The Mighty Few delivers the polish, musicality, and spontaneity that make a great night of unforgettable music.
Critical Mass Big Band stands as a cornerstone in the contemporary jazz scene of Seattle. For nearly 25 years, this premier jazz ensemble has been captivating audiences with its electrifying performances. Featuring an impressive lineup of five saxophones, four trombones, five trumpets, piano, guitar, bass, and drums, the band delivers energetic big band jazz that never fails to impress.
