The Band
Jon Coleman Founding Member
Guitar, Marimba, Vibraphone
Jon, who’s been writing, arranging, performing and producing music since the 1970’s, received a career high achievement when he was named Best Jazz Guitarist at the 2000 Los Angeles Music Awards for his work on Latitudes. His love affair with the guitar began in the sixth grade, and resulted in his taking classical guitar lessons for 15 years developing his signature finger-style technique. But musical creativity might actually be in his genes.
His dad, Charles, was a songwriter for Chappel Music, when he wrote songs for the original Broadway musical “Harlem Cavalcade” which featured a young Lena Horne and Harry Belafonte. Jon feels his strong sense of melody is rooted in the standards, show tunes and classical music that was always playing in his home while growing up.
Jon studied music and played in the early 70’s while attending Cal Poly University, Pomona, adding marimba and vibraphone to his instrument repertoire, but it wasn’t until the ‘80’s that he played steadily with his group, Abrakadabra, in the South Bay area. They eventually became the house band at The Lighthouse, and played the jazz club circuit in Los Angeles to sold out crowds.
Forming a new smooth jazz trio in 2000 (Gold Coast) Jon co-produced an instrumental CD, Latitudes, that garnered extensive radio airplay throughout the world. A founding member of Abrakadabra, Jon looks forward to the reincarnation of this Group, known for its driving, propulsive rhythms and mesmerizing vocals.
John Rodgers Acoustic & Electric Bass
A native of Orange County (OC), CA, John Rodgers started playing bass when he was 12-years-old. During his high school years, he played with various garage bands. After graduation, he moved to Hawaii and took up the acoustic guitar. In the late 70’s through early 80’s, John settled back in southern CA, and played bass in Cylinders, a local OC band whose EP was featured on KROQ. John still finds himself involved in many studio projects as a session player, and has been involved with University of CA Irvine Performance Art groups. In 1998, he expanded his musical base by playing and recording with various Christian churches in Orange County. Still eager and determined to perfect his craft, he has extensively studied jazz theory. John currently resides in Orange County.
Vince Brooks Drums/Percussion
On a trip to Mexico when he was 18-years-old, Vince’s purchase of a set of bongos began his long-lasting love of percussion instruments. Inspired by the soul and energy in Santana’s music, Vince studied music at college and performed with the number one jazz ensembles at both Orange Coast College and Cal State University Long Beach. He currently resides in Littlerock, CA, and performs regularly with Hollywood Rockers, Blue Jewels Band, and with Robert Ortiz at various venues in Orange County.
Tom Lujan Percussion
Tom Lujan, a native of Los Angeles is a self taught musician who grew up listening to the likes of Santana, War, Poncho Sanchez and Herbie Hancock and the Head-hunters. Inspired by the various sounds coming from the percussion sections of these bands is what drove Tom to pursue the art of becoming a percussionist.
Enhancing Abrakadabra’s unique jazz stylings, Mo joined the crew in 2023 on keyboard. Studying piano for 5 years beginning in the 3rd grade, Mo began his performance career in church as a high schooler. Not only is Mo proficient on the keys, but he also sings and dabbles with the harmonica and guitar. Influenced by Barry Manilow, Billy Joel, Elton John and Keith Green, Mo also performs in a classic rock cover band, The Crow Hill Band, who is also local to the South Bay where Mo’s lived since 1969.
Outside interests (for a good part of 25 years) found him as an age-group triathlete accomplishing 3 half Ironman distances. He’s been a single dad of 4 since 2012, and has been very involved in activities at Journey of Faith Church, cooking for the homeless in Bellflower and participating in outreach programs from the Manhattan Beach campus. Since graduating from San Diego State University in 1988 in Business Finance, he’s been working in the Aerospace & Defense Industry as a Budget Analyst and Manager of a large department supporting the Space Force.
Tom Bray Trumpet
Tom Bray, accomplished trumpet sessions player, began his illustrious career with The Evergreen Blues, recording his first song, “Midnight Confessions” with them in 1969. After touring with that Band for many years, he joined Electric Flag with Michel Bloomfield and Buddy Miles in 1974 thru 1977. From there, Tom mostly played clubs, until he did a recording session in 1986 with Neil Young’s group, Crazy Horse. When Neil wanted to add horns to his “This Note’s For You”, he tapped Tom, and its video won MTV’s Best Video of the Year in 1988. Tom continued his collaboration with Neil off and on for some 26 years, including a performance on “Living With War” in 2006 that was nominated for 3 Grammys. Tom’s also recorded with CSNY on the “American Dream” and ”Déjà Vu” albums, while also touring with them in 2006 for the Freedom Of Speech Tour (the movie of which Tom also appears in).
Band Pictures by Noelle Rose
