Ted Fulte
Leader, Drums

After receiving his music education degree from the University of Northern Colorado, Ted became the house drummer in some of Denver's most famous night clubs including Taylor's Supper Club and The Warehouse. To his credit, he has performed with such household names as Tony Bennett, Bob Hope and The Pointer Sisters. Ted really enjoys being a "Tomato" and the time he gets to spend with the band!

Jack LaForte
Saxophone, Vocals

"Quiet and shy" Jack moved to Denver from Kansas when he was four years old and Denver has never been the same!

After a four year stint in the Navy (assigned to two Admiral's Bands), he graduated from DU and went on to teach in Denver Public Schools for 30 years, retiring in 1989.

To his credit, Jack has performed with many entertainers, including Sammy Davis, Jr., Johnny Mathis, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, the Four Tops & Temptations, Rita Moreno, & Joan Rivers. He also played with the Denver Bronco Jazz Band for 32 years!! Jack joined The Hot Tomatoes in 1990.

Joe Hall
Trombone, Vocals

After moving to Denver in 1976, Joe became part of the house band at The Turn of the Century where he performed with many national acts including Sammy Davis, Jr., The Mills Brothers, and Ginger Rogers. Joe currently teaches audio engineering for the Denver Public Schools at the Career Education Center.

Kevin Bollinger
Trumpet, Vocals

Kevin came on board with the band in 1984. He attended the Eastman School of Music and received a trumpet performance degree upon graduation.

Kevin is also a much sought-after freelance performer and arranger in both classical and jazz idioms.

Joe Lopez
Bass

In 1992, Joe joined The Hot Tomatoes and is also another Denver native. He has performed for many years in most of Denver's finest nightclubs and has toured with such jazz greats as Gene Harris, Carmen McRae and Sammy Davis Jr.

He has twice received the "Outstanding Bassist" award from DownBeat magazine. Joe just loves drivin' the band!

Jack Fredericksen
Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute

A Denver native, Jack earned a master's degree in composition from the University of Colorado and has extensive credits as a composer and arranger. His arrangements and compositions are included in the libraries of University of Colorado, Denver Public Schools, Cherry Creek Schools,The International Clarinet Symposium, The Denver Symphony (now the Colorado Symphony), The Denver Brass and of course the Hot Tomatoes Dance Orchestra.

He also performed for many years with the Brown Palace Hotel Orchestra, and the Denver Bronco Jazz Band as well as a stint "on the road." Performances with well known entertainers include, Sammy Davis, Johnny Mathis, Ella Fitzgerald, Debbie Reynolds, Bob Hope, Mel Torme, Andy Williams and engagements playing with many Broadway shows. After retiring from 34 years of teaching in Denver public schools, Jack joined the band in 1991.

Rich Maul
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet

Another alumnus from the Brown Palace Hotel Orchestra, Rich has been with the band since 1992 delighting fans with his musical interpretation of Artie Shaw and others. He has populated the saxophone sections of most of the best big bands in Denver for years.

In addition to his many talents, Rich is also a professional piano technician.

Drew Morell
Piano, Banjo, Vocals

A Denver native, Drew Morell was actually one of Joe Hall’s students in 1982! He has been a professional jazz pianist, bassist, guitarist and music educator in the Denver area for the last 20 years.

He has enjoyed playing in the Ralph Sharron Trio, as well as with other internationally respected jazz musicians such as Spike Robinson, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Red Halloway, Nick Brignola, Bud Shank, Carl Fontana, and Conte Candoli. He has traveled with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and the Diahann Carroll Orchestra, and has played in all the major jazz festivals in Colorado. Drew was also the house bassist at the nationally renowned jazz club, El Chapultapec for three years.

Currently, Drew is a professor at the University of Colorado at Denver, and operates his own music studio, Infinity Music.

Visit Drew's website at: www.drewjazz.com