Taildragger Quartet

We play the Jazz standards. Think Misty, Fly Me to the Moon, Girl From Ipanema and many, many more! We dress for the occasion, from black tie to business casual. We are low volume so you and your guests can talk and hear each other over the music.
Enjoyable, fun, and professional. Let us know what songs you want to hear! We will play them.

Formed in the second half of 2023, The Taildragger Quartet is an ensemble of piano, trumpet, bass and drums. With a passion for jazz and the classic standards composed mostly in the second half of the 20th century, the boys put together a set list comprised of the songs you’ve heard and love, but might not know the name of. With well over 2000 performances under our collective belts, we play for the love of the music and really enjoy playing those classic standard songs. Here are the bios of the members of the ensemble.

Phil Olson
Piano, Keyboards, Vocals

Phil Olson retired and relocated to the Phoenix area in 2024 with his wife, Mary. He holds a
bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he studied
with the renowned bassist, Richard Davis and studied composition with Les Thimmig. He
taught music in the Milwaukee area and freelanced with area musicians including a 17 piece big
band comprised of professionals, college professors and arrangers from the Hal Leonard Music
publishing company. He enjoys cooking, biking, golfing and travel. He also enjoys the Arizona
weather (especially not shoveling snow!)

Mark Anderson.
Trumpet, Cornet, Saxophone, Flute

For 45 years Mark has performed very diverse musical genres. Symphonic, broadway, classical, big band, Dixieland, British brass band, brass quartet, marching arts and sacred music have been the “go to” for the weekend musical warrior. Having recorded and performed in the U.S. and abroad Mark now enjoys a relaxedd approach to the performing world. His goal now is to keep the old standards alive by performing in a relaxed setting where the music just compliments the event, evening or just enhances dinner. “Keeping the old standards alive is important and fun!” Mark

Jeff Fletcher
Bass and clarinet

Jeff Fletcher began his adult musical career in Northern California playing in church orchestra, the Yuba Sutter Oratorio Society Orchestra, and the Yuba Community College Concert Band where he was Principle Clarinet. He then began playing bass,and quickly became very active in local theater productions playing in the pit for Broadway style shows such as Thoroughly Modern Millie, Guys and Dolls, Ain't Misbehaving, Disney's High School Musical and others. In addition he held the bass chair in the Yuba Community College Jazz Band playing upright, and electric bass before moving to Texas. In Texas, he continued playing clarinet and bass in the Bastrop Family Orchestra, as well as gigs with the Main Street American Swing Band. One Highlight of his career was the opportunity to play a Theatrical Beatles Tribute Concert with special guest speaker Ken Mansfield, the US Tour Manager for the Beatles. A very memorable event.
Jeff.

John Zielinski.
Drums and Percussion

John has been playing the drums for over 50 years. Cutting his teeth on the west side of Chicago with Blues and Classic Rock, playing in dance bands and even doing night club gigs in high school. He played in Country and Classic Rock bands in central California, recording for Ed Benes, and playing for multiple dance, club and corporate bands in the LA and Phoenix areas. Looking for a slower pace, Jazz standards fit the bill. “I’m really happy to be playing with accomplished musicians and being pushed musically to perform these songs.” He enjoys playing his DW drums, Zildjian and Istanbul Agop cymbals.
John.

We have lights, sound and a backdrop.
2 AC 120 outlets needed.