Growing  up in the Atlanta area, Ted was recognized as one of the top High School Saxophonists in the state.  To continue his career he joined the 389th Army band in Ft. Monmouth New Jersey. This allowed him to get close to the music scene in New York and gave him the opportunity to study with Dave Burns and Bob Pleasent. After the Army stint was up, Ted moved to New York City, where he lived and worked for three years.  Wanting a change in scenery, a gig in the sunshine state opened for him so he went for it. Two years in Miami playing salsa and jazz led him ready for another change: back home to check out the rich Atlanta music scene. After 10 years of performing, recording, touring, teaching, and raising a family, it was time to continue the adventure of life... So, Ted dug up the roots and moved the family to Seattle, where since 1999, he continues to work and expand his musical scope.

 

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Ted Dortch has blown sax with Latin bands in Miami, on the sidewalks, night clubs and ballrooms of New York, and toured Europe playing clubs, festivals and major concert venues; to include Montreux Jazz, Vienna and Tokyo music festivals. He has performed or recorded with the Stylistics, Trudy Lynn, William Bell, Willie Clayton (the Chicago blues ambassador), Buddy Ace, Little Johnny Taylor, the Three Degrees, B.B. Coleman, Lowell Fulson, Travis Haddix, Sandra Hall, Jerry Butler, Luther "Houserocker" Johnson, Vernon Garret, Kip Anderson, the Drifters, the Chi-lites, Chick Willis, St. Clair Pinckney of James Brown's band, David Dee, Nappy Brown, Theodis Easly, Blues Boy Willy, and the Legendary Blues Band. Jimmy Smith, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown Jimmy Dawkins, Francine Reed, Jerry McCain, The Impressions, Frankie Valley, Sam & Dave, Percy Sledge, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Toni Tenille's Big Band, Wane Newton, Pete Christlieb, Adam Rogers, Vincent Herring and  in Ivan Neville's band which also featured Michael Brecker And Jimmy Vaughn. Concert dates included Natalie Cole, Frankie Avalon and Jerry Lewis.