The V3 – ‘To Be True’ (Live)

McTuff V3 – To Be True

Live at The Sea Monster Lounge, Seattle Wa

The V3: Joe Doria – Hammond B3 Dan Schwindt – Guitar Ehssan Karimi – Drums Mctuffmusic.com Joedoriamusic.com #joedoria #mctuff #hammondorgan #seattlemusic #hammondb3

McTuff on knkx january 2026

The organ trio McTuff has, over the past two decades, provided glorious grooves and a soulful community all around the Northwest. On a chilly January afternoon, KNKX was thrilled to welcome the heat of Joe Doria on the Hammond organ, Andy Coe playing guitar and D’Vonne Lewis behind the drums.

In the KNKX studios, McTuff displayed the diverse sound and deep communication that has long made this a critical group in the Western Washington music scene. To many, McTuff is the Seattle sound of the 21st century. The trio found its origins at the Art Bar in downtown Seattle in the late ’90s, where Doria participated in loose jam sessions with guitarist Dan Heck and drummer John Wicks. Then Doria was offered the chance to perform on Tuesdays at the Seamonster Lounge in Wallingford, and he brought in Coe and Lewis to solidify the McTuff lineup.

The reaction from fans and musicians was very positive, Doria explained, that at this “tiny little bar, people would pack in, drummers would ask to sit in, lines of horn players,” would wait to sit in with McTuff. Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame saxophonist Skerik became a semi-regular member of the band in their early days, and he still joins the trio when he can. McTuff is happy to keep their lineup flexible, centered around the watchful eyes and ears of Doria. In fact, this “O.G.” McTuff band is just one version of the group. Doria explained that a second McTuff version swaps in drummer Tarik Abouzied for Lewis, and yet another version matches Doria with drummer Ehssan Karimi and one of two guitar players, Dan Schwindt or Cole Schuster. “That’s very different,” Doria said. “We do ‘90s cuts, Nintendo things. It’s kinda fun.” The original lineup, though, has been collaborating for around 20 years, and it shows. “These guys are so good,” Doria said. “You’re having fun, swingin’ and bluesin’, but then you can go to left field, rock out, and he’s right there and he’s right there. They rarely miss a beat.” Discussing the trio’s ability to nearly read each other’s minds while playing, Doria bragged on his bandmates. “Even by a look, he’ll know — ‘comp’ or ‘burn’ or ‘take it somewhere,” Doria said. In an example of the typical McTuff banter, Coe laughed, holding up one finger, “This for ‘get me another drink.’” Coe added that with the unlimited improvisational possibilities of McTuff, it’s important to “keep your ears open, because anything can happen. We never know what’s going to happen.” “I might not show up!” Doria said jokingly.

The three original McTuff members are very busy musicians who play in many other groups, so making records with this band hasn’t been a priority. Doria did offer hope for new recordings this year, perhaps live recordings from the Seamonster Lounge. During his regular gig there, Doria keeps the grooves cooking Tuesdays from 10 p.m. to the early hours of the morning. If you need to be up early Wednesdays, KNKX now has three studio session performances from McTuff on demand. This one might be their best yet.

Musicians: Joe Doria – Hammond organ Andy Coe – guitar D’Vonne Lewis – drums

Songs: 0:00
Better by the Pound (Clinton/Cook) 8:08
Dancing on the Ceiling (Rodgers/Hart) 14:50
You’re Only Happy When There’s Conflict (Doria)

mctuff halloween special 2025

Mwhahahahah! Thursday October 30th at Hidden Hall 9pm
A McTUFF HALLOWEEN SPECIAL delivering an evening of horror music history.

THE OCTOBER FIVE
featuring Joe Doria, Andy Coe, Kathy Moore, Eric Eagle, Skerik

Brian Charette with O.G. McTuff January shows

THURSDAY Jan 16 at The Sea Monster Lounge, Seattle WA 10PM – Link

FRIDAY Jan 17 at The Eastside Club, Olympia WA 9PM – Link | Get Tickets

Saturday Jan 18 at The Goodfoot, Portland OR 9PM – Link | Get Tickets

mctuff v2 at nectar lounge

Wednesday January 8th 8PM

It’s about time we V2 this mutha******, no?
WELL THAT’S WHAT’S HAPPENING thanks to Nectar Lounge!
Considered one of the sharpest knives in the McCabinet, McTuff V2 attacks the senses with sensible madness!

Joe Doria – Tarik Abouzied – Andy Coe

COME HUG US CAREFULLY!!

McTuff performs aug 7th, 2024 for nectar’s 20th anniversary (10pm, 2 sets)

NO COVER! Just make a reservation. Celebrate both nights Aug 6th and 7th!

Nectar is turning 20! Join us in celebrating this special anniversary on August 6th & 7th at Nectar Lounge! On August 6th, we’ll be hosting Pimps of Joytime w/ Buzz Brump, and on August 7th, we’ll celebrate with some of the local musicians who have made Nectar their home over the years: Clinton Fearon, Kuinka, and OG McTuff. Both events are free and open to the public (21+), subject to capacity. Join us for Happy Hour Patio Party 4-6pm!!

Tuesday Aug 6th – Reservations
Nectar Presents:
Nectar 20th Anniversary Party!! (night 1)
PIMPS OF JOYTIME (9:30pm, 2 sets)
with Buzz Brump (8pm)
plus DJ Max Gain (6pm)
4-6pm Patio Party!
no cover! (entry subject to capacity)
21+

Wednesday Aug 8th – Reservations
Nectar Presents:
Nectar 20th Anniversary Party!! (night 2)
CLINTON FEARON (7pm)
KUINKA (8:30pm)
OG MCTUFF (10pm, 2 sets)
plus DJ Max Gain
4-6pm Patio Party!
no cover! (entry subject to capacity)
6pm doors
21+

Nectar Lounge
412 N 36th St, Seattle Wa