The Band
The San Francisco Bay Area's Aja Vu Band pays tribute to the timeless music of Steely Dan & Chicago. Known for their faithful renditions, Aja Vu blends the rich harmonies, and classic horns that define the sound of these musical legends! Steely Dan is renowned for it's sophisticated studio recordings and jazz-infused arrangements, while Chicago is celebrated for it's brass section and blend of rock, jazz and pop. Combining these two makes for a fantastic concert experience filled with familiar and beloved songs performed with a true appreciation for the artistry of the original recordings.
Andy Morales
Lead Vocals, Drums, Congas, Timbales and Percussion…
Andy’s music career spans decades as a lead singer and drummer featured in many in many popular west coast bands, including, AJAVU, STEELIN' CHICAGO, JOE SHARINO BAND, LONG TRAIN RUNNIN and TOUCH N GO.
He has shared the stage playing with members of Santana, Sly and the Family Stone, Tower of Power and other world-famous acts. Andy's inspired Lead Vocals, Percussion, and his knowledge of music, make him one of the most sought-after musicians in Northern California.
Also worth notting are:
1) Bachelors Degree in Music
2) 25yrs leading a school band in the S’vale School District
3) Inaugurated an afterschool Music Program - The School of Rock for Teens in Sunnyvale Ca.
4) Is highlycredited with the Success of Young Musicians and Songwriters throughout SF and South Bay Area…
Larry Tagg
Bass, Vocals
Critically acclaimed bassist and vocalist Larry Tagg has built an exceptional career as a bandleader, sideman, singer, and world-renowned composer. He first gained national attention as co-founder of Bourgeois Tagg with Brent Bourgeois, touring internationally and appearing on major television programs including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and American Bandstand with Dick Clark.
Larry has toured extensively with Todd Rundgren and Hall & Oates, including U.S. and Japan tours, and has shared the stage with an impressive list of artists such as The Doobie Brothers, Leon Russell, The Sons of Champlin, Sheila E., Boz Scaggs, Jethro Tull, Edie Brickell, Ric Ocasek, The B-52s, and Fleetwood Mac.
As a songwriter, Larry’s original music has been recorded by top artists including Lee Ritenour, Eddie Money, Kim Carnes, Chris Rodriguez, Jane Wiedlin, Jenni Muldaur, Lee Aaron, Maura O’Connell, Brian Duncan, and Cliff Richard.
Career Highlights:
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U.S. and Japan tours with Todd Rundgren
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Japan tour with Hall & Oates
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Performed at the 25th Anniversary Earth Day Concert in New York’s Central Park before an audience of one million people, one of the largest crowds in music history
Brian Withycombe
Piano, Keyboards, Composer, Musical Director
Award-winning Bay Area pianist, composer, arranger, and producer Brian Withycombe has built a multifaceted career spanning years of performance, recording, and music education. With more than 30 albums released and hundreds of recordings distributed worldwide, his original music is heard daily in over 25 countries and has been featured in film, television, and multimedia projects.
Brian is also a highly sought-after music mentor and piano instructor, teaching everyone from Fortune 500 executives and professional musicians to dedicated beginners. Known for his ability to motivate, inspire, and tailor instruction beyond traditional methods, he consistently helps students exceed their own expectations.
As a performer, Brian has shared the stage and toured with members of some of the most influential bands and artists in modern music, spanning jazz, pop, rock, blues, Latin, country, and fusion. He served as a musical director and core member of several acclaimed Bay Area bands, including The Blue Meanies, 911, Gino and the Hawks, Stark Neked, and has shared the stage and toured with current and former members of Tower of Power, Santana, Chicago, Steely Dan, Journey, Boz Scaggs, Bonnie Raitt, The Doobie Brothers, and other iconic acts.”
Career Highlights:
• Over 30 albums and 200+ released recordings
• Original music featured in film, television, and global media
• Musical director and member of multiple award-winning Bay Area bands
• Shared the stage with members of numerous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame artists
Frank Rios
Vocals, Drums, Percussion
Frank Rios is a seasoned vocalist and percussionist with nearly 30 years of experience in the Sacramento music scene. Known for his versatility and reliability, Frank has performed extensively with a wide range of bands and musical projects, contributing lead and harmony vocals along with drums and percussion across multiple styles.
Over the years, Frank has been a member of several well-known regional acts including Betty & the Boomers, Rolling Blackouts, Steely Scam, and Chicago The Tribute, in addition to performing in numerous duos and trios throughout the Sacramento area. His work with Steely Scam included featured performances on the local television program Good Morning Sacramento, bringing the music to a broader regional audience.
Frank has collaborated with many Sacramento-area musicians, earning a reputation as a solid and musical team player within the local professional community.
A lifelong musician, Frank’s musical foundation is rooted in family tradition. He grew up surrounded by music—learning by ear from his father, a guitarist and violinist, and his mother, a gifted singer who performed in church and on radio in South Texas during the 1940s. Raised in a family of nine musically active siblings, Frank continues to carry that deep, organic musical upbringing into his performances today.
Tony Malfatti
Saxophone, Woodwinds, Vocals
Tony Malfatti is a versatile saxophonist, woodwind specialist, vocalist, composer, and arranger whose professional career began at an early age. A natural musician, Tony started trumpet at age three, added clarinet at ten, and saxophone at eleven. His musical foundation was shaped by renowned woodwind instructor Ed Heney, lead saxophonist with the legendary John Philip Sousa Marching Band, who refined Tony’s tone, technique, and confidence.
By age 15, Tony was already performing professionally throughout Northern California with the R&B band Streetwise, arranging and playing in a three-piece horn section. His achievements culminated in his senior year of high school when he won First Place in the Northern California Étude Competition (Classical) and earned lead alto positions in both the California State Jazz Band and the Monterey Jazz Festival High School All-Star Band.
Following high school, Tony recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley on a Warner Brothers Records project and spent much of his early career touring nationally. He later served as Minister of Music at the Church of Divine Man, where he composed, directed, taught, and oversaw multiple choirs, including a gospel ensemble.
Tony has backed legendary acts such as The Drifters and The Temptations, toured nationally with Johnny Baron & The Bel Aires, The Delta Wires Blues Band, Then & Now, The Joel Nelson Band, and Larry Lynch and the Mob, and has been a featured soloist with the Napa Symphony. He has also performed, recorded, and toured with notable vocalists including Keely Smith, Connie Francis, Russ Lorenson, Terese Genecco, and others. While primarily hired as a saxophonist and vocalist, Tony also performs on bass and continues to expand his skills on guitar and keyboards.
Brad Catania
Lead Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Arranger
Brad hails from Chicago and began his professional career in 1977, freelancing with big bands, show bands, and touring Elvis productions. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance on scholarship at Georgia Southern University, where he frequently performed lead trumpet engagements in Hilton Head, South Carolina, sharing the stage with legendary entertainers including Bob Hope, Jack Jones, Frankie Avalon, and Buddy Greco.
After relocating to the Bay Area, Brad became a regular featured trumpeter at premier venues such as the Venetian Room and Circle Star Theater, performing with an impressive roster of artists including James Brown, Lou Rawls, Mel Tormé, Patti LaBelle, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Frankie Valli, and Rosemary Clooney.
Brad has performed with notable orchestras and ensembles including Full Faith and Credit, the Zasu Pitts Memorial Orchestra, Dick Bright’s Orchestra, and Harry Denton’s Starlight Orchestra. He is currently a member of AjaVu and Steelin’ Chicago, two of the Bay Area’s most popular tribute acts celebrating the music of Steely Dan and Chicago. In addition, he is an in-demand sideman for corporate and wedding bands, regional touring acts, and studio recording projects.
Known for his refined, old-school trumpet and flugelhorn style paired with a fresh, contemporary sound, Brad is also a regular featured performer at Centerville Presbyterian Church’s renowned annual Christmas concerts in Fremont. Widely respected for his musicianship and professionalism, Brad is regarded as one of the Bay Area’s premier trumpet players.
Jimmie Adams
Drummer | Educator | Musical Director
Jimmie Adams is a versatile drummer, accomplished educator, and respected musical director whose career spans performance, recording, touring, and music education. A 2001 National Finalist (Top 6) in the Guitar Center Drum-Off, Jimmie’s early excellence led to a scholarship award from Berklee College of Music, where he earned his B.A. in Music (2005). He later completed a Master’s degree in Music Education (2011), solidifying his dual path as both performer and educator.
As a performer, Jimmie has appeared on high-profile stages, including playing for the opening of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, and has toured internationally with the Gospel Choir of America on their European tour. His deep roots in gospel, jazz, R&B, blues, and contemporary music have made him a first-call drummer across the Bay Area and beyond.
Jimmie’s band affiliations include Voices of Praise, Gospel Group Endurance, Matt Masih and the Messengers, Noah and the Arkiteks, Irvington, Kokua, and numerous blues and Bay Area bands. He has also performed with legendary artist Bobby Caldwell, further reflecting his stylistic range and professional credibility.
Throughout his career, Jimmie has shared the stage with an impressive roster of world-class musicians, including Russell Ferrante (Yellowjackets), Dean Brown (Billy Cobham), Eric Marienthal, Brian Withycombe, Steve Lawrence (TD Jakes), Dave Matsumara, and Noah Kibreab, among many others.
Equally impactful in education, Jimmie has been recognized as Educator of the Year and currently serves as a VAPA Department Head, bringing decades of real-world professional experience into the classroom. His commitment to excellence, groove, and musical integrity continues to inspire students, fellow musicians, and audiences alike.
Whether on stage or in the classroom, Jimmie Adams brings passion, precision, and purpose to every beat. 🥁
Ronnie J
Guitar, Founder, Band Leader
Ronnie J is a guitarist and bandleader whose musical roots run deep in the classic recordings of Steely Dan and Chicago. Growing up with those records as a constant influence, Ronnie brings a deep respect for tone, groove, and precision to every performance, honoring the spirit and detail of the original music while keeping it alive for modern audiences.
As the founder and longtime leader of AjaVu, Ronnie has spent over 20 years shaping one of the Bay Area’s most respected Steely Dan tribute acts—long before the term “tribute band” became common. He also founded Steelin’ Chicago more than a decade ago, further expanding his commitment to faithfully presenting the music of Chicago with authenticity and passion.
Beyond AjaVu and Steelin’ Chicago, Ronnie is the co-founder of the Bay Area band Motor City and is an active guitar instructor in San Jose, mentoring the next generation of players. A lifelong admirer of Terry Kath, Ronnie channels the grit, soul, and musical integrity that defined Chicago’s legendary guitar sound.
Every performance is about locking in with the band, digging deep into the music, and delivering classic songs with the respect they deserve—connecting audiences to the recordings and memories that made them timeless.
René Jenkins
Trombone, Multi-Instrumentalist
René Jenkins is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, educator, and ceremonial sound practitioner with over 33 years of professional experience. Performing on trombone, piano, and ancient indigenous instruments, René’s musical roots span jazz, funk, R&B, reggae, salsa, brass ensembles, and symphonic music.
As a professional trombonist, René has performed with legendary artists including Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, The Temptations, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Joe Williams, Jah Levi, and Gregg Allman. He spent over a decade performing with Dick Bright’s SRO and appeared for nearly two decades with the Santa Rosa Symphony Pops Concerts. René currently performs with AjaVu, the premier Steely Dan and Chicago tribute band.
Beyond the stage, René is deeply engaged in the transformative power of sound. Introduced to the Australian didgeridooin 1993, he began exploring sound attunement and healing practices that integrate ancestral instruments with cross-cultural traditions. In 2003, he founded VibeTherapy, a sound healing practice rooted in the intentional use of sound to support balance and well-being.
Today, René presents healing concerts, sound ceremonies, and workshops throughout the U.S. and internationally, sharing Indigenous wisdom and sacred sound alongside his wife and creative partner, Janet Janay Cipriani.