Comfort Zone

Emmett "Rikk" Nixon - Denton, MD

Sheldon Miller - Keyboards - St. Michaels, MD

Robert Benson - Bass - Trapp, MD

Tom Coursey (T.C.) -Guitar - Denton, MD

Kenny Baynard- Tenor Sax, Alto, Soprano - Harrington, DE

Michael Dominguez - Trumpet,Flugelhorn - Milton, DE

Ellis - Vocalist - Salisbury

Comfort Zone Bio’s

Saxophonist Kenneth Baynard is a native of Harrington, DE. Kenny was introduced to jazz by his four brothers, two of which played saxophone, one on drums, and the other played trumpet. Taught to play sax at an early age by his brother Charles, he was exposed to such musicians as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody, Sonny Stitt, Dexter Gordon, and Stan Getz. Later in life he became an admirer of Grover Washington, Jr. Kenny started playing with local bands at the age of seventeen, and has played up and down the east coast with various local bands for about fifty years. Has opened for, and backed several recording artist. He feels that jazz is the true identity and expression of one’s soul.

Trumpet/Flugelhorn Player - Michael Dominguez was born in Bethlehem, PA and currently resides in Milton, DE. Michael was influenced early in life by trumpet players Doc Severson, Herb Albert, and Maynard Ferguson. He played in a 25 piece Big Band Jazz Band at the early age of 17 learning from such veterans as his trumpet teacher and numerous others who played with Harry James, Glenn Miller, and other various big bands of that era. Sitting along side these veterans allowed Mike to learn the art of improvisation, and later influenced by such horn players as Rick Braun, Chris Botti. Since moving to DE he has played with smooth jazz and had the opportunity to sit in with such artist’s as Joe McBride, Marion Meadows, Gerald Veasley, Deanna Bogart, Kim Waters, and numerous others that have attended the Rehoboth Jazz Fest. Michael believes jazz comes from the heart and soul, and feeling the music is what makes it great, but making someone feel better, even if it’s for a short time makes his passion for playing music worth it all.

Keyboards /Song Writer/Arranger – Sheldon Miller

Sheldon lives in St.Michaels MD and has played with numerous bands throughout his career. He played with such bands as the Tempo’s, Inbassadors, Night Journey, Revelations, and now with Comfort Zone. Since being a member of Comfort Zone his transition to Smooth Jazz has been an easy one. Sheldon has been a welcomed member to the band as he shares his creativity with the group.

Bass Player: Robert Benson resides in Trapp, MD. Known to some as (B-Flat) & others as (Rob-Bass) and born with an ear for music, Robert developed the ability to play bass by the age of 14. He played in numerous bands throughout his career such as: The Fabulous Tempos Band, Highlanders Band, Main Express band & the Imbassodors Band, Creative Vibes, just to name a few. He is now a proud member of and well respected member of Comfort Zone.

Guitarist -Thomas Corsey (T.C.) was born in Caroline County, and still resides in the County. T.C. has played in numerous bands throughout his career. After graduating from H.S., Thomas served two years in the Army. T.C. began playing guitar at the age of seven. He played with The Soft Peddlers Band, and several other local bands. He is now a welcomed member of Comfort Zone.

Drums/Percussion/Vocals: Emmett “Rikk” Nixon

Rikk has become a new and welcomed member to Comfort Zone. Playing drums professionally since the age of 13 and formerly one of the founding members of the DC-based go-go group “Trouble Funk”, his many years of experience with Go-Go, R&B and Jazz coupled with powerhouse vocals been a strong addition to this band. Having toured from Europe, the Southwest and the East and West Coasts, his insight and experience with various bands throughout his career has provided the band with the musical energy and positive outlook to the Comfort Zone sound


Vocalist –Pam”Ellis “Dunn resides in Salisbury, MD. Pam started singing at the age of 13 primarily in youth choirs and later in Church Ensembles. Pam had the opportunity to sing in other states and well as other countries, and still enjoys singing in Churches today. In 2003 Pam was introduced to Jazz and Blue. Her love of music and powerful voice was a perfect fit. Jazz and Blues allows Pam to sing from the heart and touch your soul. Working at Sydney’s Blues and Jazz Club, Pam had the opportunity to sit in with local artist and was discovered by trumpet player Michael Dominguez. From that point Pam became a member of then Creative Vibes, which has now become the group Comfort Zone. Pam has been blessed with a voice that will definitely draw your attention, and has been a welcomed member to the band.

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