Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Tordella cut his teeth in jazz and funk-oriented groups, and by performing and sitting in with local veterans like Blue Note bassist Butch Warren and former Miles Davis drummer Ricky Wellman. Tordella accepted a full-scholarship to study classical and jazz saxophone at the University of North Texas where he had the opportunity to play with Norah Jones (then a jazz piano major) and others. Upon finishing his degree, Tordella made the move from Texas to the West Coast. In San Diego, Tordella honed his composition skills with pianist Rick Helzer and studied improvisation with legendary Mingus saxophonist Charles McPherson. Since relocating to California in 2002, Tordella has been active in the local scene frequently leading his own trios and quartets, and collaborating with other artist like bassist Rob Thorsen, altoist David Negrete, guitarist Joey Carano, and pianist Joshua White. He has performed at jazz festivals in the U.S., Mexico, and Colombia.

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