THE LOCAL SPIRITS are a Phoenix-based instrumental quartet that puts a creative spin on instrumental music. These four established Phoenix musicians have come together to create a musical group that channels Jazz, Rock, Bluegrass, Country, Blues, Middle Eastern, and World Music flavors into a style of their own. Guitar and mandolin twin harmonies are woven into drum and bass grooves, creating a genre-defying sound that makes this quartet uniquely creative. They released their 5-song EP in May 2024 and have been releasing singles of new material in preparation for a full-length album.

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Bill Dutcher (Guitar)
Bill has been an independent recording artist and performer for over 35 years. In that time, he has established himself as a nationally recognized solo-acoustic performer, studio musician, and music instructor. He is the producer of the Extreme Acoustic series at the Musical Instrument Museum, now in its tenth year. He has also represented L.R. Baggs Electronics and Lakewood Guitars from Germany at NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) trade shows. Bill’s talents include six- and 12-string acoustic guitar, Hawaiian guitar, and the rare harp guitar.

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Geoff Jouas (Drums/Percussion)
Two days after graduating high school, Geoff hit the road as a full-time performer with his band EastonAshe. Over six years, he recorded three albums and toured extensively throughout the Midwest and East Coast. He has an endorsement with The Maryland Drum Company, and still plays that kit to this day. Over his 20 years of drumming, Geoff has played with Jay Allan and The Uncommon Good, Rose Colored Eyes, Nameless Prophets, Capital Down, and American Dali. He brings a blend of passion, precision, and deep musicality to every performance.

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Mark Miracle (Mandolin)
An award-winning mandolinist, Mark Miracle has played Bluegrass/Americana music for over 40 years. His global performances and expertise have made him a sought-after bandmate, guest artist, and teacher. Mark’s style transcends traditional Bluegrass, embracing experimental sub-genres like Newgrass. He brings harmonic magic to the band’s songs through his spontaneous melodic interplay with acoustic guitar, crafting intertwined harmonies that leave a lasting impression.

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Tracy Mortimer (Bass Guitar)
A Denver native who’s called Arizona home for the past 38 years, Tracy began playing professionally at age 13 and is a graduate of the Musicians Institute Bass Program in Los Angeles, CA. He’s toured with an impressive list of artists and was the bassist for Sugarloaf in 1990. In 2004, he toured with Alligator Records recording artist Long John Hunter, and has also performed with The Drifters, The Platters, The Contours, and Melba Moore. Tracy is also a member of tribute bands Don’t Look Back (Boston) and Listen to the Music (Doobie Brothers), and was a founding member of The Groove Merchants and Chester White and the Soul Pigs.