Mr. Vale’s Math Class

++ Upcoming Shows ++

3/22 - Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern - Tickets
4/1 - Portland, OR - The Goodfoot - More Info
4/2 - Spokane, WA - The Chameleon - Tickets
4/3 - Big Sky, MT - Tips Up - More Info
4/4 - Helena, MT - Lewis & Clark Taproom - More Info
4/5 - Bozeman, MT - Bozeman Hot Springs - More Info
4/8 - Missoula, MT - Monks - Tickets
4/10 - Moscow, ID - John’s Alley - More Info
4/11 - Enterprise, OR - The Range Rider - More Info
5/8 - Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios - Tickets

The Music Video for “Don’t Wanna Work” Filmed by: Matt Rossi

++ Bio ++

Mr. Vale's Math Class is more than the sum of its parts—the six-piece funk band brings rollicking dance-party vibes backed by zippy horns, wink-and-a-nod lyrics, and an energizing stage performance to the Pacific Northwest and beyond. If only high school math class were this much fun.

Oscillating between playful and serious, the band riffs its way through blues, funk, and jammy notes from bygone eras, with modern, fresh lyrics that feel plucked from a math wizard's hat. Rest assured, Mr. Vale's Math Class will have you grooving to the golden mean, even if you can't find your protractor or remember how to do quadratic equations.

Led by the multi-instrumentalist and math tutor Jordan Vale on keys, trumpet, and vocals, the group includes musicians Nick Hamel on guitar, Milo Fultz on bass, James Ford on drums, David Burrows on auxiliary percussion, and Lhanna Writesal on saxophone, along with a rotating cast of dynamic guest musicians.

Always cooking up something new, Mr. Vale's Math Class released Live, Math, Love part 1 in 2026, a four-song EP that blends funky grooves, heartfelt moments, and clever math-inspired storytelling and builds on the band's identity as cheeky educators with serious musical chops. The EP followed several 2005 and 2022 singles and its 2002 album We Can Help You Out, which Eleven PDX called "a funky, jazzy, lovefest."

Mr. Vale's Math Class has rocked the house at major PNW music fests, including Juniper Jam, Shift, NW Folklife, and Goodtime Campout, and has opened for acts such as Jamie Cullum, Marchfourth, and High Step Society.

“Live, Math, Love part 1”

Mr. Vale’s Math Class returns with their third release, Live, Math, Love, a four-song EP that blends funky grooves, heartfelt moments, and clever math-inspired storytelling. Building on their identity as cheeky educators with serious musical chops, the band delivers a collection that is equal parts playful and serious.

Live, Math, Love showcases the group’s range with upbeat romps, emotionally charged (and occasionally smirk-inducing) ballads, and modern pick-me-up anthems designed to energize listeners. With witty schoolhouse references woven into infectious rhythms, the EP further defines the spirit of Mr. Vale’s Math Class—where learning meets laughter and funk leads the lesson.

With this latest release, Mr. Vale’s Math Class comes in hot, proving they have the formula for music that’s smart, soulful, and undeniably fun.

“We Can Help You Out”

Mr. Vale’s Math Class’ first full length album “We Can Help You Out” is out on all platforms! Recorded at Trash Treasury by local treasure Cam Spies and joined by an incredible lineup of musicians, including members of Plastic Cactus, Queen Elizabeth, Night Heron, Martha Stax, Kulululu, and Melao de Cuba, the music takes you through a full spectrum of math inspired emotions (anguish, joy, heartbreak) and teaches you that Mr. Vale’s Math Class really knows how to party.

“Show Your Work”

Their first EP “Show Your Work” is a community effort of talented musicians lending their skills and imagination to create a unique sound. The heart of the album is cute and fun, sprinkled with skits and unexpected noises. With notes of funk, Latin beats, saxophones, trumpets, bells, and catchy cheers, the album is an invitation to play. Despite the band’s name, these songs will not teach you about math. Except that you plus this music equals a good time.

++ Mr. Vale ++

Jordan Vale is a Multi-Instrumentalist and Math Tutor based in Portland, Oregon. As a musician he is always trying to find the best way to add to any musical situation. “I think being thoughtful and considerate while making music will always make for a better music and create a more meaningful relationship between the people making music as well as the people listening.”. He takes a similar approach with he students and understands that teaching Math is as much about building relationships and have fun as it is learning the Math itself.

After attending Michigan State University where he completed degrees in both Jazz Studies and Mathematics Jordan moved to the Portland area where he now resides and works. Since arriving in Portland Jordan has been tutoring math privately and at math centers such as Mathnasium. he’s been a member of groups such as Typhoon, High Step Society, Roselit Bone, Plastic Cactus, Kulululu, Night Heron, The Jack Maybe Project, Melao de Cuba, and more. “Math and Music are both important parts of my life and who I am and I’m so lucky that I get to actively pursue both of my passions and create community with excellent musicians, students, and people”.

++ Press ++

“We Can Help You Out is the debut LP by Mr. Vale's Math Class, and while it's not a straight-up "teaching" album like those great kids' records by They Might Be Giants, the tunes are mostly (or all) about the world of numbers. The group is tight and fun, and while most of the music exists in that funk-jazz-rock world I associate with jam bands, the spikey "Do Your Math" is somewhere between Devo and James Chance's no-wave funk.” - Pulp

“this release [“We Can Help You Out] is an eclectic, catchy new ride from the familiar Math class we know and love.” - Eleven PDX

“Mr. Vale’s Math Class: A Band You Can Count On” - WECB

“Jordan Vale and friends make arithmetic an activity you'll want to do at the bar…Show Your Work, six songs reminiscent of the legendary Multiplication Rock but updated with flairs of funk, Latin beats, all sorts of horns and other bright, silly sounds, resulting in a jammy, Vulfpeck meets Mayer Hawthorne vibe.” - Vortex Magazine

“Mr. Vale’s Math Class, is a rip-roaring romp of a musical project.” - Curbside Press

“Holy Mother of Instruments, thou has blessed thee with an exciting jam to vibe with.” - Illustrate Magazine

“Most fun band in Portland right now” - Machado Mijiga (Gohan Blanco)