The
Williams Reunion Jazz Band
The
WILLIAMS REUNION JAZZ BAND narne goes back twenty years when
the seven first played together in a formal jazz concert in Chapin Hall at the
Williams College Reunion of 1983. They've performed there every year since to
appreciative audiences and critical acclaim.
Their reputation in Williamstown has blossomed into a year 'round schedule of
private parties, country clubs, jazz festivals, colleges, and special events
from New York throughout New England to Boston and Florida, and even to New
Orleans. In June of 1993, they reached every musician's nirvana when performing,
in concert, on stage with the Boston Pops in Symphony Hall.
The group's "Core Four," all Williams graduates and original members
of PHINNEY'S FAVORITE FIVE, have played together for 50 years.
Tom Hayne ('59), drums, and Bob
Kingsbury, clarinet, are retired businessmen - a banker and
an ad man. They kept their jazz alive in the 60's in the New York area as founders
and leaders of the WESTCHESTER STOMPERS and the REBORN DIXIE JASS BAND. Fred
Clifford, tuba, still active in Boston finance, keeps his Dixieland
faith with Boston's JAZZ BAND BALL. John Halsey
('59), piano, is a full time pro and music teacher in New York. Back when Condon's
and Ryan's were alive, John was a regular playing with the grand old names of
jazz. He now keeps active at jazz spots like Arthur's Tavern in Greenwich Village
and the Cajun Restaurant.
The "Permanent Guest Stars"
John Bucher, Cornet. Amherst '52.
John has a huge reputation and following. He fronted the Woody Allen band at
Michael's Pub, recorded the sound track for Woody's "Sleeper", currently
leads the SPEAKEASY JASS BABIES. John's a New York investment banker living
in Mountainside, NJ. Jimmy Mazzy,
Banjo and Vocal. Bates '63. Jimmy was voted #1 banjo player and #7 male vocalist
in the country in Jazzbeat Magazine's Jazzology Poll. Jimmy's been heard on
NPR; he's recorded extensively, and plays for festivals around the world. He
works in the Boston area. Tom
Boates, Valve Trombone. Jim Wheaton, the WRJB’S founding
valve trombonist, passed away in June 2005. His seat is now honored by a wonderful,
younger trombonist, New Haven’s Tom Boates. Tom is well known to classic
jazz fans through his fine festival work with the WOLVERINES and other hot NE
jazz bands. By day, he teaches high school music in Connecticut.
