Antti Sarpila

Antti Sarpila (born 1964) is one of the few internationally known jazz musicians from Finland. Although based in Helsinki, he performs extensively as a solo artist all over the world. Antti Sarpila has been a student of world famous American clarinet and saxophone player, Bob Wilber during the 1980's. Wilber himself was a student of legendary Sidney Bechet in the 1940's. This legacy is the reason for Sarpila's dedication and respect to the tradition of jazz. He wants to combine the influences captured from the early masters (from Louis Armstrong to Charlie Parker) with his own personal style to create what would be best described as "classic jazz". The continuing association between Antti and Bob has reaped many rewards. One of the highlights was in 1988, when Antti was asked to join Bob in doing a "Tribute to Benny Goodman" concert in Carnegie Hall, New York. In 2000 Antti renewed his visit to this legendary concert hall with a Swedish vibraphone player, Lars Erstrand.

Despite his relatively young age he has had the honor to play with such masters as Doc Cheatham, Wild Bill Davison, Buddy DeFranco, Vic Dickenson, Panama Francis, Bob Haggart, Scott Hamilton, Jake Hanna, John Henrics, Milt Hinton, Peanuts Hucko, Thad Jones, Dave McKenna, Bucky Pizzarelli, Marshal Royal, Zoot Sims, Dick Wellstood, Frank Wess, Trummy Young and to guest world famous orchestras such as Count Basie Orchestra, Metropole Orchestra, Dutch Swing College Band to name but a few.

In Finland Antti Sarpila has his own group - the Antti Sarpila Swing Band, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2007. In the fall of 2006 Antti Sarpila Swing Band brought "Swinging Christmas" to every corner of Finland. Finnish jazz federation has awarded Antti Sarpila with the annual "George" award 1997 and Classic Jazz Society with the "Louis Armstrong" award 1996.

Bill Allred

It all started in New Orleans, Bill’s grandmother was born in New Orleans in the town of Franklin. His father, John was a jazz pianist and banjoist on many of the steamboats, playing in and around New Orleans. Bill played trombone in high school, in the U.S. Navy Band and at St. Ambrose College.

In 1974 Bill organized the Goodtime Jazz Band. Bill remained at Rosie O’Grady’s for over 15 years serving as entertainment
director and bandleader.

In 1991 Bill returned to World Disney World as a staff musician. His jazz performances have take him to the major jazz festivals
in the U.S. and abroad. Bill has appeared in concerts with
Jack Teegarden, Billy Butterfield, Mel Thorme, Butch Miles
to name a few.

In February 2007, Bob Wilber, and his wife, Pug Horton, accompanied by the ship's orchestra, played numerous sets to standing room only audiences onboard the Seven Seas Mariner. Wilber, a passenger on the cruise ship, described the performances as "jam sessions" since they were unscheduled and unrehearsed.

Wilber was active in jazz education, including working as director of the Smithsonian Jazz Repertory Ensemble. He has written for films, including The Cotton Club. In his autobiography, Music Was Not Enough, he recounts his privileged childhood, pivotal meeting with his mentor, Sidney Bechet in 1946, and subsequent struggles as a musician in the 1950s and 1960s.

Eddie Metz Jr.

Eddie Metz Jr. was given his first pair of drumsticks at the tender age of three from the drummer in his dad's Dixieland band. "Little Eddie" played his first professional job when he was twelve years old and hasn't stopped since.

In 1982, while attending the acclaimed jazz studies program William Paterson College of NJ, prior to his graduation, Ed spent six months touring with the Count Basie Orchestra. Since that time, he has performed with some of the biggest names in jazz including Chick Corea, Arturo Sandoval, The Woody Herman Orchestra, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Scott Hamilton, Phil Woods, Clark Terry, Milt Hamilton and Ken Peplowski, as well as entertainment greats Bob Hope, The Smothers Brothers, Steve Allen, Sammy Davis Jr. and Shirley Jones.

A major part of Eddie's career was his involvement with The Black Dogs. The "Dogs" were a groundbreaking group of musicians with their roots in "Dixieland Jazz". In 1989 they took the jazz festival circuit by storm with their unique fusion of many different styles of music including Dixieland, Swing, Big Band, R & B, Rock n Roll, Latin, Gospel, Ragtime and Blues. Although the group officially broke up in 1997, they continually receive offers to put the original 1989 band together for reunion concerts. Because of the Black Dog's popularity, Eddie has become the drummer of choice for many jazz artists who have enabled him to appear at more than 60 jazz festivals around the world including tours of mainland China, Europe and Canada.

Jeff Hamilton

Getting to the heart of New Orleans and swing drumming is what Jeff Hamilton is about. Jeff's unique feel and energy are in demand with all-star musicians, jazz bands, and fans around the world. Along with his solid time and swinging drum presence, Jeff demonstrates a remarkable talent for inspiring soloists. His own soloing is fascinating, showing both great spontaneity and true melodic composition. The exciting traditions of swing and early jazz are the perfect showcase for Jeff's artistry.

Jazz journalist Jim Leigh wrote about Jeff, "While still a teenager, Hamilton studied with the legendary "Cie" Frazier in the Crescent City [New Orleans] and would later absorb the examples of Sid Catlett and other swing giants. His contribution may be summed up in a few words: perfect time, taste, and irresistible swing." With many years as an accomplished pianist, trombonist, and east Indian drummer, Jeff brings his rich and varied musical experience to his performing.

Born in Newport Beach, CA in 1956, drum lessons started at age nine and classical piano studies at eleven. A move to New Orleans in 1974 offered Jeff the opportunity to study, learn, and work with many of the wonderful older New Orleans musicians.

The late 80s and 90s found Jeff living in New Orleans again, and working throughout the Crescent City on drums, piano and trombone. Jeff was in constant demand working a daily piano gig on the Steamboat Natchez, a regular at Preservation Hall, George Buck's Palm Court Cafe, the Can Can Cafe; and frequent work with Banu Gibson and her New Orleans Hot Jazz, in town and throughout the country.

John Allred

John Allred comes from a long line of jazz musicians starting with his grandfather who played piano and banjo on the Mississippi river boats, continuing to his well known father, trombonist Bill Allred. Following his roots back to New Orleans, John has developed a deep appreciation for traditional jazz and has followed the natural progression through bebop and to many other musical styles.

John is active worldwide performing for jazz clubs, clinics and festival appearances. When John isn't playing with his own group, look for him playing trombone and tuba with Harry Connick Jr.'s big band.

Most recently, John has been performing in the hit Broadway Show “The Pajama Game” featuring Harry Connick Jr.

John, based in New York City, has performed and recorded with some of the world's jazz greats including Clark Terry, Warren Vaché, Ken Peplowski, Wynton Marsallis, Rich Matteson, Ruby Braff, Al Cohn, Slide Hampton, Bobby Shew, Louie Belson, Jake Hanna, Bucky & John Pizzarelli, Scott Hamilton, Ralph Sutton, Ross Tompkins and Dick Hyman and more. At home in the city, John has worked with The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, Toshiko Akioshi's Big Band, Vince Giordano's Nighthawks, and the Louis Armstrong Centennial band just to name a few.

In the late 80's John was lead trombonist and featured soloist with the legendary Woody Herman's Young Thundering Herd. John continues to appear with the Woody Herman Orchestra under the direction of Frank Tiberi. John's latest CD project as leader “Head To Head” with Wycliffe Gordon, has received rave reviews in jazz magazines around the globe.

John Cocuzzi

First a drummer, then a piano player, John didn't add the vibraphone till his late teens when he was inspired by Lionel Hampton recordings. Since then, he has performed alongside world-class musicians at many domestic jazz festivals and jazz parties, and at prestigious venues in Europe.

In the DC area, John appeared with his own trio/quartet and performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He has also performed at the Lincoln Center in New York City.

RECORDINGS: John has recorded many compact discs, under his own name and with other classic jazz artists: Dan Barrett, Randy Reinhart, Randy Sandke, Ed Polcer, Ken Peplowski, Allan Vaché, John Allred, Andy Stein, Skitch Henderson, James Chirillo, John Sheridan, Johnny Varro, Phil Flanigan, Frank Tate, Ed Metz, Jr. and Joe Ascione.

John-Erik Kellso

Trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso started playing professionally in and around Detroit, Michigan where he was born in 1964. Jon began early, playing in a big band at age 11, in the International Youth Symphony at age 13, and in a concert alongside Wild Bill Davison at age 17.

In '88 Jon-Erik joined James Dapogny's Chicago Jazz Band with whom he's made appearances throughout North America.

Since moving to New York City in 1989 to join Vince Giordano's Nighthawks, Jon has enjoyed performing and recording with the likes of Ralph Sutton, Dan Barrett, Howard Alden, Marty Grosz, Milt Hinton, Dick Hyman, Linda Ronstadt, Banu Gibson, Madeleine Peyroux, Leon Redbone, Ken Peplowski, Bob Wilber, and Kenny Davern.

Recent engagements include a tour of Brazil with pianist Judy Carmichael, concerts at the Kennedy Center in Washington; a 10 week tour of the U.S. with Ken Peplowski's Kingdom of Swing big band; concerts as a featured soloist in the U.K., Germany and Australia; Jazz Parties and festivals throughout the United States and Europe. Kellso can be heard on several television and movie soundtracks, including the recent movies "Ghost World," "The Aviator," The Good Shepherd" with Vince Giordano's Nighthawks.

Jon has been featured several times on Arbors Records, including three CDs as a leader and two with legendary cornetist Ruby Braff.

Nicki Parrott

Nicki was born in Australia and began her music studies there. As a youngster of four, she had begun piano lessons, adding the flute to her repertoire when she reached nine. And the bass viol became her instrument of choice when she turned fifteen.

She got a chance to pick up some pointers from such masters of the bass as Ray Brown and John Clayton on their tours Down Under. By the time she was ready to say good-bye to Sydney, Australia, Nicki had accumulated a number of prizes - one being a scholarship to a music camp, and another for a composition that placed first in a jazz competition. Since settling here, she has played with Skitch Henderson's New York and Florida Pops, Billy Taylor, Marlena Shaw, Bucky Pizzarelli, in local clubs, major festivals both here and abroad such as the Mary Lou Williams Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival, the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, the Berlin and Bern Jazz Festivals and festivals in Edinburgh and Grimsby as well as in the bands in several Broadway shows. A permanent transplant now she also gets to record with U.S. jazz musicians like Clark Terry, Slide Hampton and Warren Vaché. But she hasn't lost her charming Australian accent. A highlight for her were words of praise from Milt Hinton.

She has recently performed on six CDs for Arbors, High Energy with the Derek Smith Trio, All That Jazz with the Johnny Varro Quartet, featuring Jon-Erik Kellso and Joe Ascione, two with Skitch Henderson, Swinging With Strings, and Legends, with Johnny Frigo on Johnny Frigo's DNA Exposed! and on the new hit with Aaron Weinstein, A Handful of Stars.

She maintains a busy performance schedule and for several years on Monday nights in New York she backed Les Paul at the Iridium Jazz Club.

Pieter Meijers

Pieter Meijers, born in the Netherlands, began musical training at age six. He played in a concert band with his father as the conductor. While a student in Amsterdam he became a regular at the Dutch trad jazz scene, but he quit playing Jazz to complete his studies. He continued concert band activities and became a conductor in 1967.

In 1968, with his doctorate in nuclear chemistry and physics complete, he came to New York to pursue research. Soon he started playing jazz again. Pieter was the leader of the Isotope Stompers on Long Island. He also performed in musicals as a musician and later as musical director.

In 1981 Pieter came to LA and within one year he joined the Nightblooming Jazzmen. He was their reed man for 13 years.

For a few years he worked free lance in several bands as a guest and in 1998 Pieter was asked to become a permanent member of the High Sierra Jazz Band. He has been the leader of this band since 1999. He is also the leader of the highly successful PIETER MEIJERS QUARTET that has toured the world featuring great vocalists such as Rebecca Kilgore, Ruby Wilson, Nina Ferro, Paulette Pepper and Brady McKay.

In addition, Pieter has become a frequent featured artist at jazz festivals and jazz cruises. He has performed all over the world with some of the most famous bands and musicians. A highlight was a concert with Antti Sarpila in Cesaria, Israel this summer.
Pieter has more than 20 recordings to his credit.

Pieter's artistry in music is lyrical, often hard-driving but always with technical brilliance. His improvisations are innovative and daring, and his humor brings enjoyment on stage and off. Pieter maintains a position as Senior Conservation Scientist (contract) at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Rossano Sportiello

Even before the French institution, L’Académie du Jazz recognized his work on solo piano as the “Prix du Jazz Classique 2005” or magazines such as Jazz Classique and Jazz Hot printed rave reviews about him, 34-year old pianist Rossano Sportiello, was an emerging talent on the international jazz scene. A native of Vigevano, Italy, Rossano graduated from the Italian Conservatory and began his musical career at the age of 18 by joining the “Milano Jazz Gang”, one of Europe’s historic bands.

An accomplished stride pianist, Rossano grew up listening to Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller and Ralph Sutton, whom he met shortly before the elder’s death. However, his pianistic style also pays homage to the swing and bebop eras. He cites Earl Hines, Teddy Wilson, Bud Powell,Tommy Flanagan, Ellis Larkins, Red Garland, Wynton Kelly and Bill Evans as a few of his influences. His mentor, bebop pianist Barry Harris, says “Rossano makes me smile when he plays.” On occasion, the jazz legend has invited him to the stage to play on his gigs, touting Rossano as “the best stride pianist” he's ever heard.

Rossano has performed with many of the world’s finest jazz luminaries, such as Slide Hampton, Gerry Mulligan, Bucky Pizzarelli, Dick Hyman, Houston Person, Dado Moroni, Eddie Locke, Dan Barrett, Harry Allen, Scott Robinson, Carl Fontana, Rebecca Kilgore, Reggie Johnson, Scott Hamilton, Bob Wilber, Kenny Davern, Warren Vache, Ken Peplowski, Butch Miles, Jake Hanna, Johnny Frigo and many others. He performs throughout Europe.

Tom Hook

Musician songwriter Tom Hook began his career in Kansas City Missouri, performing in local in regional jazz and rock bands, as well as working as a stage performer at Worlds of Fun theme park. Leaving Kansas City in 1980, Tom began a long association with the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, working as a lounge entertainer on board the Mississippi Queen until 1985 when he assumed bandleader duties on the Delta Queen. 1986 found Tom in Orlando, Florida working as a staff musician at Walt Disney World. While in Orlando, Tom also worked as a staff musician at Rosie O'Grady's at Church Street Station, and with his own vintage rock band, The Terrier Brothers at the Orchid Garden. The Terrier Brothers assumed duties of relief house band at Lil' Darlin's Rock and Roll Palace in Kissimmee, Florida where they appeared with the rock and roll legends of the fifties and sixties such as Coasters, Drifters, Diamonds, Platters, Tokens, Contours, Shirelles, Marvelettes, Dixie Cups, Sam Moore, Lou Christy, Little Anthony, Gary "U.S." Bonds, Peter Noone, Spencer Davis, Mama's & Papas, and Marc Lindsey. During the same time period Tom had the pleasure of opening for Mitch Ryder, Blood, Sweat, & Tears, The Crickett's, and Wilson Pickett, as well as recording a progressive rock project at Ian Anderson's (Jethro Tull) studio in Barford-St, Michael, UK.

In 1987 Tom was a founding member of the Black Dog Jazz Band, an association that led him to appearances at most of the major Traditional Jazz festivals in the US, as well as tours of Western Europe and the Orient.

In 1992 Tom worked as music director at Main Street Station Casino in Las Vegas, and then returned to Delta Queen Steamboat Co as staff musician and band leader between 1993 and 1997, assuming the roll of Cruise Director on the American Queen in 1998.

In 1999 Tom returned to Disney World as a staff musician, and was one of the opening entertainment staff at Pat O'Brien's nightclub at Universal Studios City Walk.
In 1999 Tom assumed the position of Manager of Entertainment for Delta Queen Steamboat Co, moving to the position of Music Director at Harrah's Casino New Orleans in 2001. In 2002 Tom returned to Delta Queen as the Director of Entertainment, overseeing the entertainment programming for the entire company.

Over the years Tom has performed on various local and national jingles for entities as diverse as the Kansas City Chiefs, Truly Nolen, Budweiser, McDonalds, H&R Block, Missouri State Lottery, Florida State Lottery, as well as toured with his own one-man stage production of the musical drama "Riverman!"

Richard Simon

Richard left a comfortable position as a college English instructor to pursue the perilous life of a jazz bassist. He received instruction from the LA Philharmonic's Abe Luboff, jazz legend Red Callender, and crossover virtuoso John Clayton, and soon began working with Buddy Collette, Teddy Edwards, Plas Johnson and Art Hillery. Singers dig him too; he has worked frequently with Ernie Andrews, Maxine Weldon, Lorez Alexandria and Sue Raney, and occasionally with Keely Smith, Maria Muldaur, and Rosemary Clooney. From be-bop and mainstream jazz, he branched out into “trad” and swing, playing festivals with the likes of Dan Barrett, Ed Polcer, Allan Vache, Rebecca Paris, and Joe Ascione. Richard toured Japan and recorded with Ken Peplowski's “Last Swing of the Century,” a Benny Goodman-styled big band. His recording highlights include “Bophead,” with vibraphonist Dave Pike; “Evening Delight,” with Plas Johnson, and 2006's “How About Me,” led by Ernie Andrews & Houston Person. He's recorded three--so far--on his own UFO-BASS label: “Groove Therapy,” “Covering the Basses,” and “Pacific Standard Time.” New in summer 2006 is “The Buddy Collette Big Band - Live at El Camino College” (UFO Bass #006). The tape of this performance from 1990 was lost, then found, and fortunately, restored. It features four of LA's most respected jazz artists--Red Callender (tuba), Thurman Green (trombone), Allen Jackson (bass) and Bobby Bryant (trumpet).