Tommy Newsom, Saxophone, 1929, Portsmouth, VA
Tommy plays baritone, tenor, and alto saxophones. He studied at the Peabody Conservatory and Columbia University Teachers College. During the 1950s he worked mainly as a studio musician in New York. While in the military he toured Europe and North Africa with the Air Force dance band. In 1962 he was a member of the band that Benny Goodman took to the USSR. He also recorded with Goodman on various occasions. In the early '60s he recorded with Ruby Braff and Marshall Brown in a swing sextet. In the early '60s he joined the Tonight Show band and remained for 30 years, eventually becoming the assistant conductor. His arrangements have been recorded by Billy Butterfield, Goodman, and Charlie Byrd.
Ryo Kawasaki, Guitar, 1947, Tokyo, Japan
Ryo studied physics at Nippon University while also playing the guitar with local bands in and around Tokyo. He formed several groups with prominent musicians in Japan before moving to New York in 1973. It didn't take him long to hook up with Gil Evans, Elvin Jones, and JoAnne Brackeen. He also formed his own group and performed in various clubs on the East Coast. An excellent reader, Kawasaki is always in demand for recording work.
Fred Katz, Cello, 1919, Brookly, NY
