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The Williams Reunion
Jazz Band The WRJB on board the sternwheeler, American Queen somewhere on the Mississippi, during a Williams College Jazz cruise, September, 2007 |
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CDs from our concerts and Jazz Cruises:
Click the links above to hear samples
songs from these disks (or right-click and "save as"
to save to your computer).
For information, CD's, or bookings contact Bob Kingsbury, e-mail bobbury@aol.com, Tel. 413-458-9113, or Tom Hayne. E-mail: mrtomtom59@aol.com or cell: 203-219-8736 |
| Back to Top CDs For Sale The Band In Action History and Musicians | |
 100 Williams Alumni and
friends on board cruise ship Jewel of the Seas, |
 Showtime aboard the Delta Queen (in 2000): Halsey, Wheaton, Bucher, Kingsbury, Clifford, Mazzy, Hayne |
The WRJB at the Twelfth Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Classic in Clearwater, Florida, November 22-24, 2002 |
 The Gig of all Gigs: with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall celebrating the 200th anniversary of Williams College, June 1993. Visible are John Halsey, piano; Fred Clifford, tuba; Bob Kingsbury, clarinet; John Bucher, cornet; Jim Wheaton, trombone. Not in photo: Tom Hayne, drums; Jimmy Mazzy, banjo, Bill Payne, banjo. (photo by Thomas Bleezarde) |
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| Back to Top CDs For Sale The Band In Action History and Musicians | |
 "Five
decades, performing live, classic, American Jazz
for the nicest people in the finest places in the world” The
WILLIAMS REUNION JAZZ BAND was born on New England
college campuses in the 1950’s when Dixieland was
alive and well and “runnin’ wild”. Seven musicians
of that era have survived - together - and now
thrive, playing the music they have cherished
- the music of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton,
Fats Waller, Bix Beiderbecke and Hoagie
Carmichael. The music of Classic American
Jazz.
The WRJB name goes back to 1983 when, at a formal jazz concert in Williams College Chapin Hall, the seven first played together. Through the years, their reputation in Williamstown has blossomed into a year ‘round schedule of performances at private parties, country clubs, weddings, church masses, jazz festivals, jazz cruises, and special events across the USA. In June of 1993, they performed on stage with the Boston Pops in Symphony Hall. |
Williams
Alumni
The WRJB’s core four, all Williams graduates and original members of PHINNEY’S FAVORITE FIVE, have played together for more than 50 years. Bob Kingsbury ‘58, clarinet, Fred Clifford ‘58, tuba, the original leader of PHINNEYS and Tom Hayne ‘59, drummer are all retired businessmen for whom this band and this music has always, and will always, be a cherished avocation. John Halsey, Piano - Williams '59, 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 and the Cajun. Permanent Guest Stars JOHN BUCHER, (Amherst '52), cornet, is the musical heart of the WRJB with a huge reputation and following in New York. John led the Woody Allen Band at Michael’s Pub for over 25 years and was called by John D. Wilson of the NY Times, the finest cornetist in the Northeast. John also leads the SPEAKEASY JAZZ BABIES who did the sound track for Woody Allen’s 1973 movie “SLEEPER”. JIMMY MAZZY, (Bates '63), banjo and vocals, is the musical soul of the band. His unique banjo styling and earthy, profoundly individual voice have been featured on NPR’s Prairie Home Companion, at jazz festivals around the world and on many recording venues. He tours regularly with Butch Thompson. In 1995, Jim was voted the #1 banjo player in the country by JAZZOLOGY magazine; and #1 again by the MISSISSIPPI RAG in 1999. Jim is a full time musician living in Holliston, MA. TOM BOATES, (U.Mass '77) a tailgate trombonist in the tradition of Jack Teagarden and Miff Mole, out of New Haven, CT. Tom is a favorite on the Jazz Festival circuit playing with the Wolverines. In real life he leads the music department of a Connecticut High School. JIM WHEATON, (Dartmouth '53) the WRJB’S founding valve trombonist, passed away in June of 2005. His seat is now filled by Tom Boates. To hear the WILLIAMS REUNION JAZZ BAND play their brand of happy music is to believe that American Jazz is alive and well - and all is right with the world. |
Page updated by the webmaster
March, 2012