MUSICIANS of JAZZ FOR ALL OCCASIONS

JIM MILLS, trombone **In Memorium 1939 - 2006**
Jim was born in Los Angeles. He started trombone in the Vallejo schools, graduated from Vallejo High School, and attended University of California where he played with the UC Band. While in the U.S. Navy he attended the U.S. Navy School of Music. Jim has performed with the Mexicali Brass, numerous Latin and soul groups, the Bob Enos Big Band, Jim Jensen Big Band, and the Generation Gap Big Band.

Jim passed away December 1,2006. He will be missed as he was fun to be around, a gentleman, and a fine musician.

BOB AKERS, flute, clarinet, alto & tenor saxophones
Born in Whittier, CA Bob received considerable classical training in flute and clarinet early on. He developed a love of jazz and swing era music in high school and took up the saxophone. He performed extensively in the 70's and 80's culminating with several years as a member of the U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point, N.Y. He has performed in orchestras and symphonic bands throughout the Bay Area as guest soloist. Bob currently makes his home in Sonoma County and is in demand as a jazz soloist and big band sideman, as well as "subbing" in local orhchestras.

TRANISHIA GHOLSTON, vocalist
Tranishia was born and raised in the church and has been singing since the age of three. Her father, a Methodist minister, and mother both encouraged her to sing in church, school, competitions, and stage productions.

Her early experiences include singing with the Oakland Children's Chorus,Holy Names High School Choir,Oakland Youth Chorus (which traveled to Fukuoka, Japan to sing in the Asian Pacific Exposition), and the Downs Memorial United Methodist Church Choir.

Tranishia has been featured vocalist with the College of Alameda Jazz Band,sung in lounges throughout the San Francisco Bay Area(with Richard Walton),and has performed with the music legends George Duke and Herb Geller. In addition, she has shared the stage with Bob Baldwin,Greg Adams(Tower of Power),Michael Lington(Dave Koz),Paul Jackson Jr.,and Michael O'Neill(Brenda Russell).

Tranishia has starred in the role of Dorothy in the "Wiz," winning the Best Vocal Performance Female Award. She made her theatrical debut with the Black Repertory Theatre as "Mz.Jazzy Josie," the story about the legendary performer Josephine Baker.

Being very accomplished as a singer of Gospel, Jazz, and R&B music styles, as well as dancing, acting, and modeling; Tranishia is the ultimate well-rounded performer.

RICH HENRY, flute, clarinet, alto saxophone
Rich is from Grand Rapids, Michigan and is a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Music Education. He and Dalt Williams served in Korea performing with the U.S. 8th Army Band. Rich has played Lead Alto Saxophone in the bands of Claude Thornhill, Buddy Morrow, Earl "Fatha" Hines, Charlie Barnet, Boyd Raeburn, and Billy Mays. He has also performed with Nat and Cannonball Adderley, Nat Pierce, Quincy Jones, Doc Serverinsen, Gerry Mulligan, and Junior Nance. In addition, Rich has played a number of years at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco backing such performers as Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, and Tony Bennett.

GARY MAAS, drums
Gary is a native California and was raised in Napa. He now resides in Benicia. He started drumming at an early age and continued thru high school and college. He earned his degree from the University of California Berkeley where he was a member of the University of California Marching Band and University of California Jazz Ensemble which toured Japan during the World Fair in 1970. Gary has recorded and performed with a variety of groups, toured Canada and the U.S., and appeared in Lake Tahoe shows.

GREG REGINATO, guitar
Greg was born and raised in El Sobrante, CA. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He has studied guitar with Michael Gibbs in New York and has participated in numerous New York recording projects. He has performed with Norbert Statchel, Matthew Echol, the Bay Area Jazz Ensemble, the Rory Snyder Quintet, the Diablo Valley College Night Jazz Ensemble, and the Diablo Valley College All Star Combo.

BARRY ROBERTSON, piano, keyboards
Barry had his early training in classical piano as a child, but moved on to jazz/pop in his late teens. His style was influenced initially by recordings of Oscar Peterson, Erroll Garner, and Dave Brubeck, then later by the music of Bill Evans, Andre Previn and Herbie Hancock. Barry has enjoyed playing piano in small group settings as well as big bands for most of his adult life. Although music has not been his main career (Barry was a classroom teacher for 38 years until his retirement in 2003), he has made it his principal hobby/avocation and enjoys performing for live audiences in and around the Bay Area. Barry makes his home in Napa, CA with his wife, Lani.

DALT WILLIAMS, acoustic bass, leader, composer/arranger
Dalt was born and raised in Vallejo, CA where his music education began(on trumpet and tuba). After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a bandsman where he became interested in the acoustic bass. He first studied bass with Jack Weeks(former bassist with Cal Tjader and Dave Brubeck). While in Korea he performed with the U.S. 8th Army Band and drummer Ed Thigpen(later with Oscar Peterson Trio),guitarist Rod Lewis(formerly with Anita O'Day), and pianist Dave Hildinger.

Dalt is a graduate of San Francisco State University where he studied bass with Charles Siani(San Francisco Symphony) and earned a degree in Music Education. While in San Francisco he appeared with the Al Trobbe Trio, Dave Van Kriedt, Vince Guaraldi, Eddie Peabody, the Rudy Salvini Big Band, and as a sideman with numerous other groups.

During his 35 year teaching career he started the music program at Vanden High School and later moved to Benicia High School. At Benicia he developed an award winning program in Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, and Vocal Jazz. In 1994 he was voted Benicia's Teacher of the Year. In 1995 he was awarded the Outstanding Music Educator Award for the CMEA Bay Section. Dalt is a member of the International Association of Jazz Educators, the American Federation of Musicians, the California Music Educators Association, and the Northern California Band Association.