On Cornet: C.J. Sams - Well known as a sousaphone player, C.J. is now on the front line, and now he doesn't have to walk to the microphone to sing his vocals. In addition, he was use to stepping on the fire siren pedal and playing sousaphone in the old Firehouse Stompers. C.J.'s approach to cornet is a very refreshing sound we haven't heard in a while. Just a great musician.
On Trombone: Robert Butler - During his senior year in college he worked for a Disney artist, Frank C. Smith, doing production illustration on Steven Speilberg’s “Goonies” and “Baby.” Mr. Smith was one of two known "two handed artist" who used both hands... left hand for the right lines, right hand for the left lines and both hands for the straight lines. Robert attended Art Center College of Design and CSULB and has a B.F.A degree in illustration. He worked as staff artist for various advertising agencies and then moved on to freelancing, as well as doing the “Jazz Me Laughs” cartoon strips and annual cover art for the American Rag for many years. About a decade after purchasing his first FH5+2 record (he has them all now) he played with George Probert’s Monrovia Old Style Jazz Band for a few years and became friends with several FH5+2 alumni, including Ward Kimball, Frank Thomas and George Probert, who became his mentor on cornet. In 1993 he went through what he calls “The George Probert School of Trombone Playing.” When he first met Probert he didn't own a metronome but he now has a collection of them in different sizes, colors and styles and uses a couple of them with amplifiers. He’s spent about 25 years collecting FH5+2 everything. After 21 years as a band leader he is now having a blast as a sideman on trombone, drums and sousaphone. His latest toy is a Model T Ford Klaxton horn. Ba-oo-gah!
On Piano: Pat Aranda - He's been playing in dixieland bands since high school. Was the leader of the Dixeland Delinquents Jazz Band, played piano in the Firehouse Stompers and has worked as a professional jazz musician at Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farm and the Queen Mary. He has been featured as a pianist at many Ragtime festivals including the Sutter's Creek Ragtime Festival, the Orange County Rag Festival and at the El Segundo Old Time Music Hall. He also teaches jazz at Chaffy College in Pomona. Pat is definitely one of the finest piano men on the festival circuit today.
On Clarinet and Soprano Sax: Mike Olson -
Mike started playing at the age of 6. He started on piano went to clarinet in the school band and then started on banjo at 10. Mike has worked as a professional musician since he was 15. He played with George Martin's Pearly Band at Disnelyand in the 60's, Lloyd Byasse's, Bay City Jazz Band, The Cores Of Jazz and the Miss Behavin' Jass Band. A a premier clarinetist Mike is often compared to Joe Ashworth and Bob Draga. Both very close friends
Banjo: Jim Jones - is our tenor banjo player. Originally from Oak Park IL, he played and recorded with the Salty Dogs Jazz Band at Purdue in 1957-58 before serving seven years as a naval officer. In 1997, he coordinated the Fiftieth Anniversary Reunion and Concerts of the Salty Dogs and, later, re-issued the CD of “The 1958 Salty Dogs”.
Jim has an archival collection of 15,000 orchestrations, leadsheets and 78-rpm records. He shares these with musicians and fans worldwide though his extensive website, www.yestertunes.com. He is president of the American Federation of Jazz Societies.
Jim is a veteran of several bands in Southern California and is married to Janey since 1977. He will never be tall.
On Tuba: Buddy Apfel -
Buddy lives in Phoenix, Az. He is one of the finest tuba players on the circuit playing today. Buddy has played with the Jim Cullem Jazz Band in San Antonio, Tx. He was heard on River Walk, Live From The Landing for 5 years. Before that he played with Clyde McCoy for many years and can be heard on his recordings. Buddy is a total asset to the South Burgundy Street Jazz band.
On Drums: Jon Lundgren - Jon is one of the greatest drummers playing today. Whatever the style Jon knows how to approach it. (rock, country, all styles and eras of jazz etc.) Jon also doubles on washboard and sings. He is very entertaining just to watch him play and one thing you can always count on with Jon, he always has a smile. Jon and Mike played at Disneyland together a long time ago and last year they decided to do this new project together along with these other fine musicians.
