Lewis Keizer, Trumpet & Vocals:
Played jazz professionally in Portland, Oregon, during the early 1960’s.
Established the jazz program at UCSC in 1970 while a faculty member in Religious Studies.
Performed with the PLUM FOREST traditional jazz band, JAKE STOCK AND THE ABALONE STOMPERS, BATHTUB GIN DIXIELAND BAND (Bellingham, WA), singer Marcia K’s STATE
STREET JAZZ BAND (Las Vegas, NV), SWEET THURSDAY (Monterey), and at many festivals including the original Sacramento.
Jubilees.
During the 1980’s performed all summer for the America’s Cup Races in Newport,
Rhode Island, with JACK LONDON’s JAZZ BAND, then co-led the CALIFORNIA RHYTHM KINGS
with trombonist Ed Zimbrick. Later performed with Ed Zimbrick’s all-star TENTH AVENUE
JAZZ BAND in Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean, Australia, and at numerous American jazz festivals.
Performed with such greats as Sonny Chris, Jimmy Pepper, Monk Mongomery, Scott Hamilton, George Young, and did duo cornet or trumpet performances with Bobby Hackett, Chet Baker, and Jackie Coon.
Appeared as all-star guest artist at 1998 Edinburgh Jazz Festival in Scotland.
Gigs and performs with SWEET THURSDAY DIXIELAND BAND at the Monterey Dixieland Festival 2007, 2008; gigs with LIGHTHOUSE JAZZ BAND; leads the YACHT CLUB BAND
Recent Recordings: The Electric Cornet of Lewis Keizer (1998); Bathtub Gin Party Band Favorites (1996); Marcia K’s State Street Band (1995); and Tenth Avenue Jazz Band recordings 1998-2001. Also recorded with JAKE STOCK'S ABALONE STOMPERS and Russ Guarino's LIGHTHOUSE JAZZ BAND.
Marshall Root, Drums:
Began playing drums in high school during the 60s in Los Angeles. Later worked as a studio musican at a small independent recording studio in Hollywood. Continued playing with various rock, country and jazz bands throughout California. Eventually settled in Monterey. Moved on the East coast and played in Cape Cod with various jazz and pop bands. Made recordings with Tom Sullivan in Boston area. Moved back to California in the early 70s and continued playing in Monterey and Santa Cruz area between stints on the road. Moved to Oregan and played with various jazz and blues bands in the Portland area. Played with Dave McKenna, Billy Marcus and the late, Burkley Kendricks, formally with the Howard Roberts quartet, among others. Presently settled in Salinas.
Nancy Cassel, Bass:
The “Queen of Groove” has been the steady pulse for various jazz, easy-listening and Latin groups for many years. She is proficient in straight-ahead jazz, Dixieland, Brazilian, salsa, country and pop. A music educator, she is proud of having helped many young people get their start in playing jazz.
David Robinson, Piano:
David Robinson has been playing piano since the third grade, when Ms Sanfillipo first grilled him on his first scale, and it's been one foot in front a't'other ever since. Under the tutelage of Ray Brown and others in the Santa Cruz area, the pace picked up a jazz feel and the steps started to dance double time in the '80s. You can tell, this is what he really likes to do.
Influences run from Art Tatum, and Oscar Peterson and even to George Shearing.
