Not-So-Modern Jazz Quartet +

OUR MUSICIANS

The Basic Quartet

(Our Regulars)

Piano, Clarinet, Drums, Bass

Herb Greenlee - Piano

Herb has been playing solo and small group jazz piano in the Washington area for over 20 years. He has played at the Fish Market in Alexandria, Virginia for several years. Herb lives in Pennsylvania, and commutes to Washington to tune pianos. He is a connoisseur of collectibles when not playing.       

Bill realized a life long dream at the age of 50, when he started playing drums under the tutelage of several active drummers in the area. After a fire burned down the local nightly jazz hangout (the Bratwursthaus in Arlington), some of the musicians met weekly at Bill's house to get their licks in. This was the beginning of the Not-So-Modern Jazz Quartet. (See the Band History) The band played many gigs in the early years, but in 1985 it started playing regularly at Jacques Cafe in Arlington, and they were there for eleven years until it closed. Bill styles himself in the quiet, steady drumming of Zutty Singleton and Dave Tough.  

                                         Ernie began performing professionally at age 14.  Originally trained by J. Paul Freeman of the US Army Band, he studied music at Syracuse University (Drum Major of the SU Marching Band), American University and took private lessons with Oscar Zimmerman at the Eastman School of Music.  Ernie recorded on Decca/Coral Records with "The Empty Set" and has performed with Jack Jones, Peter Duchin and Country Music Stars "Alabama".  A native of Arlington, VA, Ernie appears with many local groups in the Washington/Baltimore area.

Jimmy Hamilton - Baritone Sax, Clarinet

Jimmy plays in the style of his mentor, Peewee Russell. AS the fourth musician, he uses his baritone sax to provide the bass line. He has been playing on the jazz scene for nearly 50 years. He is a regular at St. Elmo’s, and always ready to play another gig.

A  talented guitarist and banjo player who has become a regular, and plays with the quartet when a piano is not available.  He works for the Post Office and raising children, but is always ready to play a gig when he can.

Joe Shepherd - Trumpet, Flugel Horn

Joe plays in the style of Bobby Hackett and has been on the jazz scene for decades. He is a former leader of the Who’s Who Jazz Band. Joe is also an accomplished arranger. Many of the numbers we play are based on Joe’s arrangements.  Joe is a regular at St.Elmo's.

Dick Parks - Trombone, Cornet

Dick has been playing a variety of instruments for many years. He fills in on both instruments when needed, particularly when we are playing Dixieland.  He is a regular at St. Elmo's

Mason (Country) Thomas - Bass and Tenor Saxophones, Clarinet, 

Country is the consummate musician's musician. He has played many of the big bands, including five years in Las Vegas. His bass saxophone playing provides the quartet with both an underlying support bass line and some of the most beautiful solo work ever heard on this unusual instrument.

Doug actively plays the jazz scene, and plays with us when he is not playing elsewhere. His sweet trombone rounds the group off when he is playing.

Gary Carper - Tuba                                                                                                                                                 

Gary is a recent addition to our group of musicians.  He a well trained musician, having majored in music in college and has played with many groups over the years. He subs when Mike Ritter is not available
                                               

Our Very Able Substitutes

Play with us when our regular members can't.

Gil Brown - Drums

Larry Eanet - Piano

Steve Watson - Drums

Jam Session

Every

Thursday

7:30 - 10:00 p.m.

St. Elmo's

Coffee Pub

2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, Virginia

We are presently in our our 11th year at St. Elmo's

703-739-9268

Our New CD is now available - goto CDs

8401 D St.  Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732

Phone: (703) 929-8542    (301) 855-4253

email: wrowe10@comcast.net