The Now & Then Trio Plus Friends by The Now & Then Trio

Bob Ransom, Cornet,Flugelhorn,Vibes. After spending 20 plus years as an Air Force Bandsman and recently retired from Hampton University as an Assistant Professor of Music after 22 years, he often serves as a clinician and soloist, has performed with Mel Tormé and the big band of Thad Jones & Mel Lewis. Other artist include Roy Brooks, Tony Martin, Eartha Kitt, Tavaraus, The Spinners, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Mitzi Gaynor, The O.J’s, Nancy Wilson, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole. Bob is a member of the Great American Music Ensemble, The Roy Muth Jazz Band, the Now and Then Trio and a retired member of the Virginia Symphony. He is listed in Who’s Who in Entertainment (1998-90) and is a past President of the Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Jazz Educators.

Flip Hoopes, Guitarist, began his musical career with the United States Air Force Military Airlift Command Band at Scott Air Force Base, in November 1961. Hoopes became Leader/Conductor of the jazz show band and performed throughout the United States and other countries for high ranking dignitaries including presidents Ford, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon. He also worked with many prominent entertainers such as Andy Williams, Vic Damone, George Gobel, Bob Hope, Sarah Vaughn and many others. Flip has performed in night clubs, restaurants, and concert halls with such artist as Nancy Wilson, Della Reese, Patti Page, Tony Martin and others. He has been invited to perform at many of the local jazz festivals and special events. For a number of years he has been a member of the very popular local group, The Connie Parker Quartet plus the Now and Then Trio.

Eddie Edward's, String Bass, has been performing professionally since 1957. After retiring from the Army in 1971, Eddie became a member of the Freddy Cole Trio and performed in night clubs and concerts across the country and in cities all over the world as well as recording several albums during their eleven year relationship. Eddie has performed with such jazz greats as Jimmy Dorsey, Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon, and the Ramsey Lewis Quartet to name but a few. Eddie continued to perform professionally while pursuing a degree in Music Education. During that time he received numerous honors and awards such as, the “Delta Cup for Excellence” and was identified in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities”. Eddie joined the Connie Parker Quartet in 1991 and is presently teaching at the College of William and Mary.

Tommy Newsom, Tenor sax, Millions of fans of The Tonight Show from the 1960s to early '90s would attest to his outstanding musicianship. Newsom's formal musical training began with piano lessons at the age of eight. As a teen, he played in the high school band and orchestra and played sax in the Dave Parker band - a local Big-Band of the 1940s. He earned degrees from the Norfolk Division, College of William & Mary, Peabody Conservatory and Columbia University. As a serviceman, he played with the Air Force “Airman of Note” Jazz Band. Newsom began his professional music career in New York City, playing sax at the Taft Hotel with Vincent Lopez, in the television orchestra for the Merv Griffin Show, and on tour with Benny Goodman. He joined The Tonight Show in 1962, rising from band member to Assistant Music Director, and gaining renown across America as favored straight man to Johnny Carson's deadpan humor. The Tonight Show received five Emmy awards during Newsom's years with the show. Tommy Newsom has arranged and composed music for Skitch Henderson, Woody Herman, Beverly Sills, Kenny Rogers, Charlie Byrd, John Denver and other performers. His awards include National Outstanding Jazz Musician and a Cleo Award for his American Airlines radio commercial. Back home, his Portsmouth Virginia supporters honored him with "Tommy Newsom Day" in 1980.

Connie Parker, Vocalist & Piano. Virginia jazz vocalist and pianist Connie Parker is affectionately known as “Lovely Lady C”. Her appearances are eagerly awaited by her listeners who are mesmerized by her sounds that range from progressive jazz, R&B, and pop to other varieties of music. Connie plays to the crowd till they’re on their feet singing. She has been delighting lovers of jazz with her cognac-smooth crooning and unbeatable humor since her debut in 1975. She has opened for such great as Count Basie, Stanley Turrentine, Lou Rawls, Roy Ayers, Angela Bofill, Noel Pointer, Roberta Flack and Les McCann. She has also teamed with Tommy Newsom of the “Tonight Show”, Pieces of a Dream, Donald Byrd, Hank Crawford and Arthur Prysock. In 1984, WRAP Radio Station awarded Connie the “Ella Fitzgerals Award for the Jazz Vocalist of the Year”. A phrase currently being used in a local advertisement clearly describes Lady C: “When Lady C Sings, its worth taking note”.

Billy Williams, Drums, was born April 17,1987. He began playing drums in his grandfather’s church at the age of 10 and continue to play there today. Started playing jazz at the age of 13. A recent graduate of the Govenor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, VA. Billy just completed his freshman year as a music major at Virginia Commonwealth University. Throughout his short career as a musician, he has had the opportunity to work with some very talented people whom have influenced him a great deal. He says “I am thankful for every opportunity I have to play music as I realize that it is a gift from the creator. I’m striving every day to reach my goals”.

Average Customer Review: