Members

Bob Barnes – Saxophone
Bob, in addition to being a first rate arranger and jazz tenor player, has played with Gene Krupa, Tommy Dorsey, Buddy Morrow, Terry Gibbs, and 23 years with the Harrahs Reno house band.

John Beckman – Trumpet
We are very lucky to have the power of John’s lead trumpet. He’s played with Buddy Rich, Harry James, Ray Anthony, Buddy Morrow, and Frank Sinatra, Jr.

 Terry Burns – Trumpet

Bruce Cox – Saxophone and Band Leader
BA, MA, San Diego State University, Music – member, Stan Kenton Colligiate Neophonic Orchestra, High School band director, member, MGM Grand Orchestra, Reno, various Reno-Tahoe bands, producer Lake Almanor concert series.

Cody Forcier – Trombone
Cody is a much in demand Bass Trombone and Tuba player.  A University of Nevada Reno, graduate, this talented young artist is also a devoted teacher and currently the band director at Reno High School.  A Nevada educator “keeping live music alive”.                          

Jakki Ford – Vocalist
Jakki is an outstanding singer with a large world wide fan base.  She has performed on many of the best stages in the USA, Europe and Asia.  She has her own unique style and the exceptional ability to interpret lyrics and melody in a very artistic way.  More than just a singer, Jakki’s ability as an accomplished and gifted jazz musician is always enjoyed by the band members as well as the audience.  A vision to see,  with a voice as smooth, rich and dynamic as the ocean, and a range just as wide, Jakki is “A True Gem in our Crown”.

Gerry Genuario – Drums – Debbie Reynolds’ drummer for the past 12 years. Gerry makes his home in Reno after many years with the Harrahs-Reno house band. Has played for Sammy Davis, Don Rickles, Andy Williams, Tony Bennet, Jack Jones, Roy Clark, Henri Mancini, Burt Bacharach, Carl Fontana, Lou Levy, Jessica Williams, John Coles, Rosemary Clooney, Shorty Rogers, Vi Redd, Robin Ford, Madeline Eastman.

David Gupton – Saxophone
Dave was a music performance major in college and led his own bands in his early playing before pursuing a “day gig” in the musical instrument manufacturing business. He went to work for the Fender Guitar Company and eventually became their Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Sales. Upon retirement and relocation to the Reno area Dave resumed playing the saxophone and enjoys being back in the swing of things with the Reno Big Band.

Phil Jerome – Trombone
Phil’s resume includes stints with the Buddy DeFranco/Glenn Miller Band, the Page Cavenaugh Trio, the Harry James Band, and Harrah’s house band for 12 years.

Rich Lewis – Trombone
Rich is a freelance trombonist with a long list of credits including performances with Natalie Cole, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joe Williams.  A founding player in the Reno Jazz Orchestra and a working member of the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, he is also a music teacher in the Washoe County School District.  Rich is currently involved in a  recording project with the band Little John called “Unfinished Business”.                                                                                                                   

Dick Mills – Trumpet
The enormous inventiveness of Dickie’s jazz style is legendary in the Reno-Tahoe area. He’s played with Charlie Barnet, Walt Rosner, Foster Edwards, Rudy Salvini, Leighton Noble, and John Carlton.

Joe McKenna – Bass
Joe has played with many bands: the Reno Jazz Orchestra, the Fantods, in many casino show bands: Chuck Berry, Billy Preston, Mose Allison, Carl Fontana, Robert Goulet and a host of other fabulous celebrities.

Russ Morrison – Trombone
Russ is a psychologist who knows that playing in a big band is good for the soul.

Muir Morrison – Saxophone
Muir is a Sophomore at University of Nevada, majoring in Physics. Talented and smart.

Frank Perry -Saxophone
Frank is a first call and much in demand lead alto sax player.  In addition, he is a well known private music teacher and has been on the staff at Maytan Music Center since   1980.  Frank is RBB’s Educational Director and also leads his own small jazz group.  He has performed with such artists as Natalie Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Les Brown and the Glen Miller Band. 

Andrew Woodard – Trumpet
A veteran of many of the house bands in Las Vegas, Andrew’s soaring jazz improvisations thrill all every Tuesday night at 3rd St. He’s performed with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Wayne Newton, Juliet Prowse, Steve Lawrence, Edie Gorme, Doc Severinsen, Roy Clark, Siegfried and Roy, Anthony Newley, and Robert Goulet.