John Clark - Clarinet, Saxophone, and Leader
John Clark is the founder of the Wolverine Jazz Band and has been a fixture on the New England Jazz scene for many years. He has played professionally in the Boston area with numerous traditional jazz and big bands, including the Happy Feet Dance Orchestra, Commonwealth Jazz, the New Black Eagle Jazz Band, and the Paramount Jazz Band of Boston. Clark also regularly appears with Dave Whitney and His Orchestra, the Swing Legacy, the High Society Orchestra, and the Mood Elevators, among others. John is an acknowledged authority on the history of jazz and has recorded extensively. He also holds a PhD. in Musicology and has published books and articles on the foundations of Early Jazz.
Jeff Hughes - Cornet, Trumpet
Jeff Hughes is one Boston's best-known horn players, building on a long resume of musical accomplishments with many well-regarded groups. His musical inspiration draws from Bix,, Bunny Berigan and Bobby Hackett. Jeff was a staff scientist at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, then taught biology at Wellesley College for 16 years.
Tom Boates - Trombone
Tom Boates has been active on the Connecticut jazz scene for a number of years and has toured extensively with both the Hot Cat and Hot Jam bands. As a career school teacher and band director, Tom is uniquely qualified to deal with the rest of us. Tom's playing, singing and arranging talents are all invaluable to the Wolverine Jazz Band.
Ross Petot - Piano
Ross Petot is a familiar presence on the ragtime festival circuit, but here shows that as a band pianist he has few equals. In addition to working with the Wolverines, Ross also plays regularly with Stan MacDonald's Blue Horizon Jazz Band and records with the Back Bay Ramblers.
Jimmy Mazzy - Banjo, Vocals
To fans of traditional jazz, Jimmy Mazzy needs no introduction. Suffice it to say that he has been a central part of the jazz scene in New England for many years and his presence in the Wolverine Jazz Band has been a key part of our success. Jimmy plays regularly at the Colonial Inn (Concord) and Angelica's restaurant (Middleton) and travels extensively with Eli Newberger, Butch Thompson and the Paramount Jazz Band of Boston.