tpt: William Smith
sax: Ernest "Doc" Watson, Elliot "Stackman" Callier
tbn: Lucien Barbarin, Dwayne Pauline
P: Mari
tuba :Jeffrey Hills, Kirk Joseph, Rob Espino
bass: Mark Brooks , Richard Moten
dr: Gerald French
vo: Yolanda Windsay, Curtis Watson
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Mari Watanabe began piano lessons at age five. She participated in the New Orleans Jazz Club while attending Waseda University. Upon her first visit to New Orleans, she decided to make this city her permanent home.
Since 1986, she has performed at various clubs and hotels, the French Quarter Festival, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with local jazz legends such as Danny Barker, Dr. Michael White, Gregg Stafford, Ernie K-Doe, Tuba Fats, Dejan's Olympia Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Kermit Ruffins. Mari has performed in concerts featuring women in jazz, as well as Tipitina’s Piano Night, a celebration of New Orleans-based pianists. She was selected as a Jazz-Allstar by New Orleans Magazine in 2002. In 2005, she released her own album, "Old Friends", comprised of original compositions as well as time-honored favorites.
Originally founded by Tuba Fats in 80's, her Chosen Few Jazz Band was well received at the 2006 New Orleans Jazz &Heritage Festival. The Time-Picayune described the performance as "Heart-warming sound".
http://cdbaby.com/cd/watanabe
Hi Mari. We are Steamboat jazz band from Vitoria- Spain. We are friends of Will Smith. Send our regards to him¡¡¡ We need Rob Espino..s phone number For our tombon player, cause will be in New Orleans next Sunday. Kisses
