The band consisted of Williams Alumni Fred Clifford '58, tuba; Bob Kingsbury '58, clarinet; John Halsey '59, piano; Tom Hayne '59, drums.  Permanent Guest Stars John Bucher, Amherst '52, cornet; Jimmy Mazzy, Bates '63, banjo/vocals, and Tom Boates, UMass '77, trombone.  The band played with great feeling, and engaging, spirited, solos and ensembles. Some of these band members have played jazz together for over 50 years!

It was a lively Saturday afternoon, with hot dogs, cotton candy, face painting and balloons, tables of antiques and crafts.  The pier was filled with many harbor visitors, local families, members of the Duxbury High School Sailing Team, and high school baseball and basketball players. 

Fred Clifford tuba, John Halsey,  piano, and Tom Hayne, drums, provided the authentic Trad Jazz rhythmic beat.

The Williams Reunion Jazz Band was born on New England college campuses in the 1950's when Dixieland was alive and well and "runnin' wild".  Seven musicians of that era have survived - together - and now thrive, playing the music they have cherished - the music of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller, Bix Beiderbecke and Hoagie Carmichael.  The music of the 20's and 30's.  The music of Classic American Jazz.

The WRJB name goes back to 1983 when, at a formal jazz concert in Williams College Chapin Hall, the seven first played together.  Through the years, their reputation in Williamstown has blossomed into a year 'round schedule of performances at private parties, country clubs, weddings, church masses, jazz festivals, jazz cruises, and special events across the USA.  In June of 1993, they performed on stage with the Boston Pops in Symphony Hall.

Their first CD, JUST OUR BEST, was released in 1997, followed by JUST OUR BEST II and THE MASTERS OF TRADITIONAL JAZZ in 2000.  In November of 2000 and again in September of 2007, the WRJB was the featured band on Delta Queen jazz cruises on the Mississippi  Their fourth CD, MISSISSIPPI MEMORIES, released in 2002, evokes those trips.  THESE ARE THE GOOD OLD DAYS, a double CD, followed in 2005. And their latest, KICKIN' UP OUR HEELS @ 50 showcases the group's current raucously polished sound.

 FAVORITE FIVE, have played together for more than 50 years.  Bob Kingsbury '58, clarinet and Tom Hayne '59, drummer, both retired businessmen are COO and CFO of the WRJB.  Fred Clifford '58, tuba, the original leader of PHINNEYS, is still very active in Williams Alumni affairs.

John Halsey, '59, piano, is a full time pro and music teacher in New York.  Back when Condon's and Ryan's were alive, John was a regular playing with the grand old names of jazz.  He now keeps active at jazz spots like Arthur's Tavern and the Cajun.

John Bucher, cornet, is the musical heart of the WRJB with a huge reputation and following in New York.  John led the Woody Allen Band at Michael's Pub for over 25 years and was called by John D. Wilson of the NY Times, the finest cornet in the Northeast.  John also leads the SPEAKEASY JAZZ BABIES who did the sound track for Woody Allen's 1973 movie "SLEEPER".

Jimmy Mazzy, banjo and vocals, is the musical soul of the band.  His unique banjo styling and earthy, profoundly individual voice have been featured on NPR's Prairie Home Companion at jazz festivals around the world and on many recording venues.  He tours regularly with Butch Thompson.  In 1995, Jim was voted the #1 banjo player in the country by JAZZOLOGY Magazine; and #1 again by the MISSISSIPPI RAG in 1999.  Jim is a full time musician living in Holliston MA.

Jim Wheaton, the WRJB's founding valve trombonist, passed away in June 2005.  His seat is  now honored by a brilliant, younger trombonist, New Haven's Tom Boates.  Tom is well known to classic jazz fans through his fine festival work with the WOLVERINES and other hot New England jazz bands.  By day, he teaches high school music in Connecticut.

To hear the WILLIAMS REUNION JAZZ BAND play their brand of happy music is to believe that American Jazz is alive and well - and all is right with the world.

For information CD's or bookings, call 413-458-9113 or 203-656-1664. Email bobbury@aol.com or mrtomtom59@aol.com.  On the web: siterrific.com/WRJB.