Musicians & Friends
“A singer is nothing without a good piano player.”
Wild Jane
The Dream Team:
John Simon
Brilliant Pianist, Arranger, & Composer
Every singer’s dream….
Tom Shader
Bass Man Extraordinaire
I like to know where the bottom is.
Kendrick Freeman
Guru of Percussion
I swear he has eight arms!
The Sono Trio:
Always fun to play with these guys!
Greg, Hester Piano, Rob Wright Bass, Lee Charleton Drums
Greg Hester
Bee Bop Pianist
He won’t play elevator music.
Tony D’Anna RIP
Inspired me to get back on it,
“You are as good as anybody out there.”
Play Spartacus for me one more time, Tones…
Can we add some MORE Bass to that?
Gary Digman
Guitar & Bass
Always tasty…
Miss Maple and the Babes:
Maple Profant
Piano Accompanist
Beautiful, talented, encouraging…
“You’re hot stuff! You belong out front.”
Carol Shumate
The Bass Babe sets it down.
Ken Ward
Clarinet, Saxophone
Mutual Admiration Society
Betty Shaw RIP
Piano Player
The Berkeley Years
Bob Rife
Keyboard & Chart Master
“You were born to it.”
Played every song I know in whatever key I wanted.
C flat? Yeah, I know Seems Like Old Times…
William R. Dixon “Billy” RIP
Pianist & Composer
The man who led me to play out my passion for jazz and standards.
Parties at my folks’ house always featured Billy at the piano.
Geoff Glibas
Featured on early recordings
Bay Area gigs 1979-1981
Cynthia Merrill Bass
Elena Welch
Vocalist
Fellow Diva
Inspiration
Kit Mariah
Open No Mic Host
Making dreams come true…
Teachers I would like to thank:
Beth Freeman
Vocal Coach, Miracle Worker
Lile Cruse
Cabrillo Big Band Director
Mentor & Major Influence
“He looks just as good from the front as he does from the back.”
Ray Brown
Professor of Jazz
Composer, Arranger
Horn Player
“A singer needs two things: tone and style…
Janie has both.”
Vince Gomez
Bass Player, Teacher
Jazz Style Setter
“Don’t go given’ away any of our secrets now…”
Tom Leher
Yes, THE Tom Leher
“She’s ready for something!”
Tandy Beal
Goddess of Dance
Grace & Elegance Defined
“Don’t worry it takes years to develop stage presence…”