Since 1995 the Wolverine Jazz Band has been entertaining lovers of Traditional Jazz all over Boston and New England. The Wolverine Jazz Band is considered by many to be among the finest purveyors of Vintage Jazz on the East Coast. They also have a national following, having performed at numerous Jazz festivals across the country - Phoenix, Seattle, Florida, Tennessee, Ohio, Wisconsin, and others. Their annual concert, as the featured Jazz Artists at the prestigious Bar Harbor Music Festival, has played to packed houses for over 14 years.

Perhaps somewhat shockingly, these same seven musicians have managed to stay together as a group for over two decades!

If you'd like to find out more about the music and peregrinations of the Wolverine Jazz Band, you've come to the right place. You can hire them for your next event! The Wolverines can arrange Traditional Jazz or Swing music to suit any size venue or budget.

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.

RICK MACWILLIAMS - TUBA

Rick, the co-founder of the Commonwealth Jazz Quartet, has been lending his talents to Jazz groups in the area since the 1960s. Prized for his faultless rhythm and harmonic sense, Rick also brings to the band a wealth of experience both as player and leader.

DAVE DIDRIKSEN - DRUMS

 Dave Didriksen, a native of Chicago, also plays with "Swing Times Five", is a veteran of the Happy Feet Dance Orchestra, and is considered to be one of the areas most versatile drummers playing in the hot dance style. While an expert on stylistic elements, he never sacrifices swing. Dave is also known for his long-time ownership of Willow Books in Acton.