The Lensmen is a new group, but they collectively bring a lot of years of experience to recreate music that has been around a long time.
Len Wilkie on drums and vocals a la Frank Sinatra, and Noel Thomas on cornet, were part of the original Desperation Jazz Band that started a great tradition of Dixieland music in the Valley.
Mike Eddy on piano is new to the Valley and brings a degree in classical piano performance to his jazz renditions.
Al West grounds the group on upright bass. He brings a multitude of musical styles to the group, including some fine banjo playing and vocals.
The group covers a lot of musical territory, from renditions of songs from the 鈥�20s including West鈥檚 banjo work, to Wilkie鈥檚 vocals hearkening back to the golden age of the crooners. The piano stylings of Eddy and Thomas鈥� smooth sensitivity and Dixieland feel round out the group.
The Lensmen will play at the Zocalo this Saturday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. There is no cover charge, just a hat. 鈥� The Lensmen
