About Us
Rob - Keyboard and Trumpet
Rob was born with the music bug. It probably didn’t help that both parents played piano and that his Dad had a music collection and played with Ragtime and Dixieland bands. Rob played piano and trumpet growing up. He played trumpet in the University of Michigan Jazz Band and also in the Marching Band. Go Blue!
After moving to Cleveland, Rob has enjoyed playing trumpet and keyboard for a variety of bands, ranging from big bands, wedding bands, bar bands and small jazz ensembles. He has played in opening acts for the Temptations and K C and the Sunshine Band. Rob is excited to add his talents to the Lake Effect Jazz Quartet.
Andy - Guitar
Andrew started playing guitar at age six and started gigging when he was twelve. He spent three years as the guitarist for the Ohio State Jazz Ensemble. Andrew has played with a variety of jazz players including Louie Belson, Hank Levy and Art Pepper. He has performed with such Rock and Pop names as Buzzy Linhart, Al Cooper and Frankie Avalon.
In addition to playing with the regional cover Rock band “Replay” for the last 25 years and the Jazz Duo “East-West, he is also a go to substitute guitarist for other local bands of all genres. Andrew, who also teaches, is excited to be playing with the Lake Effect Jazz Quartet!
Tom - Bass Guitar
Tom's early musical talent emerged to find him playing 1st Chair Clarinet in his grade school band. He ultimately migrated to learning bass guitar at the age of 21 which allowed him to play in the Case Western Reserve University jazz band for four years. He has payed the bills over the years with left brain activities such as working as a math teacher and his current role as a metallurgical engineer. His right brain creative pursuits have involved playing in Rock bands, Blues bands and a stint in Planet Funk (with Rob). Tom's energy, inquisitive nature and great soloing ability make him an essential part of the Lake Effect Jazz Quartet.
Jim - Drums and Percussion
Jim grew up in suburban Detroit and, after several years of piano lessons and a brief encounter with the clarinet, he finally figured out that drums were his passion back in the mid 1960's. Since that time, he has played in school bands, numerous Rock, R&B and Funk bands, the Dearborn (MI) symphony orchestra and ultimately spent four years as the drummer for the Michigan State University Jazz Band.
After a few decades of focusing on work and fatherhood, Jim jumped back into playing in the early 2000's which led to playing in several classic rock and traditional R&B bands before he joined with Rob to pursue jazz as part of the Lake Effect Jazz Quartet. Jim also collects, restores, and enjoys playing vintage drum sets from the 60's and 70's.