Bruce Early’s Big Band

Grand Rapids –

There were quite a few who passed through the band throughout the years. In the late ’70’s it was about 20 – 25 pieces.  Probably the longest term player in that band was drummer Tim Froncek from Muskegon. I think he played in it during all the years of its existence, and last I knew, resurrected it shortly after Early died, and is still active.  He would remember a lot more about the players than I can.  Some of the few names from the ’70s I can remember are :

Eva Ordman (tbone),  Tom Stansel (saxes),  Jeff Halsey (bass),  Fred Bunch (alto sax),  Ralph Lewis (Tpt), Bob Merritt (t-sax), Bob Nixon (saxes),  John Hair (tbone),  Mel Dalton (t-sax).