Jazz Quintet Bios

Ray Sasaki, trumpeter, is Professor of Music at The University of Texas, Austin. Before UT, he was Professor of Music at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for 26 years. Ray is a member of The St. Louis Brass Quintet and Tone Road Ramblers, recording and touring extensively around the world.

Morgan Powell, trombonist and composer is Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois U-C. Morgan also has taught at Berklee School of Music and North Texas University. He is internationally known for his commissions, publications, awards and recordings of his works.

Dan Anderson, bassist and tubist, teaches at DePaul University and The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. He performs with The Chicago Brass Quintet, The Milwaukee and Chicago Symphony Orchestras, Von Freeman Jazz Quintet and leads his own Latin jazz ensemble, Basso Nouveau.

Woody Woodward, pianist and organist, was, before retiring, Professor of Biology at Parkland College, Champaign. Woody has always had a duel interest in science and music. His experience includes both traditional and modern jazz. He has extensive experience performing with many jazz groups as well as having led his own jazz groups.