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 ’20s including West’s banjo work, to Wilkie’s vocals hearkening back to the golden age of the crooners. The piano stylings of Eddy and Thomas’ 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. — The Lensmen