Life Member. String Bass
12/5/1940 – 3/4/2024
Donald James Baldini, 83, of Westminster, Vt., died at home in the bed he made himself, just as he wished.
He was tenacious in his love for life, music, food and friends while he navigated the ups and downs of cancer for the past eight years. He will be remembered by all as a charismatic storyteller, world-class bass player and engaging teacher. Continue reading
Member. Harp
12/13/1962 – 1/6/2024
Life Member. Drum Set
8/13/1931 – 12/7/2023
by Robbie Hioki
Nicholas Louis Martinis was born on August 13, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA.
As a young aspiring drummer in Philly, Max Roach let Nick sit in with his band, and there he got to play with Charlie Parker.
Nick went on tour with a band from Philly and settled in Los Angeles. Some of his favorite jobs include working with Frank Rosolino, The Lighthouse All Stars, and the Pete Jolly Trio. He played with Pete for over 30 years. Continue reading
Life Member. Violin
3/4/1949 – 9/3/2023
Valencia began violin studies with Frank Frederick Ficus in Los Angeles at the age of 10. She attended Manual Arts High School and upon graduation enrolled at Mills College in Oakland, CA. At Mills she studied with Nathan Ruben and earned the Bachelor’s Degree in Music. She enrolled at the University of Southern California pursuing a degree in Library Science with an emphasis in music and was awarded the Master’s Degree in Music Literature from California State University, Long Beach. Valencia worked as a librarian for the County of Los Angeles and Cerritos College. Continue reading
Life Member. Piano
3/28/1937 – 7/3/2023
Lincoln Mayorga, the consummate musician as well as founder of Townhall Records and co-founder of Sheffield Lab and the Mastering Lab, has died. The concert pianist, arranger, composer, conductor, producer, and audiophile innovator was equally comfortable performing classical music on international stages and arranging and playing with popular artists in diverse venues — pop, jazz, classical, and rock ‘n’ roll. Continue reading
Former Member. Trumpet
8/5/1954 – 6/27/2023
A highly respected Los Angeles trumpeter, composer, and arranger, Howie was a Van Laar Trumpets artist and endorsed Bob Reeves mouthpieces. He received a Bachelor of Music Education from Fredonia State University in 1975, a Master of Music with a major in Jazz Studies from the Eastman School of Music in 1977, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Southern California in 2002. He studied trumpet with James F. Burke, Raymond Crisara, and Carmine Caruso. Continue reading
Life Member. Piano
6/16/1954 – 5/1/2023
Jeff Rizzo’s favorite Broadway musical was… well, almost all of them. Well known for his opinionated theatrical viewpoints, if a show was well cast and directed, with a sufficiently large orchestra, and moved along (preferably under 90 minutes), he’d give it a thumbs up. Musical Theater was in his blood…musicals were his life and few people exist that share his vast knowledge on the subject. Continue reading
Member. Viola
6/5/1974 – 3/5/2023
Caroline Erika Buckman, a talented violist and cherished friend to many, passed away on March 5 in Los Angeles after a valiant six-year battle with breast cancer. She was 48 years old. Continue reading
Life Member. Trombone
3/11/1938 – 2/28/2023
Allen Edward (“Al”) Imbach, legendary Las Vegas and Los Angeles trombone player, arranger, composer, conductor and beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle, passed peacefully from natural causes on February 28, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada with his devoted son by his side. Al was 84 years old. Continue reading
Life Member. Guitar
6/20/1938 – 1/9/2023
by his daughter, Juliann Budimir
It is hard to give voice to the loss,
To give words to the ache that forever echoes in my heart since
My beloved Pop, Dennis Budimir, passed away in our arms,
My Mom and I at his side.
Dennis Budimir, beloved husband, father, and legendary jazz and studio guitarist, passed away on January 9, 2023. He was an incredible father to me and a loving, devoted husband to my mom. We are blessed by his eternal love. It is incredibly difficult to write about his passing and to put into words our monumental loss. Dennis Budimir’s musical biography is truly extensive; we are grateful to those who have documented his outstanding career and have given insight into his tremendous artistry. Continue reading