Meet the Pros

Introducing 5 of the La6 members and Chris Symer

For more on our visiting pros, visit: LA6jazz.com, clayjenkinsmusic.com, dickweller.com, iranepus.com, richeames.com. 

Tom Peterson, tenor saxophone: Originally from Minneapolis, Tom Peterson served in the U.S. Army Field Band before landing in Los Angeles in 1970 as part of Doc Severinsen’s Tonight Show Orchestra. He is a composer and arranger whose recording credits include work with Dizzy Gillespie, Elton John, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Leon Russell, B.B. King and Aretha Franklin. Tom is part of three recent Grammy-nominated projects: John Davesa’s “Kaleidoscope Eyes” (the music of the Beatles) and John Beasley’s MONK’estra, vol. 1 in 2017, and Beasley’s MONK’estra, vol. 2 in 2018. Tom is the leader of L.A.6. 

Clay Jenkins, trumpet: Clay's performing career began at an early age playing with the Stan Kenton Orchestra. He moved to Los Angeles in 1978 and toured with the Buddy Rich Band and Count Basie Orchestra. Since moving to Rochester, NY to join the Eastman School of Music faculty in 2000, Clay has remained active throughout the U.S. and abroad. He continues to perform and record with the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, of which he is a charter member. Clay has released 8 solo recordings including his latest release, “Good Signs.” He’s played with many jazz greats including Milt Jackson, Lyle Mays, Billy Childs, Ray Brown, Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli, Karrin Allyson, Diana Krall and Gene Bertoncini. Clay is a performing artist/clinician for the Edwards Instrument Company. 

Ira Nepus, trombone: Ira grew up in Los Angeles, the son of one of the founders of the Hot Club of France in the 1930s. He played his first jazz concert at age 15. He, too, is a charter member of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. He has recorded with Paul McCartney (Kisses On The Bottom), Elton John, Leon Russell (The Union), Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (all albums), Elvis Costello, BB king (2009 Grammy Winner) and has also performed and recorded with many of the jazz greats: Benny Carter, Woody Herman, Johnny Mandel, Quincy Jones, Gerald Wilson, Nelson Riddle, Lionel Hampton, Ray Charles, Sammy Davis Jr, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Aretha Franklin, Diana Krall, Spongebob: Band Geeks episode, and Cab Calloway to name a few.

Rich Eames, piano: Originally from Iowa, Rich Eames has enjoyed a wide-ranging career in many aspects of the L.A. jazz scene. He is a composer with many tunes to his credit, including music for feature and documentary films, network TV series and live theater. As a pianist he has toured with such diverse acts as Doc Severinsen, Lou Rawls, the Pointer Sisters, Jack Jones and the Jazz Tap Ensemble - and he can be heard as a sideman on numerous recordings. For many years he has worked with such jazz stalwarts as the Bill Holman Big Band, Rick Braun, Ed Shaughnessy, Bill Watrous and Kim Richmond. Many of his compositions are featured on his three albums as well as on “L.A.6: Frame of Mind.”

Dick Weller, drums: With influences spanning jazz, classic rock and Dixieland, Dick Weller is a dynamic drummer and composer, celebrated for his rock-solid groove and deep musicality. He has performed with a variety of acclaimed artists including the big bands of Bob Florence and Ladd McIntosh, the Percy Faith Orchestra, Billy Vaughn Orchestra, and with legends like Florence Henderson, John Davidson and The Four Freshmen. Currently, he performs with the LA6 Jazz Ensemble, the Side Street Strutters and the Sinatra Tribute Band. In addition to his performance career, Dick was an affiliate faculty member at the State University of New York and California State University, Northridge for 20 years.

Chris Symer, bass: A Southern California native, Chris Symer was well established in the L.A. jazz scene before moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2002. He has since become one of Seattle’s top-tier bass players, highly regarded for his versatile and sensitive musicianship. Equally comfortable in the classroom, stage or recording studio, Chris applies his training in classical and jazz performance so as to fit into almost any musical situation. He has recorded, performed and toured with such jazz artists as Ramsey Lewis, Tierney Sutton, Roger Kellaway, Robbin Ford and Bennie Maupin - and has toured South America several times with Bill Anschell and Johnaye Kendrick. Chris plays around with an unusual tuning of his double bass, in fifths an octave below the cello, for a fascinating tonal palette.