Current members and their bios follow.

Elliot Toole (trombone, musical director)
Robby Turner (bass)
Phil Leamon (In Memoriam) (keyboard)
Deborah Lawson (vocalist)
Thomas Longfellow (tenor/alto saxophones)
Chris Tarquinio (all saxes/flute)
Bill Landing (saxophone, bubble saxophone)
Jim Crozier (bass)
Carl Morse (trombone)
Walter Kelleher (drums)
Steve Morey (trumpet)
Matthew Brinkley (In Memoriam) (trumpet)
Pat Cook (trumpet)
Jeff Drawbaugh (saxophone, clarinet)
Mike Ewen (saxophone)
Winston Scott (Alumnus) (trumpet)
Dan Wheeler (piano/keyboard)
Alden France (trumpet)
Michael A. Newell (all saxes/clarinet/flute)

Elliot Toole (trombone, musical director)
Having the opportunity to lead Tallahassee Swing is a dream come true. In the late '50s, as I started Leesburg Junior High School, my parents encouraged me to join the Band. My mother suggested the clarinet. She thought it light and easy to carry. My father said that if the opportunity had been presented to him, he would have chosen the drums but I knew exactly what I wanted . . . the slide trombone!

A few years before, my family had gone to the movies and saw the Glenn Miller Story staring Jimmy Stewart. I was very impressed with Mr. Stewart portraying Glenn Miller and leading the band while playing the trombone. Well, that was it! That was what I wanted to be ... a big band leader with a trombone. Time passed and the school band provided many wonderful experiences but by the time I was in high school rock and roll had long replaced swing as popular music and my chances of being a big band leader looked slim. I studied music at Florida State but decided on a career in television. I continued to play the trombone whenever possible and in the1980s, the opportunity arose to lead Tallahassee Swing.

The pleasure I have enjoyed, knowing the people who are the musicians and the audiences, has been far beyond any dreams I had as a youngster wanting to be Glenn Miller . . . or was it Jimmy Stewart?

Robby Turner (bass)
I'm single. 43 Years old. I love sunsets, walks on the beach, and swing music.

I am a professional pilot, operations director for the Eagle Air Corp in Tallahassee, and member of the Tallahassee Board of Realtors, OAR Research Dive Team, Brokaw McDougall Housed Advisory Committee, and Airport Advisory Committee Strategic Update Committee.

Phil Leamon (keyboard)
Phil Leamon (M. Phillip Leamon), born Oct 24, 1924. Have played jazz and big band swing since 1938, mainly out of Indianapolis and Tallahassee.(keyboard and piano) Played (and sang a little) in small groups in and from Indianapolis. Have had the good fortune to play with J.J.Johnson, Wes Montgomery and other jazz greats, and have played with Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra and the Jack Teagarden Orchestra.

Nearly became a professional musician in 1945, when my trio had the chance to play for several months in L.A. and Las Vegas. Instead, finished my Ph.D. in French and Multicultural/Multilingual Education, and became a teacher and professor, which I did from 1950 to about 1990. Am now Professor Emeritus from Florida State University, where I have served for some 33 years. While at Indiana University, directed Honors Foreign Language programs for 10 years in France, Germany and Mexico. Had the unusual experience while fighting in the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne, Belgium, of playing a tune for some Army buddies while in hand-to-hand combat.

Loved teaching - loved music even more. Still love playing as much as ever.

Hope never to have to give it up!

Winston Scott (trumpet)
Former Vice President for Student Affairs at Florida State University, former associate dean in the FAMU/FSU College of Engineering, and a former NASA Astronaut. Served as a mission specialist on STS-72 in 1996 and STS-87 in 1997, and logged a total of 24 days, 14 hours and 34 minutes in space including three spacewalks totaling 19 hours and 26 minutes.

STS-72 Endeavour (January 11-20, 1996) a nine-day flight during which the crew retrieved the Space Flyer Unit satellite (launched from Japan 10 months earlier); deployed and retrieved the OAST-Flyer satellite and conducted two spacewalks to demonstrate and evaluate techniques to be used in the assembly of the International Space Station; the mission was accomplished in 142 orbits of the Earth, traveling 3.7 million miles logging a total of 214 hours and 41 seconds in space including a first EVA of six hours and 53 minutes.

STS-87 (November 19-December 5, 1997) the fourth U.S. Microgravity Payload flight, focused on experiments designed to study how the weightless environment of space effects various physical processes and on observations of the Sun's outer atmospheric layers; performed two spacewalks-the first, a seven hour and 53 minute EVA featured the manual capture of a Spartan satellite in addition to testing EVA tools and procedures for future space station assembly tests; the second spacewalk lasted five hours and also featured space station assembly tests; mission was accomplished in 252 Earth orbits, traveling 6.5 million miles in 376 hours and 34 minutes.

Born August 6, 1950 in Miami, FL; married to the former Marilyn K. Robinson with two children; active in the martial arts and hold a 2nd degree black belt in Shotokan Karate; also enjoys music and occasionally plays the trumpet with Tallahassee Swing Band after meeting with the governor; enjoys flying; avid electronics hobbyist.

Deborah Lawson (vocalist)
Deborah began singing professionally in the early 70's, first performing blues and acoustic rock & roll, then moving into the jazz realm. She loves acapella singing and has performed in that style solo, as a duo and with the quartet, Will & the Wont's, during the 1980s. She has previously been the vocalist for Ground Level (jazz and reggae) and the Hightman-Crozier Jazz Quartet. She attended the Florida State University School of Music, and has appeared in numerous live TV and radio performances for WFSU broadcasting. In addition to performing with Tallahassee Swing, she has her own jazz Quintet, The Deborah Lawson Group.

Thomas Longfellow (tenor/alto saxophones)
Tom (PeeWee) Longfellow was born and raised in Rockledge, Fl. He moved to Tallahassee in 1988 to work for IBM. Tom is recently married and, as a result, describes himself as recently happy. He has been playing tenor and alto saxophones with ACME Rhythm & Blues and the Tallahassee Swing Band for about 5 years now and has done extensive work with several local Tallahassee artists on CD projects. His take on music: "I love being a part of that FAT sound only horns can make!"

Chris Tarquinio (all saxes/flute)
From Miami, FL, Chris moved to Tallahassee in 1982 to attend the FSU School of Music. He loved Tallahassee, hated school. He was a part of the legendary band The Flying Rodriguez Brothers and founded the FRB horns. Other bands included: Moonlighting and The Mighty Big Blues Band (founded w/ Randy "Big Daddy" Webster). Chris is currently working with ACME Rhythm & Blues, which he co-founded w/ Kevin Ogden, and Tallahassee Swing.

Chris has been a part of studio projects for local musicians such as John Blue and recently (with the FRB Horns) for Del Suggs. Anyone still have a tape of the MBBB "Almost Live and Sometimes in Color"?

Chris is the owner of Specialty Pruning, a specialized horticultural business. He has been married for the past 11 years to Susan and has a wonderful daughter, Gianna Rose. He and Susan have recently returned from Italy, and are scheming to go back.

Bill Landing (saxophone, bubble saxophone)
Bill Landing moved to Tallahassee from Santa Cruz, CA in 1985 to become a Professor in the Department of Oceanography at Florida State University. His research centers on environmental and marine chemistry, and he has studied trace element cycling in the Arctic Ocean, the Black Sea, the Florida Everglades, the marine lakes of Palau, the fjords of Sweden and Norway, and the tropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico. Bill has been married to Kathy Morgan Landing since 1978. They have two children, Alexandra and Michael. Bill has played saxophone since elementary school, and joined Tallahassee Swing on baritone sax in 1989.

Jim Crozier (bass)
Jim has been playing bass with many musical organizations in the Tallahassee area since 1976 including: The Jones Brothers Band, The Bonnie Edwards Blues Band, ACME Rhythm & Blues, The Big Bend Community Orchestra, Big Fedora, Lohman-Crozier Jazz, Bill Wharton's Wild Blue Yonders, and with such notables as Pam Laws, Alan Hightman, Bill Kennedy, Lindsey Sarjeant, country bands, bluegrass bands, blues bands, jazz groups, Southern Rock & Roll; and on the sub list of Tallahassee Swing since the beginning. Before that, he was involved with New York theater as music director and composer.

His day job is presently as a Systems Programming Administrator for the Florida Dept of State specializing in network and systems administration, and data security.

Carl Morse (trombone)
I am married to Laura with two sons, Matthew and Nathan. I have played trombone with the band since 1979 or 1980 when we were first playing downstairs at the Senior Center (Old Armory). I have also been the band's sound engineer during most of the gigs as well as their field recording engineer. Presently, I am the only one admitting to graduating from the University of Florida and still marching every other year with the Gator Alumni Band, thus giving the swing band some balance. In the day time, I am employed with the Florida Department of Transportation as THE Equipment Review Program Manager for all Traffic Control Signal Devices used in Florida.

Walter Kelleher (drums)
Hooked on drumming since the age of 10 when I first saw Buddy Rich on the "Tonight Show", I've been keeping everyone within hearing distance deaf ever since! Playing rock, country, and jazz, I got to play in virtually every juke joint, biker bar, and dive in LA (lower Alabama). After attending community college on a music scholarship and taking drum lessons from Jackie Mills (John Coltrane, Miles Davis) and Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa, Steve Vai), I transferred to Florida State where I changed my major to finance (I knew I could never play as good as those guys!). By day, I am the Defined Contribution Coordinator for the Florida Retirement System. My wife Cristy and I have two children, Walt and Grace, who also pound on the drums.

Steve Morey (trumpet)
Steve Morey attended the University of Missouri studying mathematics and computer science partially supported by a music scholarship. While earning his Ph.D. in oceanography at The Florida State University, he remained involved in music playing in Salsa Florida and the nationally ranked FSU Jazz Ensemble.

Steve currently works as a physical oceanography research associate at the Center for Ocean - Atmospheric Prediction Studies at FSU. He continues playing as a substitute for the Tallahassee Swing and in small jazz ensembles whenever possible.

Matthew Brinkley (trumpet)
Matthew began playing trumpet a little over two weeks ago, I mean two decades ago. An all-state trumpeter in high school, he thought about majoring in music, but his dad convinced him that it was more important to be able to pay his bills when due. Through somewhat careful analysis, he decided to major in Accounting. He has paid his bills when due ever since.

During the day, Matthew is part of a team that decides your electric and gas rates. If you have a complaint, please do not call him! After hours, he is involved in the local music scene in community jazz and orchestral ensembles, christian music, brass choirs, and other private groups. At various times, he has been active as a trumpeter in recording situations, weddings, and funerals, most notably as solo trumpeter for Senator Claude Pepper's funeral.

Matthew's involvement with Tallahassee Swing began in the late 1980's as a substitute player. This on again, off again relationship led to him finally joining Tallahassee Swing full-time at the end of 1997. Except for a short vacation from the band in 1999 while he was lazing around with a broken pelvis earned after one of his skydives didn't go well, Matthew has blown many notes into the back of the trombonists' heads much to their delight. At least that's "his" story.

Pat Cook (trumpet)
Tallahassee Swing Business Manager Pat Cook has played trumpet in the band since its first year when it was called 'Swingstyle Tallahassee.' His great grandfather played cornet in a brass band in Pennsylvania around the turn of the century (the last century); his father played trumpet in a college dance band; and Pat played trumpet in high school and college dance bands. Pat is a clinical, forensic, and police psychologist. He is psychologist for the Tallahassee Police Department Tactical Apprehension and Control Team and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Criminal Assessment Profile Program. Pat enjoys digital photography and computer graphics, and designs posters for the band. His wife, Kathy, is Director of Special Education for the Decatur County schools in Georgia.

Jeff Drawbaugh (saxophone, clarinet)
Tech-Seargent Jeffrey A. Drawbaugh retired from the US Air Force Field Band with 20 years of service from September 4, 1974 to October 1, 1994. He played clarinet in the concert band and saxophone in the jazz band. His highest decoration was the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Mike Ewen (saxophone)
I've always love the saxophone. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid '70s, I'd learn to love the funky grooves played by a local horn laden band named Tower of Power. Their horn section was fronted by three saxes that laid down some of the funkiest riffs I'd ever heard. I was hooked.

But it wasn't until I was 38 years old that I decided to take the plunge and learn to play. After a visit to a local pawn shop and an investment of $500, I started something I'd only dreamed about. College courses, my job as a Tallahassee Democrat photographer and my marriage always seemed to take up any free time. But armed with a couple of fingering charts, some music books and an old dented up tenor saxophone, I went to work trying to learn this beautiful new language of "music".

But the initial progress was slow. With a little encouragement, I started sitting in with the Tallahassee Community Band and the TCC Jazz ensemble. With daily practice, some weekly music lessons and weekly visits to the jazz classes, I started getting better. Slow steps, but progress.

Then one day, nearly six years after my start, Elliot Toole, the leader of Tallahassee Swing asked if I'd like to "sit in" with his big band at the American Legion Hall. I was honored. But was I ready? I took a chance. Though my skills weren't as polished as those of the other fine musicians in the group, I was welcomed warmly. Elliot simply told me to do my best and have fun.

I've feel very fortunate to play along side the fine musicians of Tallahassee Swing, especially Jody Coogle, Jeff Drawbaugh, Chris Tarquinio and Bill Landing. I hope to get better, improve my technique and live a dream.

A month ago, Elliot asked me if I'd like to become a permanent member of the group. I accepted and hope my tenor sax helps to make the band sound better. I fully realize I have only scratched the surface of playing, but know I'm around other musicians whose talent I can learn from.

Personally.....I have been a Democrat photographer for over 20 years. I have been fortunate to have married my best friend, Lynne. We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary last October. We've been blessed to have a three-year old fireball named Nathanael. Yes, he too likes the Tower of Power and plays his yellow plastic saxophone when his daddy pulls out his Custom Yamaha Tenor Sax.

I enjoy photography, the saxophone, stamp collecting and raising a three year old son. God has truly blessed me and opened up some wonderful opportunities.....like playing with the Tallahassee Swing Band.

Dan Wheeler (piano/keyboard)
Dan started playing piano very young, and music has played an important role in his life throughout school, the Navy, and now married life. Dan and his beautiful wife Amy (and their hungry cat, Casey) anxiously await the birth of their son. Meanwhile, Dan's musical journey continues with studies in jazz piano with Bill Peterson at FSU. During the day, Dan is a "computer guy". In his free time, he is the administrator of a website in honor of his deceased sister-in-law, April. Please visit the site at aprilwheeler.com.

Alden France (trumpet)
By day, I'm a mild mannered legal assistant with the Florida Department of Financial Services but when away from work, I take care of my 2 wonderful kids, Veronica & Bruce. I've been playing trumpet for more than 30 years & have played with many groups in many places.
Before arriving in Tallahassee, I played for a few years at Busch Gardens in Tampa. I also played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' band in the 80's. Through that group I was able to attend & play at Super Bowl XVIII.
The greatest compliment I've ever received in music was when I was performing with a group that opened for Ella Fitzgerald. Upon finishing our final song, Benny Goodman's Sing, Sing, Sing, we exited the stage going past Ella's trailer and there she was, standing outside the door. She stopped us to comment that our music was so hot she just had to step outside to listen and to tap her toe.

Michael A. Newell (all saxes/clarinet/flute)
Michael has lived in Tallahassee since 1996. Not long after, he had his first taste of Tallahassee Swing and fell in love with jazz. He picked up the saxophone not long after moving here and progressed on it through his years until graduating high school as a decorated musician. All the while, he watched Tallahassee Swing and wanted to be a part of it, and in late the summer of 2004, Elliot Toole asked for him to sit in with the band. He did various gigs at the American Legion as well as ones abroad for many months. It wasn't until December 2004 when Michael was asked to become the full time member of the band. While currently residing on the 2nd Alto book, Michael has jumped around to every position in the sax section as well as doubling flute and clarinet regularly and being featured as a soloist. Michael's participation in the band marks him as the youngest member to pass through its ranks in some time.

Mike is currently enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. and has been selected by audition to be a performer in the Music Enlistment Option Program (MEOP). The local music scene is very important to Michael as he is sought after as a composer, an instructor, and a mentor. Michael is a composer and arranger of jazz charts, marching band music, and small ensemble works. Around Tallahassee, he has gigged with many local musicians and he is also an on-call pit musician for Tallahassee Little Theater. Abroad, Michael is also a percussonist, pianist, and guitarist for various ensembles outside of Tallahassee Swing. Michael's plans for approximately the next year is training with the Marine Corps. and earning the title of Marine as well as receiving advanced musical training with the MEOP program; his shipdate is May 29th, 2006.

In Memoriam
We miss you, Matt.
Matthew Glenn Brinkley, 37, who was employed by the Florida Public Service Commission, died Sunday, April 3, 2005, in a bicycling accident near Blairsville, Ga. The service will be at 10 a.m. EDT Friday at First Baptist Church in Tallahassee, with burial at Roselawn Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. EDT today at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Riggins Road Chapel (850-877- 8191). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a church or favorite charity. He was a 1985 graduate of Lincoln High School, where he played trumpet in the band. He also was a graduate of Florida State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a Master of Business Administration. He received his Certified Public Accountants designation immediately after. While at FSU he was a member of the Marching Chiefs and the Flying High Circus. For many years, he was a member of the orchestra at First Baptist Church. He played trumpet with various community and church bands, including the Riverboat Ramblers Dixieland Band. Until his death he was a member of the Tallahassee Swing Band. He was an avid bicyclist, having attended a recent Tour-de-France race, and last year, the tour-de-Georgia, which he planned to attend this year. Survivors include his father, Carl DeVon Brinkley of Tallahassee; a sister, Carol Brinkley of Jacksonville; a brother, Mark Brinkley of Chicago; an aunt, Margaret Johnson of Thomaston, Ga.; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Martin Brinkley. Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 4/7/2005.

Oct 24, 1924 - Sept 29, 2004
Phil Leamon was the soul of the Tallahassee Swing Band.

Phillip Leamon, 79, who retired as an FSU professor, died Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2004. A private service will be held and a memorial service is being planned. Abbey-Riposta Funeral Home (850-562-1518) is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 1304 E. Sixth Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32303. Dr. Phillip Leamon enjoyed being a member of the Tallahassee community for the past 35 years, having moved here with his family from Bloomington, Ind. He was a member of the 11th Armored Division in World War II. Phil enjoyed playing the piano for the dance band, Tallahassee Swing, for the past 17 years. He enjoyed time on the Internet and cherished his time with his wife and family. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jeanne Leamon; a daughter, Cynthia Leamon Curilla of Silver Spring, Md.; a son, Victor Alan Leamon of Woodville; a brother, John "Ike" Leamon of Jamestown, N.Y.; three grandchildren, Russell, Raymond and Harley; and a great-grandchild, Logan.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 10/1/2004.