RIP Ross Tompkins

[Ike Harris]

Fans of Carson's Tonight Show Big Band will remember the quiet pianist Ross Tompkins who passed away June 29. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Tompkins several years ago when the group I was in played a large backyard wedding reception in Kansas City. The other band was led by stellar trombonist Carl Fontana and included Buddy Childers, Tompkins, bass and drummer from Vegas and singer Frank Sinatra Jr. We did our little set and then gazed on this treasure of a group with open mouths the rest of the night. Here is the notice from the NY Times: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...54C0A967948260

[Condor]

So sad. Ross Tompkins was one of the most complete pianists ever. Just think of the variations of styles he had to know doing the Carson show! I will forever remember him for the stellar work he did on the 1977 recording "The Real Howard Roberts". Amazing! A great loss.