Reiko
Obata is at home in both the traditional and jazz arenas. She holds a daishihan (grandmaster) degree from the Seiha Conservatory of Japanese Music and a master’s degree in music from San Diego State University. Her work has been featured in television, film, and live theatre, and she has produced multiple CDs showcasing her original compositions and arrangements.
Jimmy Patton is renowned for his ability to play
two guitars simultaneously. He won "Best Unsigned Guitarist" in the 2001 national Guitarmageddon competition.
Patton
has shared the stage with Steve Vai, Grammy winner Stanley Jordan, and Laurence Juber of Paul McCartney's "Wings." Patton performs his own arrangements of popular and jazz tunes, along with original compositions.
Russell Bizzett is known for his creativity and his sensitivity to balance. He has toured with Chuck Berry, Bo Diddly, Jose Feliciano, Freddy Hubbard, Billy Preston, and Muddy Waters. He has recorded for the Laverne & Shirley Show and Merv Griffin Show. Bizzett has also performed with the Boston Pops and the Berlin Pops. He was inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Annelle K. Gregory is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist whose range spans classical violin, electric bass, jazz guitar, and drums. A concert violinist who performs internationally, she also brings groove and warmth to East West’s bass lines. Gregory has studied and played jazz for over 15 years, and graduated summa cum laude from USC’s Thornton School of Music.
