Effective period / Period of releases: 1982 - 1996

Members: Jim Kashishian, Leon Oakley, Robert Rhodes, Jim Snyder, Lloyd Byassee, Mike Baird (2), Bob Raggio, Dan Comins, Bob Rann, Vince Saunders

South Frisco Jazz Band was among the finest ensembles dedicated to keeping alive the sound of Lu Watters Yerba Buena Jazz Band. South Frisco had a strong commitment to ensemble sound and jazz performance style prior to 1930, the ‘real and righteous’ sounds associated with Jelly Roll Morton, the small Louis Armstrong groups of the Twenties, and King Oliver’s band.

Like their model Yerba Buena Jazz Band, South Frisco style was modeled on the classic King Oliver Creole Jazz Band: a two-cornet front line, Johnny Dodds-style clarinet; tuba and banjo ‘two beat’ rhythm and ragtime-influenced piano reflect the Watters influence. South Frisco built a worldwide fan base, recorded a dozen and a half albums, and appeared to acclaim at jazz festivals worldwide.

The South Frisco name is a tribute to the San Francisco jazz of Lu Watters and Turk Murphy, transplanted to Southern California. Originally an Orange County area band, it re-formed as a Watters-style ensemble in its classic two-cornet form in the late 1970s. Because the musicians resided across the US, the band convened only for festival appearances, concerts, overseas travel and recording sessions.