Category Archives: Final Notes / In Memoriam

Final Note: Daniel Adam Savell

2/11/1975 – 11/17/2023
Member. Percussion

It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that Daniel Adam Savell has died. He passed away November 17, 2023, succumbing to injuries suffered in a sports accident. Dan was born February 11, 1975, in Newton, Massachusetts and was co-founder and co-owner of L.A. Percussion and Backline Rentals in Santa Clarita, California. Continue reading

Final Note: Donald J. Baldini (Baldwin)

Life Member. String Bass
12/5/1940 – 3/4/2024

Donald James Baldini, 83, of Westminster, Vt., died at home in the bed he made himself, just as he wished.

He was tenacious in his love for life, music, food and friends while he navigated the ups and downs of cancer for the past eight years. He will be remembered by all as a charismatic storyteller, world-class bass player and engaging teacher. Continue reading

Final Note: Nicholas Louis Martinis

Life Member. Drum Set
8/13/1931 – 12/7/2023

by Robbie Hioki

Nicholas Louis Martinis was born on August 13, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA.

As a young aspiring drummer in Philly, Max Roach let Nick sit in with his band, and there he got to play with Charlie Parker.

Nick went on tour with a band from Philly and settled in Los Angeles. Some of his favorite jobs include working with Frank Rosolino, The Lighthouse All Stars, and the Pete Jolly Trio. He played with Pete for over 30 years. Continue reading

Final Note: Valencia Mitchell

Life Member. Violin
3/4/1949 – 9/3/2023

Valencia began violin studies with Frank Frederick Ficus in Los Angeles at the age of 10. She attended Manual Arts High School and upon graduation enrolled at Mills College in Oakland, CA. At Mills she studied with Nathan Ruben and earned the Bachelor’s Degree in Music. She enrolled at the University of Southern California pursuing a degree in Library Science with an emphasis in music and was awarded the Master’s Degree in Music Literature from California State University, Long Beach. Valencia worked as a librarian for the County of Los Angeles and Cerritos College. Continue reading

Lincoln Mayorga - Photo by Emma Dodge Hanson

Final Note: Lincoln Mayorga

Life Member. Piano
3/28/1937 – 7/3/2023

Lincoln Mayorga, the consummate musician as well as founder of Townhall Records and co-founder of Sheffield Lab and the Mastering Lab, has died. The concert pianist, arranger, composer, conductor, producer, and audiophile innovator was equally comfortable performing classical music on international stages and arranging and playing with popular artists in diverse venues — pop, jazz, classical, and rock ‘n’ roll. Continue reading

Final Note: Howie Shear

Former Member. Trumpet
8/5/1954 – 6/27/2023

A highly respected Los Angeles trumpeter, composer, and arranger, Howie was a Van Laar Trumpets artist and endorsed Bob Reeves mouthpieces. He received a Bachelor of Music Education from Fredonia State University in 1975, a Master of Music with a major in Jazz Studies from the Eastman School of Music in 1977, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Southern California in 2002. He studied trumpet with James F. Burke, Raymond Crisara, and Carmine Caruso. Continue reading

Final Note: Jeffrey Rizzo

Life Member. Piano
6/16/1954 – 5/1/2023

Jeff Rizzo’s favorite Broadway musical was… well, almost all of them. Well known for his opinionated theatrical viewpoints, if a show was well cast and directed, with a sufficiently large orchestra, and moved along (preferably under 90 minutes), he’d give it a thumbs up. Musical Theater was in his blood…musicals were his life and few people exist that share his vast knowledge on the subject. Continue reading

Final Note: Al Imbach

Life Member. Trombone
3/11/1938 – 2/28/2023

 Allen Edward (“Al”) Imbach, legendary Las Vegas and Los Angeles trombone player, arranger, composer, conductor and beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle, passed peacefully from natural causes on February 28, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada with his devoted son by his side. Al was 84 years old. Continue reading