Ron Kobayashi Trio

The RON KOBAYASHI TRIO consists of three uniquely talented musicians from the Southern California area. Each musician brings with him years of diverse musical experiences. Pianist and leader Ron Kobayashi has performed with Mel Torme, Margaret Whiting, Kenny Burrell, Peter Frampton and Peter White. He will perform in two episodes of the 2011 season of "Life After" on the TVOne Network, and has been featured on the international "Johnny Yune" television show and the Jerry Lewis Telethon. Recently Ron worked with comedian Bob Saget. In 1992, Ron performed for President Bill Clinton.
Bassist and composer Baba Elefante was voted one of the nation's top bass players in a Bass Player Magazine poll. He also performed on the 1995 Universal movie "The Hunted," as well as with jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, saxophonist Pete Christlieb, "Yes" keyboardist Patrick Moraz and "Kansas" lead vocalist John Elefante.
Drummer Steve Dixon has done numerous recording sessions both as a drummer and percussionist. He has worked with "War" harmonica legend Lee Oskar, saxophonist Richie Cole, trombonist Bill Watrous and Warner Brothers recording artists "The Untouchables."
The RON KOBAYASHI TRIO has played numerous music festivals including the Playboy Jazz Festival in Pasadena, San Bernardino Music Festival, The Orange County Art and Jazz Festival, the Dana Point Concert in the Park Series and the Yorba Linda Arts Festival. They have performed in Laughlin and Las Vegas, Nevada as well as Orlando Florida. Ron, Baba and Steve have shared the stage with David Sanborn, Eddie Palmieri, David Benoit, Cirque Du Soleil, the rock group "Berlin" and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.
The Trio has served as the house band for the annual Hollywood Diversity Awards show where such stars as Chris Rock, Vince Vaughn and George Lopez have been honored.
The Los Angeles Times says the Trio are "superb jazz stylists." The RON KOBAYASHI TRIO's CD "No Preservatives," was described as a "five star session from three of the Southland's finest."by the LA Jazz Scene. The Orange County Register wrote: "If you define jazz as spontaneity, emotional expression and communication among musicians, you won't find anything better than "No Preservatives."
The Trio's CDs have been played on radio stations across the U.S. and Canada and reached the "Top 10 Playlist" on KAWC in Arizona. Two of the Trio's discs were used in the motion picture "Sam and Janet" starring Gary Busey. In 1996, the Trio was voted "Best Jazz Group in Orange County" by readers of the Orange County Weekly Magazine.