LEW TABACKIN (saxophonist, flautist, composer, bandleader) was born March 26, 1940 in Philadelphia, PA. A dynamic saxophonist and flautist, Tabackin performed with Tal Farlow, Cab Calloway, Maynard Ferguson and Thad Jones-Mel Lewis in 1960s New York. In 1968, Tabackin met Toshiko Akiyoshi – later forming a musical and personal partnership with their acclaimed big band – The Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra. In addition to the big band, Lew toured and performed with his own groups, specifically a trio with Joey Baron and Michael Moore, receiving greater recognition for his talent. His recordings “Desert Lady” with Hank Jones, Dave Holland and Victor Lewis and “I’ll Be Seeing You” with Benny Green, Peter Washington and Lewis Nash received critical acclaim. Tabackin maintains a busy international career as a soloist.