New West 5

New West 5 is an exciting contemporary jazz group featuring five dynamic soloists whose compositions are intricate and stimulating and will hopefully leave the listener with a visceral desire for more. Each player is a leader in his own right and like super groups before them they have combined their efforts into this new and powerful band.
The root of their sound stems from the polychromatic pallet of the jazz world and each member contributes his own distinct character. The compositions combine edgy harmony, melodic passages, inspired soloing, straight ahead, funk, and Latin rhythms.
They have established themselves with a great reputation for their extraordinary live shows. The band is currently in the studio recording their debut CD. New West 5 is looking forward to sharing their sound with the world and will be playing at a venue near you soon. Check back for show updates and a release date for the CD.
TONY WHITE (saxophones)
Saxophonist, Composer and Producer Tony White in a native New Yorker whose musical education includes The Julliard School of Music, Berklee College of Music and UCLA. Tony began his professional career performing with his own group Spectrum, who were opening for the likes of Pop acts Dr. Hook, BJ Thomas and The Atlanta Rhythm Section. Off the road he relocated to Philadelphia PA where he played and recorded with, The Original Temptations( Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin), Billy Preston, The 4 Tops, Tony Bennet Frank Sinatra Jr., Little Anthony, Chuck Berry, etc.
In the early 90’s he became part of the 10,000 Maniacs horn section and was the featured arranger and soloist for the band receiving a platinum record for the bands CD “Our Time in Eden”. His arrangement of “To Sir With Love” was featured on the MTV Inaugural Ball and recorded on a CD with proceeds going to the Rock The Vote Campaign. During this time period he also toured, recorded with, Natalie Merchant, Michael Stipe of R.E.M., The Wallflowers, En Vogue, Zap Mamma, Paul McCartney, World Party, Robyn Hitchcock, Pablo Baptista, Edgardo Cinton, etc.
He released his self titled debut CD as a leader on the Blue Orchid label. The CD featured Tony’s writing, arranging and production skills and garnered 4 Star reviews from such prestigious publications as Jazz Times Magazine.
More recently he returned to live in Los Angeles CA where he continues to play and record and is a in demand film and television composer having recently scored the Indie film “Bus Stop” and working with the likes of comedy legend Roseanne Barr.
CARLYLE BARRITEAU (guitars)
Carlyle Barriteau is a native of the island of Aruba and grew up in beautiful St. Martin. He picked up the guitar at an early age and was influenced by all types of music but ultimately found his love of jazz to be his musical calling. After attaining degrees at The Musicians Institute and Berklee College of Music, Carlyle moved to New York City. During this time period he was leading his own group at some of New York’s best clubs. In 2000 he had the opportunity to be part of the House Band on VH-1’s SEVEN DAYS on the 70’s. His appearances included backing up, Donny Osmond, The Miracles, Thelma Houston and Patti Austin.
He released his debut solo CD “Native Sun” which includes Carlyle’s original compositions and his expert production. In 2004 he relocated to the Los Angeles area and appeared in a Rod Stewart video for the record ”Blue Skies”.
In 2005 he joined multi- million selling and smooth jazz icon Bobby Caldwell’s (What you Won’t Do For Love) band. He continues to tour with Mr. Caldwell while also appearing with such smooth jazz greats as saxophonist Paul Taylor.
RON KOBAYASHI (keys)
Pianist and composer Ron Kobayashi has performed and recorded in a variety of musical settings. He has performed with Mel Torme, Peter Frampton, Margaret Whiting, Herb Jeffries, Jerry Van Dyke, Tim Weisberg, Eric Marienthal, Peter White, Dave Koz, Kenny Burrell, Bill Watrous, Teddy Edwards, Pete Christlieb, Patrick Moraz, Slim Man and Paula Kelly Jr. and the Modernaires.
Ron was a featured performer on "The Johnny Yune Show" airing worldwide on the International Cable Network, as well as the Jerry Lewis Telethon airing nationally. He was also featured on the “CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," and worked on the ABC television series "Call To Glory." His compositions have been heard on Jazz stations nationwide, on ESPN, over DMX Music in retail establishments nationwide, and on the nationally distributed "Maria Taggart Pre and Post Natal Ballet Video."
Ron currently serves as music director for the Annual Hollywood Diversity Awards, where such stars as Chris Rock, Vince Vaughn and the cast from NBC’s “West Wing” were honored. In 1992, Ron performed for President Bill Clinton. Finally, in 2005, Ron was honored by The Asian Business Association of Orange County as “A Role Model and Inspiration for Asians in the Field of Music.”
MIKO ESPANOL (bass)
Miko Espanol is a self-taught musician born and raised in the Philippines. He started playing the bass at age 17 and was influenced by the music of Weather Report, Jaco Pastorius, Tribal Tech, Return To Forever, Chick Corea, Charlie Parker, Ray Brown, Eddie Gomez, Pat Metheny. He performed all over the Philippines with artists such as Parliament Syndicate, Kyla, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Nino Alejandro, Soul Food, etc.
Since relocating to Southern CA in 2003, Miko has been busy working, performing, and recording with artists and groups such as MPG, Garrett Morris, Hitchhiker, Ella May Saison, Dark Sunday, etc. Miko's all-Filipino jazz fusion trio, MPG, released their first CD in April 2006 and the group is also the house band for SNL legend Garrett Morris' Downtown Comedy Club in downtown Los Angeles. He also holds down the bass chair at C3, the Crystal Cathedral’s Contemporary group.
In 2008, he teamed up with Jorg Schroeder to come up with their own line of basses, JM Custom Bass. He is endorsed by Schroeder Cabinets and BSX Bass.
ABE LAGRIMAS JR (drums)
Abe Lagrimas, Jr. is a versatile multi-instrumentalist who has achieved quite a bit at such an early point in his life. Predominantly known as a drummer, Abe is equally proficient on the vibraphone and the ukulele.
As a high school student, Abe participated in prestigious music programs such as the Betty Carter's Jazz Residency in Washington D.C. and the Drummers Collective in New York City both on full scholarships. Abe continued his studies and attended Berklee College of Music and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. After college, Abe moved back to his home state of Hawaii and quickly became one of the most in demand musicians in the state.
Abe has performed with Eric Marienthal, Lalo Schifrin, Larry Coryell, James Ingram, Gabe Baltazar, and Benny Rietveld. Additionally, Abe continues to tour throughout the United States and Asia. A 2006 Na Hoku Hanohano nominee and a 2008 Hawaii Music Award recipient, Abe is currently signed to Universal Music Japan records and endorses Paiste Cymbals, Vic Firth Drumsticks, and Koolau Ukuleles. Abe currently resides and performs in Los Angeles, CA.