Lew Tabackin got his start in public school in Philadelphia, felt like a misfit studying flute at the Philadelphia Conservatory, and ultimately found his footing after picking up the tenor saxophone. Lew has come a long way and had a varied career since: he graduated, served in the Army from 1962-65, met his wife (jazz pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi), moved to California in the 1970s, and formed their big band that performed for decades. Nowadays, Lew enjoys playing with his trio around the world.