The NOW Orchestra was founded in 1987 by saxophonist and co-director Coat Cooke. The fifteen piece improvising ensemble is based out of the West Coast of North America, with members hailing from Washington and Vancouver. As of the late '90s, the line-up included co-director and guitarist Ron Samworth, cellist Peggy Lee, drummer Dylan VanDerSchyff, and pianist Paul Plimley. NOW Orchestra has performed at festivals including Vancouver's du Maurier International Jazz Festival and FIMAV, and has collaborated with major improvisers such as Wadada Leo Smith, Marilyn Crispell, Lawrence "Butch" Morris, Vinny Golia and Rene Lussier. ~ Joslyn Layne, Rovi