Mike Pittsley took up the trombone when he was 10 and was playing professionally by the time he was in high school. The Northern California native gained an abiding appreciation of vintage jazz from his involvement with the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society. He was also associated with the Sacramento Symphony brass and percussion demonstration ensemble and played with a wide variety of bands from Dixieland groups to pit orchestras. He joined the Jim Cullum Jazz Band in 1978 and during his initial 12-year stay appeared on over 100 broadcasts of Riverwalk, Live from the Landing. After leaving the band, he worked as a freelance musician, taught low brass and co-led the Mission City Hot Rhythm Cats — a traditional jazz band which also included Jim Cullum Jazz Band alumni Mark Hess and Eddie Torres. For several years Mike was the principal substitute for Kenny Rupp with The Jim Cullum Jazz Band. When Kenny departed the band in April, 2011, Mike rejoined the band as the full-time trombonist.