CBS Orchestra - Guest Members

Guest Members

When Shaffer was unavailable, Warren Zevon was usually the substitute bandleader prior to Zevon's death in 2003. David Sanborn on saxophone was an occasional guest member of the band during its NBC days. Of late, Michael Bearden has infrequently substituted for Shaffer as a keyboardist, with drummer Anton Fig taking on the role of bandleader. However, this was before Bearden was named the bandleader on George Lopez's ill-fated TBS talk show, Lopez Tonight.

For the April 6, 2001, show, the band expanded to 50 players to become the CBS Giant Orchestra with 16 violins, 8 violas, 4 celli, 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, 1 bass trombone, 4 saxophones, 2 harps, 1 keyboard, and 1 percussionist.

On the June 15, 2010 episode, legendary bassist Larry Graham of Sly and The Family Stone and Graham Central Station was a guest of the band, playing bass and providing vocals. Graham also sat in on October 8, 2012.

New York area bassist Neil Jason often fills in for Will Lee, most recently on August 21, 2012.

Drummer Shawn Pelton of the Saturday Night Live Band on Saturday Night Live sits in on the drums when regular drummer Anton Fig is absent.

In February 2012, longtime saxophonist Bruce Kapler departed the orchestra. A string of guest saxophonists (including Tom Timko of Will Lee's Beatles tribute band The Fab Faux) substituted for him until a full-time replacement was found.

In July 2012, longtime trumpeter Al Chez departed the orchestra.

During the week of August 13, 2012, trumpeter Greg Adams from Tower of Power sat in with the band.