Besides composing and arranging Tom Varner is probably the most distinctive French horn player in jazz since Julius Watkins, though he has been more inspired by the cornet playing of Don Cherry. A graduate from New England Conservatory he has since preformed and recorded with Lee Konitz, Bobby Watson, Steve Lacy, John Zorn, Dave Liebman, Bobby Previte and many others. He has recorded over ten albums as a leader largely for New World and Soul Note.