The Now and Then Trio is an established jazz group featuring three outstanding musicians that have performed for a number of years at the Williamsburg Inn in Williamsburg, Virginia. In addition to playing for other special events, the group traveled to Guyana, South America in 1998 and presented concerts, club dates and workshops throughout the country.

The members of the trio are recognized as three of the most outstanding musicians in the Tidewater and Hampton Roads Area and they perform with various other groups when not performing as the Now and Then Trio. Their repertory includes music from a wide spectrum and styles. Their first sold out cassette release titled GOOD STUFF was a good indication of the easy listening type of music they specialize in. Their last cd titled LIVE AT THE INN was also a hot seller. 

The members of the trio are Robert (Bob) Ransom, Vibes, trumpet,cornet and Flugelhorn; James (Flip) Hoopes, guitar and Eddie Edwards, string bass.

Robert E. (Bob) Ransom, Trumpet, recently retired from Hamptom University as an Assistant Professor of music after 22 years. He received the B.A. in music at Hampton Institute (University), and the M.M. from Norfolk State University. Additional studies were pursued at Peabody Conservatory of Music. Bob also spent 20 plus years as an Air Force Bandsman, retiring in 1975.

Serving often as a clinician and soloist, Bob has performed with Mel Torme and the big band of Thad Jones & Mel Lewis. Other artist include Roy Brooks, Tony Martin, Eartha Kitt, Tavaraus, The Spinners, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Mitzi Gaynor, The O.J?s, Nancy Wilson, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole. Bob is a member of the Great American Music Ensemble, The Roy Muth Jazz Band, the Now and Then Trio and a retired member of the Virginia Symphony. He is listed in Who?s Who in Entertainment (1998-90) and is a past President of the Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Jazz Educators.


James D. (Flip) Hoopes: Guitarist, began his musical career with the United States Air Force Military Airlift Command Band at Scott AFB, Illinois, in November 1961. He performed with the seventy piece concert band as well as an eighteen piece jazz show band and various smaller ensembles. Later Chief Master Sergeant Hoopes became leader/conductor of the jazz show band and performed throughout the United States and other countries for high ranking dignitaries including President, Ford, Kennedy and Nixon. He has also worked with prominent entertainers such as, Andy Williams, Bob Hope, Vic Damone, and Sarah Vaughn.

Since retiring from the Air Force in 1978, Flip has been performing in night clubs, restaurants and concert halls with such artists as Nancy Wilson, Patti Page, Tony Martin, and many others. He is often invited to perform at jazz festivals and special events. currently, Flip is part of the popular Now and Then trio, as well as the Connie Parker Quartet. The Now and Then trio has become a popular attraction at the Sunday brunch, every Sunday at the Prestigious Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Flip is now considering going back to teaching intermediate and advanced guitar Students, while continuing to perform with various jazz groups.