From the Frisco Cricket article Yerba Buena Tuba by Hal Smith, Summer 1998

Ralph "Zulu" Ball (1953-)

Ralph "Zulu" Ball studied tuba with Bob Short in Portland, Oregon. He subbed for Short in the Castle Jazz Band and for George Brunswith Turk Murphy's Jazz Band and also worked with Conrad Janis' Tailgate Jazz Band and with Wingy Manone in Los Angeles. In 1956 he joined the Firehouse Five Plus Two. He recorded with the FH5 in 1957¹⁸ but left the band due to health problems. In 1959, Ball recorded with banjoist Dave Weirbach.¹⁹

From the '60s to the present time, he has played tuba and bass with many traditional groups in Southern California. He has also led the Milneburg Chamber Ensemble and the Good Time Group. Ball's playing is heavily influenced by Bob Short's, with a buoyant beat and thoughtful choice of bass notes.

Published in the The Frisco Cricket, which is available when you Join the Foundation (only $25!).