When the Kingstons run on stage or dash to catch a plane, tagging right along is their bassist, Dean Reilly. Joining the Trio at Lake Tahoe for a three week "trial" in March 1962, Dean finds he's still with them. "It's a good job" says dean "to play enjoyable music, make good money and have absolutely no pressures is a rare thing, Jones."

Between engagements, Dean's a "stay at home," - home being a bass-cluttered, flower-decked house in Mill Valley, California which he relentlessly shares with his lovely wife, Molly, daughter Erin, who at the early age of three has already broken many a heart, and his one-year old son Mark.

From his father, James Sr., a pianist, Dean learned the love of music. After playing trumpet for a few years, he took up the bass and, besides the California Symphony, has worked with numerous artists ranging the scale from serious Jazz (his first love) to "just plain folk." Among them, Leon Bib, Gateway Singers, Vince Guaraldi, Earl (Fatha) Hines, Jackie & Roy, Maurice Chevalier, Carmen MacRae, Anita O'Day, Art Farmer - even Thelonious Monk. Dean is heard on all Kingston Trio records since "Something Special," and has become a much depended upon asset. Although he is the proud owner of an 18th century Stozioni, a bass, he rarely takes on the road, a notable exception (in deference to President Johnson) being their recent White House appearance where they shared the stage with Gerry Mulligan, Jose Ferrar, Sidney Portier and Leonard Bernstein to entertain the President's Scholars.

After music and family, Dean's pet passions are tennis and Laurel & Hardy.