The Cavett ABC show that I remember always had a big band. Seems that I remember that he came back with a smaller show on PBS(?) with a smaller band after being cancelled by ABC ca. 1972(?). But I'm not putting money on that.
No, they were all NYC-based at the time (late-60s/early-70s). Daniels was also with Thad/Mel at the time, remember? The band was led by Bob(by) Rosengarden. I'm thinking that Jerry Dodgion was lead alto.