Jeff Walker Bass
"When I was a kid I had the usual shoeboxes full of music, but they were not the stars I heard on the radio. Bloomington/Normal has been talent-rich for a long time--and it was mostly local musician's
I had in my collection...
I used to sneak into the bars to see the likes of Marc Boon and other local talent playing the scene.
I have been lucky enough to do many different bands and projects, I give a few bass lessons.
I am truly honored, however, to play with this particular group of brothers and sisters "
Jeff
"When I was a kid I had the usual shoeboxes full of music, but they were not the stars I heard on the radio. Bloomington/Normal has been talent-rich for a long time--and it was mostly local musician's
I had in my collection...
I used to sneak into the bars to see the likes of Marc Boon and other local talent playing the scene.
I have been lucky enough to do many different bands and projects, I give a few bass lessons.
I am truly honored, however, to play with this particular group of brothers and sisters "
Jeff
Ray Wiggs on keyboards: by Marc Boon
Ray was and is the great keyboard player from "Appaloosa", a hugely popular band from a few years back and has been with me for 10 years now. He is an incredibly talented player and great guy to be around. His substantial skills bring another dimension to the band. He's a beast on keyboards with a very cool style that can combine B-3 and Rhodes sounds flawlessly plus he brings a wealth of musical knowledge to the band. The dude can play anything.
Ray was and is the great keyboard player from "Appaloosa", a hugely popular band from a few years back and has been with me for 10 years now. He is an incredibly talented player and great guy to be around. His substantial skills bring another dimension to the band. He's a beast on keyboards with a very cool style that can combine B-3 and Rhodes sounds flawlessly plus he brings a wealth of musical knowledge to the band. The dude can play anything.
Drummer Don Stahl
Born and raised in Fairbury, IL., I started playing drums at age 10 and studied at P.I.T./Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA..
In the 30 years since, I have lived in Florida and Colorado, and played every style of music imaginable, crisscrossing the nation several times, playing gigs big and small.
My family and I recently made our way back to Illinois, and a chance meeting with Marc Boon lead to this current partnership.
From the first rehearsal, I was blown away by the musicality of this band and how easy it is to play with them. I’ve played with 100’s of musicians in my time and these guys are some of the best. They make me a better player which allows me to serve the music better. And, we laugh…a LOT! We’re blessed to have found each other.ch other.”
In the 30 years since, I have lived in Florida and Colorado, and played every style of music imaginable, crisscrossing the nation several times, playing gigs big and small.
My family and I recently made our way back to Illinois, and a chance meeting with Marc Boon lead to this current partnership.
From the first rehearsal, I was blown away by the musicality of this band and how easy it is to play with them. I’ve played with 100’s of musicians in my time and these guys are some of the best. They make me a better player which allows me to serve the music better. And, we laugh…a LOT! We’re blessed to have found each other.ch other.”
Jerry "Muttonhead" Erickson has been a mainstay of "go to", not only Central Illinois but national, list of musicians for many years. When the project turned to guitar players he was one of the first on my list to call. His steel playing is amazing and forget about 6 string. I thought Lowell George or Bonnie Raitt was in my studio. He's just amazingly talented no matter what.
Jerry's session blew my fragile little mind!!
Trefan Owen guitar
Trefan Owen has been a players player for decades. His finesse, knowledge, experience, and pure talent spark the section and really brings a cherry for the top. Can't wait to hear all three guitar players in November. Jay, Jerry and Trefan are going to be a force.
Trefan teaches guitar and is helping create a new generation of guitarists. He's also a gas to hang with. We have said it many times that you may be good at what you do however it's the "hang" that takes you over the top. He's over the top.
Trefan teaches guitar and is helping create a new generation of guitarists. He's also a gas to hang with. We have said it many times that you may be good at what you do however it's the "hang" that takes you over the top. He's over the top.
Kenzie Ahlman Vocals
Kenzie comes the band through a great music school in Bloomington called "Hip Cat Music School" as a Vocal Teacher. Kenzie starts the second year in pursuit of a Masters at Illinois State University this fall.
Hailing from Nebraska Kenzie has been singing forever and loved the experiences with Musical Theater in high school and college. Classically trained with a voice that lends itself to any genre Kenzie has a sense of humor, excitement, and overwhelming joy when performing.
...and yes, Kenzie is a great "hang".
Hailing from Nebraska Kenzie has been singing forever and loved the experiences with Musical Theater in high school and college. Classically trained with a voice that lends itself to any genre Kenzie has a sense of humor, excitement, and overwhelming joy when performing.
...and yes, Kenzie is a great "hang".
Jessica Bella vocals
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Jessica is another teacher from Hip Cat and is a voice Major from Illinois State University. She'll head east next year to pursue a Masters Degree. From the Naperville area, Jessica is a serious performer and Classically trained with, once again, this amazingly powerful voice that is tuned like a Swiss watch and is impeccably under control.
Jessica and Kenzie have added such a great vibe to the music with skills that far out reach their age. ...and once again a "great hang" |
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