|
BAND
 |
MIC
GILLETTE
Although
Mic Gillette is best known for 30+ years of stellar horns work
with Tower of Power, Cold Blood and the Sons of Champlin, not
as many people realize that he has appeared on several hundred
albums and CDs (!) for some of the biggest names in the music
business--Santana, The Rolling Stones, The Doobie Brothers, Heart,
Quincy Jones, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Jefferson Starship, Huey
Lewis and the News, and hundreds more. Mic also enjoyed a brief
stint with Blood, Sweat & Tears. The majority of these appearances
were during nearly two decades as leader of the world-renowned
Tower of Power Horn Section.
So
if you didn't know, now you do: Mic Gillette has been and continues
to be one of the most prolific and sought-after horn players in
the history of music! When it comes to searing funk, soaring brass
solos, and deliciously soulful ballads, it doesn't get any better!
|
| |
|
 |
JON
SMITH
For over 40 years, the unique and powerful sound of Jon Smith’s
saxophone has been sought out by some of the biggest names in the
music industry, including Edgar Winter’s White Trash band,
the Grammy Award-winning group Toto, Albert Collins and European
superstar Peter Maffay, just to name a few. A self-taught musician
whose first job came at the age of 13, Jon plays as if he was born
with the saxophone in his mouth. Some who have heard him play compare
his rich sound and solo ideas to that of King Curtis and David “Fathead”
Newman.
Born
in southern Louisiana, Jon, along with childhood friends Edgar
Winter and Jerry LaCroix, formed the now legendary Edgar Winter’s
White Trash band in the latter part of 1969. Jon’s dominant
tenor sax sound and solid horn arrangements played a key role
in the overall sound and success of the group.
|
| |
|
 |
Steve
Mason
Keyboards;
Steve ( nickname "Mase") originally from the Bay Area
has been a professional keyboardist for over 30 years with extensive
recording, composing, and arranging experience. From 1976 to 1982
he toured internationally, as well as the West Coast and Canada
and recorded 3 albums with Stockton based R & B group "9th
Creation". He has since performed and recorded with many other
Northern California groups, including Sacramento's smooth jazz recording
artists "Analysis" while performing with his own jazz
group "The Steve Mason Jazz Ensemble".
Steve (Mase) is a well sought after recording and performing keyboardist
playing everything from Jazz to R&B to Funk to Rock and even
some Country music. His most recent performance with the Mic Gillette
Jon Smith Project has proved to be Mase's most exciting project
yet. He hopes to add the desired spark to the group's sound making
the Mic Gillette Jon Smith Project a musical experience like no
other.
|
| |
|
 |
Clinton
Day
Bass;
As a professional bassist in the Bay Area, Clinton has been playing
jazz, funk and blues for the past 20 years. Clinton's first bass
teachers were Marc Van Wageningen (Pete Escovedo, Cornelius Bumpus)
and Paul Jackson (Herbie Hancock). Clinton began studying music
at Columbia College in California in 1982 under Dr. Rod Harris.
He finished his studies at San Jose State University in California,
receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1987, and earning his Master
of Arts Degree in 1990. As an accompanist/arranger for the Columbia
College Music Program he had the opportunity to perform with numerous
artists including Bobbie McFerrin, Carl Anderson, Cornelius Bumpus,
Clare Fischer, Don Shelton, Bobby Shew, Grant Geissman, Phil Mattson,
and Richie Cole. He can often be found sitting in on bass and piano
with Bay Area jazz artists Kelly Park, Reid Whatley, John Witala,
and Jim Grantham.
|
| |
|
 |
Dave
Hawkes
Drums;
Mr. Hawkes has been performing professionally in the Central Valley
and Bay Area since 1983. In addition to attending the Berklee School
of Music in Boston, Dave is a graduate of California State University,
Stanislaus. He has studied with notable drummers David Garibaldi
and Dave Weckl. Some of the artists Dave has performed with include
Pete Escovedo, Clark Terry, James Moody, The Ink Spots, Clare Fischer,
Carl Anderson, Bill Watrous, and Chris Cain. Dave also had the privilege
to perform many times with longtime Steely Dan sideman, Cornelius
Bumpus.
Dave teaches privately in Turlock and Modesto.
|
| |
|
 |
Greg
Barker
Guitar/Vocals;
A Bay Area native, Greg started playing guitar at age 8, a gift
from his parents and a diversion from his interest in drums. His
early influences were B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and other guitarists
from the 50's and 60's music scenes. Greg got the bug for traveling
and playing music venues as a teen when he competed in his first
music festival in Denver Colorado in 1967, and then joining the
Bay Area traveling band "Youth of America", sharing stages
with stars like Bob Hope, Andy Williams, Raquel Welch, and many
others. He moved to the Central California Valley and played with
several bands and has kept his influences evident in his playing
style, his favorites are of course two legendary Bay Area bands,
Tower of Power from his hometown of Oakland, and the Doobie Brothers
from San Jose. His lifelong love and appreciation for jazz, funk,
rock, and blues greatly influences his musicianship as it has done
in the past, having shared stages with prominent artists such as
Tommy Castro, Elvin Bishop, Canned Heat, and other Bay Area acts.
|
| |
|
 |
Robert
(Bongo Bob) Herrera
Percussion;
Bongo Bob has been performing music professionally for over 35 years.
He is originally from Oakland California and over his music career
has worked in most aspects of the music business. His experience
includes working as a TALENT BOOKING AGENT at (The Agency, Fantasy
Records), Concert Promoter ( Valley Isle Promotions), Personal Manager
for Emilio Castillo, Steve Doc Kupka (Tower of Power), Horn Coordinator
(Heart), Road Manager (Tower of Power), Producer (The Automat SF.,
Russian Hill Recording studio SF.), Executive Producer ( Native
Vibe / Luna de Nosara cd ), Publisher (The Agency Publishing A.S.C.A.P.),
Staff Percussionist,( George Benson's Lahaina Sound Studio Maui
Hawaii), Concert Stage Security ( Bonnie Raitt), Nightclub owner
(Hapa's Maui Hawaii / Coco Bongo Panama City, Panama). Bongo Bob
has been honored to share the stage with musicians such as Mic Gillette,
Jon Smith, Steve Stills, George Benson, Willie Nelson, Gregg Allman
to name a few. Bongo Bob's enthusiasm on stage is obvious. He loves
touring and as you will see he is a very energetic and exciting
performer.
|
|
