Bands
Every week I have the privilege of playing my trombone with all kinds of great musicians around Chicago. Here are some of the bands that keep me working, keep me happy, and keep me making music.Soulio
Soulio is the funky soul-jazz combo I've led since 2004. Come out and hear us at Nick's Beergarden sometime. We released our first, self-titled CD in 2007. Now on sale for just $11.99!
Websites: souliojazz.com, myspace.com/soulio.
The Larry King Orchestra
The LKO is much more than a wedding band. For me, it's just a chance to play with Chicago's most bad-ass musicians... and get paid for it. Hire us sometime when you're planning a really classy, extravagant private party.
Website: larrykingorchestra.com.
Tributosaurus
At Martyr's the first Wednesday of each month, this musical behemoth reinvents itself to become a new band. No, I wasn't on the Van Halen tribute, but I'm usually there whenever a trombone (or euphonium) is required.
Website: tributosaurus.com.
Skip Towne & the Greyhounds
A bunch of talented and super nice dudes who work the blues and festival circuit out of Chicago's northern suburbs. Some of them are from Jump 'n the Saddle, of "Curly Shuffle" fame, so of course we play that tune on every gig.
Website: skiptowne.com
The Gina Knight Orchestra
Swing it, Daddyo, swing it! Drummer & singer Gina Knight's dynamic swing ensemble.
Website: ginaknightorchestra.com.
Michael Jackson's Bangers & Mash
Groovy, poppy instrumentals the fourth Monday of every month at Morseland.
Website: myspace.com/bangmash.
Room for Cream
An eclectic pop/folk duo featuring my wife, Haruka, on guitar and vocals, with me backing her up on trombone and bongos.
Website: showtimedia.com/room4cream.
Other Bands
The above bands keep my plate pretty full, but I do occasionally have a night off. (I am a trombone player, after all.) So I'm always happy when someone calls me in for a special project or as a sub.
In recent years, I've performed with and/or recorded with such artists as blues/funk legend Lucky Peterson (European tour, summer 2006), Kofi, Deitra Farr, Nicholas Barron, Ike Reilly, the Powers That Be/FM Radio, The Hush Sound, Brother John, Steve Butler & Ron Haynes, Little Hercules, Brother Brother, Ladies of the Canyon, the Associates, Jesse de la Pena, Bumpus, Tautologic, Lubriphonic, the BS Brass Band, Professor John, the Brass Tracks Big Band and many others.
And last but not least...
Liquid Soul
Nope! I don't play in Liquid Soul anymore. Not since January 2003, to be exact. But I suppose it's worth mentioning here because it is a part of my history and people still identify me with it. I recorded on three of their albums, including the Grammy-nominated "Here's the Deal," and toured all over the freaking place with them.
