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 $10.00.
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 (and occasionally, a euphonium) is required. Some memorable shows I’ve done with them over the years: Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & the Gang, Ray Charles, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, One-Hit Wonders (’70s & ’80s), The Band, Van Morrison, Beck and many more.
Liquid Soul
The band that put me on the map. I recorded on three Liquid Soul albums, including the Grammy-nominated “Here’s the Deal,” and toured all over with them between 1995 and 2003. After a decade-long hiatus, I played the band’s 20th anniversary show at the Double Door in 2013. I’ve been back in the fold ever since.
Skip Towne & the Greyhounds
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.
Room for Cream
An eclectic pop/folk duo featuring my wife, Haruka, on guitar and vocals, with me backing her up on trombone and euphonium. Check out our CD!
Other Bands
The above bands keep my plate pretty full, but I’m always happy when someone calls me in for a special project or as a sub. Over the years, I’ve performed with and/or recorded with such artists and bands as blues/funk legend Lucky Peterson (European tour, summer 2006), 10,000 Maniacs, Bernie Mac and the Mac Men, Chicago Catz, the Johnny Blas Latin Jazz Band, Theryl “Houseman” DeClouet, the Jamez Band featuring James Fairs of the Cryan’ Shames, the Jordan Years, the Hush Sound, Jeff-award-winning singer/actress E. Faye Butler, the Pin-Ups, Twinray, Dave Specter, reggae artist Kofi, Ike Reilly, Ari Mintz and Vat of Chocolate, blues singer Deitra Farr, Nicholas Barron, the Powers That Be/FM Radio, Brother John, Little Hercules, Brother Brother, Ladies of the Canyon, the Associates, the David Rothstein orchestra, Bumpus, Tautologic, Lubriphonic, the BS Brass Band, Professor John, Big Band Boom, the Larry King Orchestra, Flashback Chicago, Bontuku and many others.