|
Post by jon hynes on Feb 25, 2009 13:04:55 GMT -5
Soul InjectionAlthough this band as a whole wasn't around in the '50s and '60s many of the members did play in the Utica area in that era. Formed in December, 2001, Soul Injection is comprised of musicians from all over Upstate New York who have toured with both regional and national acts throughout the world. Soul Injection is available for both indoor and outdoor bookings, from clubs to small showrooms to fairs, festivals, and casinos. A light jazz set is available for weddings and black tie affairs.
|
|
|
Post by jon hynes on Feb 25, 2009 13:05:49 GMT -5
Bob Crossway - founder, bass, keys, trombone, band coordinator, sound tech Bob brings to Soul Injection over 35 years of performing both regionally and nationally. First touring with the 'Dick Clark Caravan Stars' in 1965, Bob has gone on to perform with such great groups as 'The Shadows of Night', 'The Manhattans', 'The Mersey Side 5', and several other regional and national acts, performing as bassist, keyboardist, or trombonist. Bob's most recent national tour ended in 1999 where he played bass with the world renowned rock group 'Kansas'. Unfortunately, due to medical reasons, Bob can no longer perform with the group. As a friend and mentor, his experience and presence is felt at every show.
|
|
|
Post by jon hynes on Feb 25, 2009 13:06:38 GMT -5
Fred Piperata - co-founder, vocal director, frontman, lead vocals: Fred has been a frontman and lead vocalist since 1967. He has traveled and toured from Canada to Key West, and from Boston to Cleveland, OH. Fred has been the lead vocalist for such groups as 'August', 'Punch', 'Flame', and most recently 'Direct Hit'. Fred brings to Soul Injection a high level of showmanship and stage presence, as well as vocal leadership. Fred also plays congas with the band, and is an accomplished guitarist and keyboardist.
|
|
|
Post by jon hynes on Feb 25, 2009 13:07:21 GMT -5
Gene Voce - drums: Geno has been playing and recording professionally for more than twenty years. He has spent his musical career with a variety of bands including "The Justice McBride Band" and most recently "Les Brers". He has recorded numerous radio and television jingles, as well as drumming on many recording sessions for various local and regional artists. Gene's early influences include Buddy Rich, Danny Seraphine, Bill Bruford and Peter Erskine.
|
|
|
Post by jon hynes on Feb 25, 2009 13:08:05 GMT -5
Vic Tocco - keyboards, vocals: Vic has been playing music in the Central New York area for twenty-two years. He has played in several successful bands before coming to Soul Injection, including 'Crystal Ship', 'Amber', 'Excel', and 'Direct Hit'. Also a drummer, Vic finds his influences in the '80's rockers Heep, Whitesnake, and Europe.
|
|
|
Post by jon hynes on Feb 25, 2009 13:08:52 GMT -5
Frank DeRocco - Guitar, Vocals: Frank is a native of Utica and Upstate NY and has been a member of Soul Injection since March 2003. Originally a clarinetist, he began studying guitar with Carmen Caramanica in the late 60's. He has been in many local bands, including "Gross National Product", "August", "Chapter 3" "Excel", and "Direct Hit". Frank plays blues, rock, jazz, R & B, and country. His influences include Robben Ford, Larry Carlton, Santana, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix, as well as many other well-known guitarists.
|
|
|
Post by jon hynes on Feb 25, 2009 13:09:35 GMT -5
Joe Bar - bassist, vocals : Joe comes to Soul Injection after a long and successful career of performing both locally and regionally for many years with such great groups as Prism, Sunshine, Crystal Vision and most recently Chill Factor. His main influences in music have been Grand Funk Railroad, Tower of Power, Spyro-Gyro, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Joe takes the art of playing bass to a level that very few musicians ever accomplish. His style excites the audience and is truly a pleasure to listen to. The one thing that most people in the Central New York area may not know is that Joe is also a very accomplished keyboardist and was the driving force on keys with the Jason Moore Revue. It is truly a pleasure to have Joe as a member of Soul Injection.
|
|
|
Post by jon hynes on Feb 25, 2009 13:10:17 GMT -5
Travis 'Chopper' Olivera - alto, tenor saxophones: Chopper began his Soul Injection career in January 2004, and has been playing the sax for about 15 years. He grew up in Waterville, where he was a very involved musician, playing the saxophone and singing in every possible ensemble. His musical influences range from Stan Getz and Paul Desmond to Radiohead, the Beatles, and the Beastie Boys. Aside from playing with Soul Injection, Chopper is a journalism student at Utica College and a librarian in Waterville. He currently resides in Clinton, where he spends his free time reading, writing, listening to records, and playing Tetris. Sorry ladies, this one's taken.
|
|
|
Post by jon hynes on Feb 25, 2009 13:11:00 GMT -5
Joe Colombo - trombone: Joe holds a Master of Science degree from Syracuse University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from State University of New York College at Fredonia. He is the Upper and Middle school band director at Manlius Pebble Hill School. As a professional trombonist, he has performed with the Central New York Jazz Orchestra, the Mario Desantis Orchestra, the Stan Collela Band, Bones East, the Moss Big Band, the Rick Montalbano Jazz Orchestra, Classified, Out of the Blue, Color Blind James, Bare Bones, Hip Bones, and leads the Salt City Jazz Collective.
|
|
|
Post by jon hynes on Feb 25, 2009 13:11:53 GMT -5
Bob Cesari - saxophone: Bob now resides 'close to' where he was born, in Westmoreland, NY. After spending years away in San Francisco, Miami and Boston, he settled here to raise his sons. Currently a band teacher in the Utica City Schools, he likes to keep busy gardening and playing music. When not performing with Soul Injection, he can be heard with his Jazztet, The Sal Alberico Orchestra, Zoe Jazz Ensemble, The Salt City Jazz Collective or Jazzbone. He is currently collaborating with long time friend James A. Straney to record some of Straney's orchestral compositions.
|
|
|
Post by jon hynes on Feb 25, 2009 13:12:36 GMT -5
Kevin Hendrick - trumpet: Before joining up with Soul Injection Kevin played keyboards, trumpet, vocals, percussion for Albany NY's The Groove Syndicate. In addition to playing trumpet for Central NY's own Soul Injection, Kevin currently plays trumpet for The Big Soul Ensemble, a contemporary big band from Albany and freelances on trumpet and bass with several groups. He is the brass instructor/director for Capital Brass (mini-Corp.- and Brass-O-Mania (strolling Big Band) and also leads his own Latin Jazz group known as The Bartlett St. Project. Behind the scenes he is active as a composer, arranger, audio engineer and producer. Kevin is an alumnus of many upstate NY bands including Alex Torres and The Latin Kings, The Refrigerators, The Joey Thomas Big Band, and Out of Control, and has performed internationally on various cruise ships. Kevin is a graduate of The College of St. Rose with a degree in Music Education and teaches privately as well.
|
|
|
Post by jon hynes on Feb 25, 2009 13:13:25 GMT -5
Mike Perry - trumpet: Mike is a native from Guilderland, holds a B.S. in Music Education from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and a M.S. in Music Education from the college of St. Rose. After graduation, Michael continued his education at East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas as a graduate assistant. While in Texas, he taught marching band for two years, as well as studying trumpet in the Dallas area. After moving back to NY in 1986, he has played in various professional bands including The Revelairs (Polka), Into the Night (Top 40), Alex Torres y Su Orchestra (Salsa), and Out of the Blues (R & B), The New York Players, Figiel Brothers (Polka), The Temptations, The Tokens, Shangri-Las, Lou Christie, and several shows at Proctors in Schenectady. He currently plays Lead Trumpet with the Joey Thomas Big Band. In addition, he also teaches privately and performs for wedding ceremonies and church functions in the tri-city area. Michael currently teaches at Amsterdam High School where he is the Symphonic Band Director and AHS Jazz Band Director. He currently resides in Amsterdam.
|
|
|
Post by jon hynes on Feb 25, 2009 19:54:42 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by jon hynes on Feb 25, 2009 20:02:26 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by zarnock on Feb 25, 2009 22:58:34 GMT -5
Been away in Vegas for a week.... hope I didn't miss too much! I need to catch up.... Missed all the fun here!
|
|