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The Shadow Tour Band
Topic Started: Jan 31 2009, 04:51 PM (720 Views)
mouser
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The Shadow Tour Band will be updated and/or changed as new members join Taylor at various small venues across the country AND CANADA.


MARTYR'S , 20TH CENTURY THEATRE, RAMS HEAD ON STAGE, THE ROXY THEATRE, BELLY-UP , CAFE DU NORD , THE TRIPLE DOOR , EPCOT


Brian Gallagher flute/sax


Taylor's saxophone and flutist is/was a member of the popular band "Greazy Meal". Their albums include "The Most Beautiful Girl" , 1995 and "Coming Home", 1989. Home has been Minneapolis for Brian ; when not busy playing with Prince and Mandy Moore to name a few.

Brian graduated in 1986 from the University of Minnesota with a degree in music. He is in a relationship and is the proud parent of one child. A Catholic and a Sagittarius, this 6'0" athletic young man, puts it all to work when he steps on that stage. Hailing from St. Paul , Minnesota, we are fortunate to have him "beating the brass" for Taylor .

Brian has two albums out '" Coming Home" release in 1989 and " Most Beautiful Girl" in 1995, both discribed as Jazz Fusion .



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MARTYR'S , 20TH CENTURY THEATRE, RAMS HEAD ON STAGE, THE ROXY THEATRE, BELLY-UP , CAFE DU NORD , THE TRIPLE DOOR


Josh Smith guitar and music director

http://www.myspace.com/joshsmithguitar


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Born Oct. 7, 1979 ( sound familiar ) in Middleton , Conn, Josh soon became a Florida resident. At age 3, he began his "career" as a guitarist with formal lessons beginning at the age of 7. Aided by parents who appreciated good music, Josh was exposed to live performances at a young age.
As a member of "Josh Smith and the Rhino Cats", he played on many Florida stages in the early 1990's. Following his dream, Josh began pursuing a musical career immediately after High School and has been recognized by critics and fans , nationally, as one of the next great guitarists of this generation.
We relish the opportunity to add to Josh's growing fan base.

With five CD;s under his belt including his latest " Deep Roots" ,Josh has become a sought after addition by many artists who recognize his amazing talent on the guitar.


Posted Image Deep Roots


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MARTYR'S , 20TH CENTURY THEATRE,

Kari Parker drummer


Posted ImageKhari Parker from his myspace.
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MARTYR'S , 20TH CENTURY THEATRE, RAMS HEAD ON STAGE, THE ROXY THEATRE, BELLY-UP , CAFE DU NORD, THE TRIPLE DOOR

Kenny Crouch keyboard


Kenny Crouch has been a professional since the age of 15., but began playing the piano at the age of 7. He is the nephew of Andrae Crouch. Before joining Eric Clapton on tour in 1998, he played with Babyface Unplugged in 1997. He has recorded with The Temptations, Lenny Kravitz, Vanessa Williams and Toni Braxton to name a few diverse artist.
Posted ImageKenny Crouch from his myspace


Posted ImageKenny Crouch courtesy of SHIZUKA
SHERMAN OAKS
State: California
Country: US

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MARTYR'S , 20TH CENTURY THEATRE, RAMS HEAD ON STAGE, THE ROXY THEATRE, BELLY-UP , CAFE DU NORD , THE TRIPLE DOOR . BEAU RIVAGE


Mike Mennell Bass

In 2005, Michael Mennell takes Les King’s place on bass. with Tom Jones Band

Posted Imagetomjonesinternational.comMichael Mennell graduated from the University of Miami in 1989 with a Bachelor of Music degree in electric bass. While living in South Florida, Mike recorded and played with Jimmy Buffett, Mick Taylor, Chayanne, Bobby Keys and many others. After moving to LA in 2000, he established a busy recording and live playing schedule including sessions for Disney artists Everlife, promotional music for Live Earth, numerous jingles and record projects, and two years (2006-07) as bassist for Sir Tom Jones. At MI, Mike teaches private lessons as well as Slap Bass and Live Playing Workshops.

Posted Image http://www.mi.edu/FacultyDetail/212.aspx

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THE ROXY, BELLY UP , CAFE DU NORD , THE TRIPLE DOOR


Gary Novak - Drums


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Chicagoan Gary Novak began playing piano at age 8, son of Chicago pianists Larry and Carol Novak. As a drummer, Gary worked with his father’s trio in Chicago clubs, and by high school had worked with Buddy DeFranco, Joe Williams, Milt Hinton, Kenny Burrell and Louis Bellson. At 19 years old, Novak moved to Los Angeles - an important step forward for Novak bringing many opportunities most could only dream of getting. Not only did Los Angeles bring him his first road job with Maynard Ferguson, but it marked a year of great exposure. Novak would come to work with Brandon Fields and record on his latest LP. He worked with such musical greats as Michael McDonald, Natalie Cole, David Sanborn and Anita Baker.

He teamed up with guitarist Lee Ritenour who employed him for his solo tour and the GRP All-Star tour in 1991.

Novak continued to tour throughout ’92, this time with George Benson. Although he had been working for the greater part of his life, he was not about to slow down. At 28, he joined Chick Corea’s newest band. After leaving it, he toured with other great musicians, such as Bob Berg and Allan Holdsworth. In 1998 he joined Canadian pop star Alanis Morissette’s band, recording and touring with her for over a year.

One must wonder what will be left for Gary Novak to do, having accomplished so much in such a short time....
Source: ejn.it/mus/novak.htm


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Luis Conte - Percussion

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Luis Conte’s genius stems from his ability to integrate the powerful rhythms of his native Cuba with the American necessities of American pop music. His long and varied career has included numerous Hollywood film scores and mega-successful albums with Madonna, Ray Charles, Phil Collins, Santana, Shakira, Jackson Browne, Sergio Mendes, Cachao, and a multitude of other artists too numerous to mention.

Born in Santiago, Cuba, Luis spent the first 15 years of his life soaking up the rich musical heritage of “El Son” and Carnival. "Life in Cuba is all about enjoying life, and music is central to that lifestyle," Luis says. "Music is almost like food to Cuban people.” While immersed in the music of his native Cuba, Luis also developed a passion for Rock & Roll, R&B soul music, jazz, and the Beatles.

At 15, looking for freedom, Luis emigrated to Madrid, Spain. He soon had another opportunity to travel, this time to Hollywood. In California, Luis stayed with a cousin and attended Hollywood High School, playing guitar in numerous rock bands throughout his teens.

After high school, Luis met John Monteallegre, who reunited him with Cuban drums at LA City College. By the time he was 18, Luis was intensely interested in drumming and took every opportunity to play and to learn, drawing his inspiration from a deep source of rhythm absorbed during his youth in Cuba.

Since then, Luis has become one of the most respected and recorded percussionists in the world.

http://www.luisconte.com/bio/bio.html

http://www.luisconte.com/bio/interview-daywithluis.html Interview with Mr. Conte


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TIM CARMON - HAMMOND ORGAN , Background Vocals


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Tim Carmon was born and raised in Washington, D.C. His career eventually took him to Los Angeles.

As a preacher's son in Washington, D.C., Tim Carmon grew up immersed in the church. Blessed with God-given ability and influenced by his mother and the sounds of gospel music that surrounded him, Tim began playing piano at the age of nine and by the age of 12 was serving as church organist for three different churches, including the one led by his father.

Carmon's obvious talent was spotted by everyone within earshot and he soon became known for his musical versatility. This quickly placed him in high demand by artists in a variety of musical genres, where he has always made sure to make each artist feel like they were at their musical home when working with him.

Feeling the need to spread his musical wings, he eventually found his home in Los Angeles after getting the call to do a record that led to many other musical opportunities, including writing and producing.

In addition to playing keyboards, Tim Carmon is also a drummer, vocalist, and producer. He is a graduate of the Duke Ellington School of Arts. A few of the artists he has worked with include Mary J. Blige, Babyface, Gladys Knight, Kenny Lattimore, Vibe, and Eric Bennet. He has a number of production credits to his name including Vybe’s “Knock Me Off My Feet” and Solid Rock Christian Choir’s “Live in D.C.”
Other projects include arrangements and playing (piano and keys) for the film version of Dreamgirls where he worked with the production team, The Underdogs. His Phunky Boy Productions is also working with a variety of artists on upcoming releases and projects for film and television.

Tim worked with Eric Clapton on MTV’s Babyface Unplugged and joined Eric’s touring band for the 1998 Pilgrim Tour. Additionally, he joined Eric and B.B. King in the studio for the Riding With The King sessions in February 2000.

Tim re-joined Eric’s touring band briefly for some US dates in 2004 when he substituted for Billy Preston, who was ill. More recently, Tim was on the road with Eric for the 2006 / 2007 World Tour.




JAY LEACH: PEDAL STEEL GUITAR

Posted Imagecourtesy of Mandy

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Jay Leach has an Idol connection as he has worked with Paul ( Idol music producer ) on the show.
Born in Oklahoma City,OK but growing up in Wichita, Kansas. Jay began playing music when my grandmother insisted that he begin lessons on the Hawaiian Steel Guitar shortly after my eighth birthday. He continued playing Steel Guitar until , at the age of 14 , he switched to electric guitar and began playing in local bands.

He came to Los Angeles in the early 70s and began pursuing a career as a professional musician but in 1973 had an experience that would change the course and destiny of my life forever.. He became a Christian and seriously considered becoming a minister, specifically as a Navy Chaplain.

Lucky for the music world, Jay came to the conclusion that music was his calling and door began to open with local rock bands . He met Ted Greene (considered by many to be one of the greatest American guitarist and teachers in history). Ted agreed to take him as a private student on a weekly basis, something he rarely did with his students. This along with going back to school to study music and communication combined with studying sight reading with a symphony conductor really began to pay off. Many new playing chances began to open up leading to the opportunity to become guitarist for Barry Manilow for a year in the late 70s.
Following that adventure , he began recording sessions and during the years that followed several TV shows, some movie soundtracks, jingles, and many Christian albums were part of his musical career. At this point he suffered a I nearly fatal collision with a drunk driver.

Much could be said regarding injuries, rehab, etc. but suffice it to say that one year later to the month of the accident by virtue of God's grace and the prayers of many, he was in the studio recording my first guitar album as a solo artist. Today Jay , continue working as a freelance musician in Los Angeles and travel as a solo artist doing concerts and guitar master classes nationally.

He enjoys camping and fishing with his family, the classic Jets and especially the new F-22, cooking chili, Labrador Retrievers and recently got a red Foxfire and named her Annie, golf, Pool (especially 9-Ball and often plays in tournaments around the U.S. when he travels), working out, and comedy writing.


As an epitaph, Jay says, "... he would want people to say, 'He was a happy, honest man who sought excellence as a musician. As a parent and a husband he was a blessing to his family and his life pleased the Lord.' I feel privileged to be a working musician in L.A. with some of the greatest musicians and guitarists on the planet. I hope to always continue to grow as both an artist and a player and be an inspiration to as many people as possible"
His Industry Credits include:

...TV shows : American Idol w/ Kenny Rogers, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, and Kelly Pickler, several episodes of Touched by an Angel, Matlock, In The Heat of The Night, Murder She Wrote, Jake and the Fatman, cartoon episodes of Lilo & Stich, Hey Arnold, and the Disney Channel's Dumbo's Flying Circus; many TV and radio commercials such as: IBM, Budweiser, Denny's, McDonald's, Nike, Black Angus Steak House, and Mercedes; Movie soundtracks include: Team America, Six Days and Seven Nights, Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Urban Cowboy, Smokey and the Bandit III, Big Business, Mars Attacks, Gone Fishin, Tough Enough, A Simple Wish.

...has worked or recorded with Roy Orbison, Barry Manilow, Gladys Knight, John Denver, The Pointer Sisters, and Kirk Whalum; has been session guitarist on over 70 contemporary Christian albums including artists such as Carman, Barry McGuire, and Joni Eareckson Tada; was also the guitarist for the Promise Keepers band. Additionally Jay has major industry credits on Pedal Steel, Dobro and Banjo.

As a Solo Artist he has Seven albums and three guitar books with Mey Bay Publications to his credit.

jayleach myspace
http://jayleach.com/main.php


DERON JOHNSON - KEYBOARDIST ( Cafe du Nord)


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Deron Johnson, born in Los Angeles, is a jazz musician living a life rich in pursuit of his ever-evolving musicality, which began at the age of sixteen. In college, Deron became hooked on jazz music at California State University Long Beach and continued his pursuit with private lessons from Billy Childs. After receiving a few grants and awards for scholarship, Deron left at the age of 21 to pursue a career in music. In 1991, after touring with Pop Idol Paula Abdul, Deron was discovered by trumpet legend Miles Davis. This would be the last group that Miles would have. “I never remember being nervous on stage because I thought that if he called me to be in his band, then there was no place else I needed to be.” Deron did three European tours and two American tours with Miles before he died. And recorded the keyboards on his last CD effort called “Doo Bop.” Miles Davis most assuredly laid the groundwork for Deron’s career. It still seems to ring thru years later when getting recommended for gigs. “if you played with Miles, it’s like having music’s calling card, you can play with anyone you want.”At this time Deron toured extensively and recorded with jazz bassist Stanley Clarke and David Sanborn. The impressive list of leaders that Deron was already playing with at that time was a truly diverse spectrum of musicians ranging from Stewart Copeland, Jeff Beck, Robben Ford, Greg Phillingaines, and Marcus Miller. In 1996, Deron decided to for the first time to leave the sideman role and focus on an original project. “Jazz in that mid 90’s period seemed a to be lacking in clarity of expression, and I felt I couldn’t offer anything to it. I’ve learned over the years to not try and change a genre, but just wait until you have like minds that are in similar worlds. The recording that ensued was a folk rock duo effort with his now wife Monica Behan. The group, Behan Johnson, were signed to RCA records in the fall of 1996, and when the record came out it charted on AAA radio. They toured extensively with Chris Isaack, Fiona Apple, and played many festivals around the US. “ I remember listening to a lot of Neil Young, Jimmy Hendrix, and Joni Mitchell at that time. I began to be able to draw on an extremely wide palette of influence. For example, I began taking Neil Young songs and applying them to the piano. I mean the actual guitar voicings, which are very different from piano voicings, encouraged my fingers do some very interesting chords.” The millennium brought more touring and more recordings with artists Alanis Morissette, Boz Scaggs and the last three years with Seal. Alanis’ live tour featured Deron alone on stage for an improvised solo piano piece.. Seal “Live in Paris” and Live with an Orchestra, are two DVD’s that feature Deron also. Deron has continued to write and record for television and other artists. Last year, while doing gigs with trumpeter Dave Douglas, he began recording his first solo effort entitled “Learning to Crawl.” The music began out of an effort in exploring folk music. “Before jazz in America there were folk songs and field songs. So I felt for a first CD why not start at the beginning.” Hence “Learning to Crawl” has a sparse unity with a focused approach in which the emphasis is always on melody. The musicians Deron chose to have around him are as diverse as his story. Earl Harvin and Chris Bruce, longtime Seal alumni, added most of the drum and bass and guitar work, but Deron alo enlisted longtime New York bass player James Genus (Michael Brecker, Jeff Watts) to the mix. “ I was looking for non jazz musicians to play jazz, and jazz musicians to play folk. I also had LA Philharmonic cellist Victor Lawrence completing the quartet. LTC is set to be released in Spring 20 myspace



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Brian Less THE MAGIC BAG , SMITH'S OLDE BAR, BEAU RIVAGE , WAREHOUSE LIVE, WORKPLAY 25, WORKPLAY 26, EPCOT


Posted Imagecourtesy of Gypsee


This is an interview with Brian as conducted by Taylor's Angels. I copy this from their webblog. Please visit . http://taylorsangelstribute.blogspot.com/

Taylor’s Angels: At what age did you begin to play musically and did you ever think it would become your career?

Brian: I started playing when I was 5 yrs old. I knew I wanted to make it my career when I was probably 10 or 11.

Taylor’s Angels: Besides the keyboard and organ, do you play any other instruments?

Brian: I play "at" the drums and bass guitar.

Taylor’s Angels: How did you get your start in music?

Brian: My parents put me in an after school piano program in kindergarten, I guess I caught on.

Taylor’s Angels: Was your family supportive of you when you decided to become a musician?

Brian: If it wasn't for the support from my family, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Taylor’s Angels: Have you enjoyed the fame? What things have you been able to do or not do because of it?

Brian: I don't see myself as famous. I am more well known which allows me to meet a lot more “music appreciaters”!

Taylor’s Angels: Where do you see yourself as a musician in 5 to 10 years?

Brian: Playing in a band.

Taylor’s Angels: If you were not making music, what would you be doing for a living?

Brian: Probably something in Law Enforcement.

Taylor’s Angels: We have heard that your parents live in Memphis (Cordova). Did you grow up there? Have you ever played on Beale Street?

Brian: I grew up in Germantown. My parents moved to Cordova when I left for college. I have played on Beale Street a few times.


Taylor’s Angels: What are your hobbies other than music? What do you do when you are not playing?

Brian: Well, my wife, family, dogs, and friends pretty much take up all of my time. I enjoy football ("Roll Tide"), and seeing the country with my spare time.

Taylor’s Angles: Do you have any advice for someone trying to make it in the music industry?

Brian: Be yourself, play from the heart, and bands come and go. As long as you keep playing you will succeed.

We thank Brian for allowing us the opportunity to know more about him, and wish him the best of luck in his career! We also invite you to leave comments for Brian or share wonderful memories of our friendship with this incredibly talented man.


Edited by Tina (DidNotExpectThat)

Special thanks to Cassidy for arranging this interiew and for some fantastic photos!


Brian Less is from Memphis and since his nickname has always been "Little Memphis," the group came up with the name Little Memphis Blues Orchestra while brainstorming for a new name. Brian plays piano and organ for the group and shares in vocals for the group. Brian is the only member of the band who is married. Brian also worked on Taylor's Under the Radar CD.
As the youngest member of the origional Taylor Hicks Band, Brian acts very much like the younger brother, just waiting to pull a practical joke on his siblings. He is quick witted, sarcastic, and incredibly funny.

Brian started playing at a very early age, taking piano lessons and developing his love of music. We are thrilled that the Original Little Memphis has brought his stellar talent to Taylor's Tour .






John Kulinich - THE MAGIC BAG , SMITH'S OLDE BAR, WAREHOUSE LIVE , EPCOT


Posted Imagecourtesy of rajrae

John is the lead guitar player in the band Frankie Velvet and the Mighty Veltones. He has also been added to the Rollin in the Hay lineup as a permanent fixture.
The smokin' licks and smooth pickin' that have recently been featured in Guitar Player magazine can be found on Itunes as well as SNOCAP at Frankie Velvet's myspace.



Jason Parker - THE MAGIC BAG , SMITH'S OLDE BAR , BEAU RIVAGE , WAREHOUSE LIVE, WORKPLAY 25, WORKPLAY 26, EPCOT

Posted Imagecourtesy of rajrae

Born and raised in the Heart of Dixie, Jason Parker began playing guitar at age 12. A year later he added bass to his repertoire, and honed his skills by sitting in with as many bands as possible in local hangouts such as [The Old] 1048 and the Brew Pub in Montgomery, AL. He played in several bands in high school, including a brief stint as the bass player for the Hank Williams, Sr. Tribute Band.


In college, Jason enjoyed success in The Hurt and The Ground and played occasionally with Secondhand Jive before John David “Chimpy” Chambliss asked him to be a founding member of The Dancin’ Outlaws. In June 2003, while auditioning other bass players, Wayne Mills Band asked Jason to fill in until the band found a replacement. WMB auditioned many other bass players but before long, WMB had decided Jason was the man for the job. Jason brings with him almost a decade of versatile musical experience ranging from funk to jazz, rock, blues, hip-hop and of course country.


His influences include Victor Wooten, George Porter, Jr., Rocco Prestia, Les Claypool and Allen Woo


Sam Gunderson, guitar - BEAU RIVAGE

Posted ImageMyFacebook

Music is it for me. The older I get, the less apologetic I feel. Now, Its just about laying whatever I got to give out there. Ive been a fricken guitar player forever blah, blah, blah- I have been blessed to work with musicians that have come into my life and changed it forever. They have taught me so much about music and life, within a simple moment of time. In their honor, I've found a new responsibility, one that finally makes sense to me. If music is the universal language, I hope that the way I speak it would make all who has come before me proud; and make my friends and family smile. For these are some of the greatest pleasures in life. As of right now I am happy to be the guitar player and musical director of the Erin Mitchell Band, and just recently produced her self titled CD. I am looking forward to the future and whatever it may bring.



Jay Smith, percussion - BEAU RIVAGE , WORKPLAY 25, WORKPLAY 26

Jay Smith from Birmingham, Alabama makes up the fifth member of the Taylor Hicks Band. He's the only member with a full-time job. He's a lawyer and plays with the band on weekends when he can work it into his schedule. Jay plays percussion and worked on Taylor's Under the Radar CD.



Jeff Lopez - sax . BEAU RIVAGE , WORKPLAY 25, WORKPLAY 26


Posted ImageMyFacebook

Jeff grew up in the small town of Gloucester, Virginia. His grandfather, who played sax professionally, was his first inspiration musically. At the age of five, his grandfather taught him how to play organ. By elementary school, Jeff seriously started playing the alto sax, and at 13 had his first professional gig. Jeff toured the nation recently with Taylor Hicks during the promotional run for Taylor’s debut album. He also did a few U.S. and world tours with the legendary Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Review. Jeff is currently blowing away audiences with The Little Memphis Blues Orchestra (formerly The Taylor Hicks Band), The Erin Mitchell Band, and a variety of other artists in the southeast region of the U.S.



Leif Bondarenko - drums WORKPLAY 25 , WORKPLAY 26 , EPCOT

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Member of "Frankie Velvet and the Mighty Veltones"
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