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TOMMY LEPSON
"One of the best soul singers around, blue-eyed or otherwise."
– Mike Joyce, Washington Post
Tommy Lepson started performing professionally at age 14 and has appeared with many national acts, from the Kinks to Captain Beafheart, to the Fabulous Thunderbirds to NRBQ, The Righteous Brothers,The Spinners and Chuck Berry. Tommy has toured and recorded with the infamous Root Boy Slim, the Assassins (with Jimmy Thackery), and DC’s own: the Soul Crackers. Tommy has also recorded with Nils Lofgren, the Night Hawks, Danny Gatton, Tom Principato, Jerry Portnoy (Eric Claptons Blues All-stars), Bonnie Bramblet, Duke Robillard and Kim Wilson (T-Birds).
During the Clinton administration, Tommy and his band performed three times at the White House. In addition, Tommy has won over eleven WAMMIE awards from the Washington Area Music Association (WAMA).
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ELTORRO GAMBLE
Maryland/D.C. native ElTorro Gamble began his professional career in the late '80's, playing drums for international and local artists in the DC area – artists such as Eddie Kendrix and Dennis Edwards (formerly with the Temptations) Funkadelic (P-Funk All Stars) and Warner Brothers recording artist, Root Boy Slim, to name a few.
In the early '90's, Gamble hooked up with Charlie Pastorfield and the Believers for three years. He then moved to Canada, spending several years on the road touring both the States and overseas. Returning to D.C. in early '98, Gamble teamed up John Perry to provide the dynamic rhythm section for the Tom Principato Band.
In addition to his drumming skills, Gamble is self-taught on guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards. He is endorsed by the Sabian Cymbal Company, the Baltimore Drum Company, and the WideAss™ Sound Seat Company.
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JAY TURNER
Background
Performing since the age of 13, Jay A. Turner has developed a unique musical vision and style. As well as an accomplished bassist, Jay has worked as an arranger, composer, music director, band leader and instructor. A Detroit native now residing in Baltimore, MD, he studied music at Wittenberg University and Berklee College. Jay has earned a reputation as a "musician’s musician." Over the past year he has been involved in eleven commercial releases and numerous demos, working in New York, Nashville, and the Baltimore/Washington, DC area.
Studio Recording
Jay has composed, produced and arranged three critically acclaimed solo albums: Celebration Day (2001), Circling (1995), and Running from Under Pyramids (1992). The Washington Post says, "Turner is an electric bassist who often sounds as if he`s intent on not sounding like one. [Circling is] interspersed with…colorful ensemble pieces [and] three solo performances that further attest to Turner’s lyricism and resourcefulness." Jazz Times says, "Coupling inventive, affecting arrangements with dexterity, bassist Jay A. Turner offers a mind bending trip on Circling." Churn Magazine says,…and it is cool…swirling confections of densely layered mid-tempo art rock.. an astonishingly accomplished document, not just for a self-produced disc but for any kind of record at all." Jay has contributed to more than 85 albums as a freelance bassist. Noteable artist and producers include: Scott Carter (Kerrville winner 2000), Danny O’Keefe, Jason Stelluto, Demola Adepuo, Joanna Cotten, Steve Azar, John Alagia, Crystal Taliefero, Linwood Taylor, Paul Reed Smith, David Z, Laurie Web, Vinnie Santoro, Greta Gaines, Johnny Neel, Timm Biery, Djimo Kouyate, Dave Berg, Michael Sauri, Rod Picott, and Kelly Bell.
Live Experience
Stylistically accomplished, playing rock, R&B, punk, blues, art rock, songwriter and a variety of ethnic styles, Turner’s diversity has landed him gigs with hundreds of groups. Noteable performances include: The African Summit 2000, Namm Session `98 with Pomeroy`s All Bass Orchestra, Y`allapoluza, D.C. Blues Festival, World Free Jazz Festival, Lowell Folk Festival, Olympic Village `96, Chesapeake Blues Festival. Smithsonian Folk Life Festival and the Kennedy Center. He has toured the U.S., Austria, Denmark, and Canada.
For more information about Jay, click here...
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JON BELL
Born and rasied on Maryand's eastern shoreJohn began playing guitar at age 11. By the time he was 14 he was performing in bands at local chruches,clubs and social events. In 1976 at age 17 he moved to the Baltimore area and started working with the regional touring group The Heat which was a supporting act for national acts such as Eddie Money, Billy Squire and REO Speedwagon. In 1983 he joined one of Baltimore biggest bands Appaloosa and worked with them until 1990. In 1996 John began performing with several local blues artist such as Dean Rosenthal, Fat Tuesday and Big Dog. In 2004 John joined the Tommy Lepson band.Inspired by guitar greats Jeff Beck, Larry Calton, Roy Buchannon and Danny Gatton, John brings an energetic edge and funky groove to the group.
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