Joe Natale - lead, rhythm guitar, vocals

Joe’s love for music began at an early age. Growing up, music was all around him. His father was an accomplished accordion player, playing many Italian standards with his band in many of the clubs of New York City and Brooklyn. His mother could sing the dictionary. His sister played the guitar and his oldest brother Sal, played the bass. In grade school he began his musical training with the trumpet and played in the school band and jazz ensembles. His understanding of music at this point was limited only to Italian standards and classic American standards. This would soon change.
   

His big brother, Sal , would introduce Joe to Rock and Roll. It was all over from here. His world was opened up. He became consumed with the guitar and the incredible sounds that came from this instrument. Forbidden by his sister to touch her prized instrument; the guitar, he ignored the warning and began to sneak into her room to play her guitar. That continued for about a month until he got caught. The fun was over and his love would have to wait.

Two years later at the age of 16, Joe convinced some poor sucker to trade his guitar for a beat up harmonica that Joe would toy around on . He brought it home and did not let go of that guitar for the next two years. At 18 years of age he joined his first band. Since then, he has hit the stage with rock bands, blues bands, funk bands, variety bands and dare I say country bands, he’s done it all.  The future looks bright as he begins a new chapter in his musical life.               

Visit him at his own site here.

Maurice Rhodes – bass

Maurice started his musical career at a young age in the San-Fanscisco Bay Area, surrounded by such influnces as Sly & The Family Stone, Santana, Tower of Power and other great bands of the era.  After learning music fundamental on piano Maurice gave woodwinds and Brass instruments a try, but it wasn't until the musical explosion of the 70's that Bass Guitar became his main focus.

Maurice then played with a number of popular San-Francisco dance and show bands. In Florida you may have heard him with Rhythm Express.

After years of experience and study, Maurice crafted his own specific sound and approach to bass playing. Super Sonic Tones and Primal Rhythms drive Maurice's bass and will provide a real treat for your ears and feet. He likes different styles of music, Latin and Smooth, but the Funky stuff is his comfort zone.

Jay Seven - lead vocals, percussion

Jay Seven is originally from New York City and came to the Tampa Bay area by way of Denver, CO in 1992.  Jay got his start in music singing with New York’s All City and All State Chorus’ as well as attending the High School of Performing Arts in their Talent Unlimited program.  He was introduced to the guitar by folk artist Phil Ochs’ sister, Sonny Ochs until an operation on his hand left him unable to play.

Lending vocals to various bands and sitting in on open mic nights at various location during his military stint Jay joined and started touring with a jazz group called The Big Cigars, who decided to leave Denver for Fort Lauderdale and was with them until they retired in 1992 in Tampa.  Jay has been involved with various bands throughout the Tampa Bay area lending vocals to live performances and studio recordings and is well known for his high energy.

Visit him at his own site here.

Dan O'Hara - keyboards, vocals

Dan O’Hara has been a performing musician for most of his life.  His initial public performance was on a local television variety show in Pittsburgh, PA in 1965 at the age of eleven.  Since then he has performed with countless rock and jazz bands, church bands – even klezmer bands!  Along the way he has earned degrees in music from the University of North Texas and USF and has been privileged to work with many first rate musicians.

Here in Tampa he has performed with projects fronted by Denise Moore, Freddie Montes, Steve Semmel and most recently the Gulf Coast Jazz Quartet.  His abiding love for music has led him through many styles, but he has decided to return to his roots in R&B and funk.  “I love the funk,” says Dan.  “Playing this music and watching people have fun dancing and listening is truly a soul satisfying experience!”

Ric Santiago - saxophone, percussion, vocals

Born and raised in New York City, Ric began playing music with local funk and r&b bands at age 13 and later graduating from City University New York with degrees in music. While in the tri-state area Ric began teaching in addition to backing a variety of top artists traveling throughout the United States and abroad. In 1990 Ric moved to Tampa Bay where he continued to teach while doing band instrument repair for, what was then, Thoroughbred Music. His abilities as teacher, performer, arranger, and musical director, have enabled him to work with acts both local and international.

 Over the years some of his affiliations of have included, Millie Puente, David Sanborn, Ben E. King Jr., Regina Belle, Eric Darius, Dayve Stewart, Fausto Rey, Jose Alberto, Valerie Capers in styles ranging from funk, soul, and r&b, to latin, jazz and pop. In addition to ongoing endeavors, he is also resident wind consultant and technician for Sam Ash Music in Tampa, FL.