Pierce Cook (Bass Guitar)

Pierce Cook is a native of Arlington, VA and moved to Pittsburgh to attend Duquesne University in the fall of 2000.  Among Pierce's hobbies are playing his basses, and his TUBA (mainly with the Ray Ryan New Orleans Riverside Band).  Pierce enjoys volunteering, reading, being with his family and friends, and sports!  Pierce teaches middle and elementary school music in the Mt. Lebanon School District and also directs the spring musical at Seton-La Salle High School in the South Hills.

Quote:

"Thanks to Jeremy for the great music and chance to be part of it, and to my family and friends for their continual support.  Lastly, thanks to God for always bringing me back to the things that really matter and for helping me create a life that affords me countless opportunities to give back.  It is my sincere hope that anyone who hears this CD is able to experience the spirit and life that we put into it."

Instruments:

Pierce plays a Kay upright bass, a Willy Franklin five string, and a Ken Smith Burner turned fretless by Willy Franklin.

Joe Amadio (Percussionist)

Joe "J.D." Amadio was born in 1956 in Western Pennsylvania.  Joe began drumming in his early teens.  He played with numerous local bands.  In the 1980s Joe did a brief stint with the national "doo wop" group "The Marcels".  Joe graduated from the Berklee School of Music in 1979 with a degree in Applied Performance.  A student and practitioner of jazz drumming for over 35 years,  Joe's commitment to the trapset shows no sign of slowing.

Quote:

"Hello Joe!"

Instruments:

Joe plays a custom set of  Baltimore Drums and is an expert in the field of various vintage and modern cymbals.

Jeremy McCall (Guitarist/Composer)

Jeremy originally hails from southwestern PA.  Jeremy studied music education and music performance at WVWC in Buckhannon, WV.  He earned his Masters Degree in Music from Duquesne University studying jazz guitar. Jeremy has been blessed with an extremely intelligent, beautiful wife, and three wonderful children.  His hobbies includes writing music, welding, using the torch, and turning wrenches on anything made by the Chrysler Corporation. 

Quote:

"God has been very good to me.  I am truly blessed."

Instruments:

Jeremy plays a Fender Tele LH, a Fender Strat LH, an Epiphone Sheraton with SMR pickup, and a 1953 Gibson ES-125.  Jeremy's amplifier is a custom built Struzzi 80212.

Mike Merriman (Bass Guitar)

Mike Merriman has been a helpful hand in a few of the tracks on the album.  Thank you Mike for your support, encouragement, and playing.