Joe Valentino of Chicago, Illinois has been an active full-time musician/drummer performing locally and abroad for over thirty-five years. Working with countless musicians, vocalists, and entertainers performing at various venues both corporate and private, as well as concert events. Joe is accomplished and versatile in a vast array of musical styles. Joe's professional experience is not only as a sideman but as a band leader and has been a band leader organizing and leading everything from trios to sixteen piece ensembles. Joe is experienced working on the business end, booking events, negotiating contracts, and contracting musicians.
Guitar
Keys
The Musicians
Joe Valentino
Roger Harris
Paul Merar
Michael Ross
Bass
Drums
Michael Ross, native of Chicago, IL. was encouraged at an early age to take private guitar lessons at the Chicago School of Music. While advancing his studies in music, Michael performed at several of Chicago's local jazz clubs. He soon later became the staff guitarist for the first New York Broadway National Touring Company's production of "The Wiz," that toured across the United States. Michael's sound is true to the heart - filled with emotions, style, technique. His creative abilities allow him to tell a story - going beyond normal boundaries and giving his listeners only the best!!! Michael's style and artistry have enabled him to perform with a number of great artists. A well-respected artist among many, Michael is someone you don't want to miss.
Paul Merar received his B.A. in Music Theory from DePaul University and has worked extensively in recording and live performances. He earned two platinum records for his work on the Stayin’ Alive and Rocky IV soundtracks. Paul is adept at playing all styles of music from Jazz and Rock to Classical (string bass). His work in jingles for national corporations includes the Wall Street Journal, Tropicana Hotel, Toyota, Target, McDonald's, Levis, and numerous others. His television and film appearances include the Golden Globe Awards, Merv Griffin, Solid Gold, Stayin' Alive and Dance Fever. He has toured with Stix Hooper from the Jazz Crusaders, Iyo Matsumoto, Arbors, Chevere, Faith Pillow, and numerous bands in the Chicago and Los Angeles areas.
Roger Harris is a native Chicagoan, musician, educator and one of Chicago’s well known piano men. He is known for his ability to play many styles and retain great volumes of musical material. Roger received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Roosevelt University and has taught in various school districts in Illinois and Indiana where he taught band, orchestra, Choir and general music classes. Presently Roger teaches jazz ensemble and jazz piano at Valparaiso University and Roosevelt University. Roger also conducts a high school aged big band during the summer under the umbrella of After School Matters.
As a pianist, Roger has had the privilege of playing with jazz greats Stanley Turrentine, Freddie Hubbard, James Carter, Orbert Davis and Lonnie Liston Smith. He also played with “the Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin, Jean Karnes, The Jones Girls, Sharelle and others. Roger can be seen playing in many Chicago venues including 5 star Hotels and Resorts, clubs and restaurants. Roger’s cd can be purchased on line at Beezwax Records.com