All past and present band members include: Pans and Percussion: Andy Akiho, Ryan Stokes, Davin Lail, Nathan Koci and Billy Sekhon; Bass: David Cobb and Dustin Retzloff; Drumset and Percussion: Ron Wiltrout, Kenneth Salters, Tony Buzella and Matt Bridges; Flute and Sax: Rudy Rodriguez; Vocals and Percussion: Juan Lanzot; Vocals: Lady Flex and Mackenzie.
Influences
Harry Belafonte, Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffett, Ray Holman, Pan Ramajay, Len "Boogsie" Sharpe, New York Steel Bands, Trinidad & Tobago Steel Bands.
Sounds Like
Large group performs calypso, soca, reggae, rock, and jazz; smaller ensemble mixes African percussion and solo steel pan with similar genres.
J'Ouvert Steel Band was created by a group of musicians that graduated from the USC School of Music. We perform in a variety of sizes, usually 2-5, but sometimes more. We are looking for gigs in bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as public events, private parties, weddings, etc.
If you're a fan of J'Ouvert, please make us part of your Top Friends!
Three of the tunes above are from a live show at Art Bar in Columbia, SC. One tune, Soca Train, is not J'Ouvert Steel Band - it is the Sesame Flyers in Brooklyn, NY. Davin Lail and Ryan Stokes are both playing in this huge 85 piece steel orchestra. A good friend, Andy Akiho, was one of the co-arrangers, along with Freddy Harris III. Latin Singer and Percussionist, Juan Lanzot joined the group in 2007 and he is featured on two of the tracks.
We wanted to take the opportunity and let you know about a brand new online audio community.
Studio Auditions (www.studioauditions.com) is the place, and you have the chance to check it out first on a sneak preview basis. The site is in its last beta stages but you can sign up today in advance of the official release.
hey sorry i didnt make it out last nght....all my little things i had ta work on 4 class ended up takeN a lot longer that i thought...BUT i bet u guyz rawked it!
