SongVault Artist Profile

All of the members met at the Saturday afternoon blues jam at Knucklehead's Saloon in Kansas City, MO (see our friends for the link) We were all known as the usual suspects when it came to attendance...and were soon to become a tight sound machine. Our first time out as a band was in Basehor, KS at the City Park kicking off the Summer Concert In The Park series, and from that time on, we have kept amazing our audiences with each appearance. We are a tight, well rounded group whose band members come from all walks of life and depth of experience. Read on about each of the members............................................................................................ Leanna, or Penelope as she is mostly known, has expressed herself in music most of her life. ..starting in church, which explains her choice in gospel/blues and soul music. She loves to sing with various vocalists as well as with the band and you can sometimes catch her singing along side such regional artists as Billy Ebeling or King Alex and Fast Johnny Ricker. Leanna writes some of our original material................................................................................................................ Dwane is a Kansas City native with a knack for rhythm and blues. This man can play the skins! He also provides some soulful backup vocals and in a pinch can fill in on the bass. You'll often hear him cracking jokes from behind the drums, just to keep the crowd on their toes, but you have to pay attention to catch his punch lines...................................................................................................................... Then, we have Tom, our bass player. He is our anchor man. Tom provides not only the bass line, but rhythm too. He occasionally sings backup and is widely known for his humorous and thought provoking original material. If you're lucky, you'll catch one of Tom's tunes! He has also played with national acts such as Ronnie Baker Brooks and Mike Zito, King Alex and Billy Ebeling....................................................................................................................................... Justin, on guitar and vocals, is the newest UNusual Suspect. A relative newcomer to the KC music scene, he’s quickly become a familiar face at clubs and on stages all over the area. About his style, he says, “I know I’m not the best, fastest, flashiest, or prettiest. I just try to listen to what the rest of the band is doing, dial in a good tone, and throw down some tasty licks.”...................................................................................................................................... Chris, our saxomophone dude was found standing on the corner of Independence Ave and Gladstone looking for a gig. We took mercy on him and asked him to join us and the rest is history. No, actually he's played with such popular bands as Cotton Candy and So Many Men, The Jimmy Nickelsen Band and he even has sat in with Bernard Allison Band. He's an excellent player!! He's an excellent musician and we are fortunate that he agrees to play with us. Check him out....and his 4 horns and now an EWI.