|
Marc Boon has been the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, keyboard
player, and band leader since Hip Pocket began. His versatile vocal style
makes the transitions between Hip Pocket's varied repertoire of swing,
blues, R&B, and classic rock smooth and seamless.
Jim Boitos,
Professor Emeritus of Music, taught saxophone and jazz at Illinois State
University for thirty six years. Throughout
his career as a professional musician, Boitos has performed with such
notables at Billy Eckstine, Big Joe Williams, Cab Calloway, Nancy Wilson,
the Temptations, Mary Wilson, Anne Hampton Callaway, and many more. He
has joined Hip Pocket in order to keep a watchful eye upon several of
his past (way, way past) students.
Bassist
Chris Briggs' talent for laying down the sturdiest of foundations
has been a hallmark for Hip Pocket for nearly 19 years while he also has
lent his talents as an accomplished pianist and arranger on several songs
from HP's 5 CDs.
Gary Erwin has
been known throughout the local music scene
as a rock solid drummer for 30 plus years and is the perfect playing partner
when it comes to the diverse styles of music Hip Pocket performs.
Jeff
Estes brings the perfect blend of superior musicianship and ultimate
team spirit to Hip Pocket and is just at home on baritone sax as he is
on alto, tuba, (Marc can't wait to find the perfect tune for that one),
clarinet, or singing the highest of harmonies.
Tom Fatten
is an accomplished arranger, musician, and performer
who can play it all from big band charts to the classics. He’s at
home playing piano, bass, trumpet or singing a few higher harmonies and
brings a sense of order to this disorderly bunch. Another of those serious
musicians who actually studied and got a degree.
Trombone,
trumpet, percussion, and vocal harmonies are all part of John Filkins'
vast talents. John has anchored the "I'm just glad to be here"
horns for 22 years and has helped arrange many of the horn charts.
John
Kerner adds soulful guitar riffs and blazing pyrotechnics with tasteful
ease as Hip Pocket's lead guitar player and lends a few high and lonesome
harmonies along the way.
Tom
"Roomer" Wiedrich's unique character is hard to ignore whether
he's belting out a vocal, lippin' the harp, or supplying the rolling boogie
woogie piano and riveting B-3 sounds that fans have come to love.
|