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Mike Gende: Lead Voice, Bass, Violin, Percussion, Sax, Reeds, Guitar
Mike is the organizer of the project. A fan of Gentle Giant for over 30 years, the group has been a significant musical influence in his life. Mike has played in a variety of musical setting from Classical, Rock, Progressive Rock, Fusion, various Church musics, different styles of Country music and others. Mike's main aim is a "no compromise" approch to Gentle Giant's music, hoping to do the band as much justice as possible. This eminates from his great respect and love for their work.
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Phil Smith: Keyboards, Voice, Percussion, Reeds, Brass
Phil is a gifted musician with perfect pitch. He has transcribed more Gentle Giant music than anyone I know of. Transcription is a gift of Phil's, having scores for Brand X, The Dixie Dregs and many others "under his belt". Besides that, Phil is a talented keyboard player. Born in the U.S., he has lived and played in England and other parts of the US. Greatly dedicated to Gende's Giant, I'm only sorry that I did not sooner recognize he could play this music as well as transcribe it. We're very happy Phil is, at long last, in the band.
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Mischa Zupko: Keyboards, Percussion, Voice
Mischa Zupko is an award winning composer and artist. His awards, honors, commissions, and performances of his works are too numerious to mention here. He holds a Bachelor's in Piano, and a Master's and PhD in Composition. Just do a Google search on "Mischa Zupko" and, trust me, you'll get hits. A recording of his modern classical work "In Transit" can be found on Amazon.com and is highly recommended. A fan of Gentle Giant on top of all, we're most pleased to have him "on board".
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Tom Johnson: Electric/Acoustic Guitars, Bass, Percussion, Reeds, Voice
Tom is an experienced musician who has played semi-pro for many years. A talented player, he has performed a variety of popular musics and in many different groups over the last 30 plus years. Also a fan of Gentle Giant since the 1970's, his familiarity with the material provides authenticity to Tom's playing in Gende's Giant. His musical ablility, work ethic, and love of Giant's music make him a welcome addition to the group. Oh yeah, he also has a really cool Les Paul.
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Eric Larson:Drums, Percussion, Voice
A seasoned and talented player, Eric has performed in the U.S. Midwest area for many years. His last group, Kashmir, was a widely successful tribute to Led Zeppelin. A longtime fan of Gentle Giant and John Weathers, he is well suited for this challanging music. Eric and Mike Gende have played in different bands together since their teens. Since their earliest collaborations, Gentle Giant music has been a backdrop in their lives. All these factors make Eric a uniquely good fit for Gende's Giant.
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Bob Ferraris: Electric and Acoustic Bass, Voice, Percussion, Reeds
Bob is a gifted player, full-time musician, and teacher. His playing includes jazz on his upright bass, classical performances with groups and orchestras, and popular settings with his electic instrument. He is also a music instructor at Lewis University in Lockport, Illinois. A former bandmate of well known drummer Charlie Adams (www.charlieadams.com), Bob was playing progressive music "on the road" in the 1970s. A more recent admirer of Gentle Giant, he has found the music as enjoyable to play as it is difficult to execute.
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