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The
Patti Parks Band encompasses the word
"Chemistry" in every sense of the word.
Comprised of some of Western New York's most respected musicians,
The Patti Parks Band
is one of those bands that you can tell by watching is really into
what
each other is doing. "These guys feed off of each other, they are
constantly cheering each other
on. It's something to behold when they get cooking!" says Patti of
her band. Mutual respect and admiration is evident in the sound and
presentation. Most of these guys have crossed path before and have
known each other
musically and personally for years. For example:
Upon arriving in
Buffalo in 1994, Paul
Vanacore joined a local blues band where, according to Paul, “the
best thing that could have happened” to him did:
he met Bobby Serette, tenor sax player. The
connection between them was immediate; almost as though they were born
to perform together. Bobby’s soulful sound,
combined with Paul’s thoughtful and complimentary backup, make them an
integral and powerful part of the commanding stage presence of the
Patti Parks Blues Band.
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Bio's |
Guy is the master of the Hammond Organ and has played with many of Buffalo's top bands including the Meatsticks, the MLC Blues Band, Big Wheelie and the Hubcaps, the Border City Blues Band and the Rabbit Foot Blues Band. When Bob Serette and his smokin’ sax, “Sally” take the stage, they bring with them a wealth of experience and the unmistakable sound of one of the true veterans of the Buffalo music scene.Bob was one of the original members of Tony Costa’s band, “The Rock and Roll Revival”, which was the first successful oldies band in the area. He then shared the stage with the late Stan Szelest, followed by a ten year gig at the Lake with one of the premier party bands of the 70’s and early 80’s, Arthur’s Court. Bob then turned his attention to the 50’s and 60’s revival and played with various oldies bands in the area, including Big Wheelie and Solid Grease. Bob rounded out his musical career with a ten- year gig with one of the most successful blues bands in the area, Win Lose or Draw. It was during his ten years with this group that he was twice awarded the Buffalo Music Award for Best Blues Saxophonist. Paul Vancore, baritone sax player, has an extensive musical background, dating back to the age of thirteen, when he started playing professionally in Connecticut. Members of Paul’s family have been an integral part of the national music scene. His brother Victor has been the musical director for many national performers, such as Johnny Mathis, Barry Manilow, and most notably Ray Charles. Victor received a Grammy Award for his work on Ray Charles’s last album. Paul’s brother David is a composer, who composes all the musical scores for television shows, At the age of seventeen, Paul was a member of a house band that backed up James Brown and the Flames. After being discharged from the military, Paul made California his home, where he performed with many horn groups, until moving to Buffalo. Paul’s inspiration has always been the one and only Tower of Power, and, when Paul picked up the baritone sax in 1971, it became, and still is, his passion and main instrument. Bob Ambrusko started playing guitar in 1960 and then switched to bass in 1967, he has played with many local bands including: Phil and The Spectors, John Culliton Mahoney,Donna Rose & Jimmy Wozniak, Founder of the origional Cheeks Band in 1976, Easy Living, The Better Way etc. Bob Joined the Patti Parks band in the Winter of 2005 and has been Patti's bass player to present. Jay Dzina is one of WNY's most respected and sought after guitarists. A main stay on the scene, Jay has played with everybody who is anybody, in the Buffalo area, most notably, Jay has been the long time guitarist for Billy McEwen and the Soul Invaders. Jay's masterful chord work and perfect choice of notes have been an inspiriation to younger guitarists around his home area. Jay is truly a WNY treasure! When Jay Dzina can't make it, you may see Ed Koban playing guitar with the band. Ed is a well travelled guitarist, having been the road guitarist for national recording artist and Native American Music Award winner, Darryl Tonemah, for the past 8 years. As guitarist for Tonemah, Ed has played at the 2002 Winter Olympics, The New Orleans Jazz Festival, The Kennedy Center and many more. Ed has been known to break out his Native American Flute at Patti's shows to really add a unique flavor to the Blues.
Guy is the master of the Hammond Organ and has played with many of Buffalo's top bands including the Meatsticks, the MLC Blues Band, Big Wheelie and the Hubcaps, the Border City Blues Band and the Rabbit Foot Blues Band.
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