When people think of band leaders bringing musicians together, encouraging them to be themselves and contributing to the music, a lot of music lovers will think of Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Spencer Davis & John Mayall. But here in the Bay area Levi Lloyd was the connective tissue between so many varied and talented musicians. To play with Levi was to be part of a greater collective. A family of musicians who created with him and then went on to forge their own voices. The final incarnation of Levi’s core band, THE WORKSHOP is just that thing. All of them having played either in Levi’s “Friends” band or in the “Workshop” or both. Both Bob McBain and Ron Lacey were often heavily featured soloists. Levi loved diversity and musicality and he fostered that with everything that he did. The Workshop comes out of that “family” and didn’t want to let the seeds of what Levi planted to drift away with the wind. Their music is an eclectic amalgam of styles, New Orleans, straight up blues, serious funk, reggae and even a little swing and those great classics are presented with an evenness as only these guys can. Sometimes there are even stylistic changes within one tune that will keep you smiling, tapping, and perhaps even doing the “conga line” around the club (it’s happened before!).
THE WORKSHOP is:
Bob McBain – Long time Marin resident, Bob is known throughout the North Bay as the busiest man in music. He has been a reliable foil for Levi while remaining a prolific “sideman”, playing in a huge variety of bands playing all over the Bay area. Perfect pitch and a selfless approach while accompanying so many eclectic artists has made him a “first call” player for all occasions. Bob has honed a really personal voice when using his synths, providing a tasteful sonic bedrock. His latest exciting project is Pete Floyd the incredible new Pink Floyd tribute band.
Ron Lacey – Ron brings a wealth of knowledge to every situation he is involved with. He has toured all over North America with the likes of the Drifters, Coasters, Little Anthony & the Imperials and Al Wilson. It is his vocal and keyboard prowess that add so much to The Workshop’s current musical sound. Heavily steeped in jazz improvisation, Ron is the mischievous instigator of the wonderful twists and turns evident in the band’s current direction.
Michael Israel – Arrived in Marin in 1993 playing with local artist Seven Harkey in the critically acclaimed Seven Harkey & the Lomaxes. He fell in love with the Bay area while on tour with A Flock of Seagulls, the Grammy winning British band. While in the New York area he worked in a variety of situations both live and in the studio with the likes of Poppa Chubby, Iggy Pop, Norah Jones, Willi Jones, Noel Redding, Ivan Julian (Mathew Sweet), Richard Tee, Will Lee, Bonnie Hayes and the Shanachie All-Stars. In addition to his own bands, Chameleons and The Barstow Project with guitarist Morris Acevedo, Michael has been playing with Levi for the past 5 years and has enjoyed backing up a host of blues luminaries such as Alvon Johnson, Daniel Castro, Bill Noteman and Willy Jordan.
Tommy Miller – Tommy began his professional career at age 15. During the two-year period between 1978-79, Tom performed and recorded as bassist/vocalist with drummer Doug Clifford (Creedence Clearwater Revival), keyboardist Bobby Whitlock (Derek & the Dominos; Delaney & Bonnie & Friends) and guitarist David Vega (Graham Central Station) as California Gold. In 1992 he joined forces with Mickey Thomas' Starship. Tom played with Gregg Allman & Friends since 1990, and he recorded on the two songs "Memphis in the Meantime" and "Startin' Over" from Gregg's "Searching for Simplicity" CD, Allman." Tommy has also toured with Grammy-nominated bluesman Alvin Youngblood Hart. Tom still works with the Alameda All Stars whom he joined in 1986.
MEET OUR SPECIAL GUEST FOR THE EVENING
Roger Volz - has played in Bay Area bands for nearly forty years. Initially, while on tour with The Dynatones, Roger played in horn sections behind The Grass Roots, The Box Tops, Syl Johnson (writer of Take Me to The River), and Sir Mack Rice (of Mustang Sally fame).
He can be heard singing “Up All Nite,” a duet with Lydia Pense on Cold Blood’s latest CD, “Soul of the Gypsy,” and recently performed the tune with Lydia at the City Winery in Napa.
Aside from his gifted sax work Roger is the consummate writer/arranger for his very popular Soul Fuse, singing lead vocals as well as fronting this band. Roger is the personification of what we think of as cool. With his depth of experience and gorgeous tone on both alto & tenor saxophones he is the perfect foil for the Workshop on what you can be assured will be a fun evening at Blue Note - Napa.
To see the Workshop in action with Levi Lloyd here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzDQ2-YF_lg
To see Roger Volz with his band Soul Fuse here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0MoHmuuxSA
