| |
| |
OUR BAND |
|
| |
The Olga Watkins Band, voted Best Blues/Jazz Band or
Performer 2012 and 2010” in Pittsburgh by readers of
the Pittsburgh City Paper, is based in Pittsburgh,
PA and was formed in 2003 as a vehicle for vocalist
Olga Watkins to reenter the local music scene after
a ten year hiatus. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
The band’s initial focus was on polishing their
performance of various jazz, blues and soul
standards and working as often as possible at events
and in venues that featured music of those genres.
With the evolution of the band members was the
chemistry that allowed for the development and
subsequent performance of Olga’s original songs.
“Long Time Coming” the band’s first, full length,
self produced, studio CD, released in April 2009,
is a collection of ten of those original songs as
well as two covers; one, Paul Desmond’s “Take Five”
with original lyrics by Olga Watkins and the other,
a band favorite, “God Bless the Child”, the timeless
classic by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
“Long Time Coming” is selling
on itunes, Amazon, Mp3, www.olgawatkinsband.com,
Rhapsody and all other mainstream digital download
sites via Songcast. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
The band includes Subha Das on drums and percussion,
Jay Weaver on guitar and Claude Flowers on bass.
“Long Time Coming” also includes Mason Embry on keys
and Jason Hollar on bass. All songs were arranged by
the Olga Watkins Band with all the background vocals
by Watkins. The first track, “Why”,a rock steady
tune with a hint of reggae and a bridge that brings
to mind a taste of the band No Doubt, is the only
track to feature guests artists. On trombone is
Reggie Watkins, former music director for the
Maynard Ferguson Band, currently on tour with Jason
Mraz and Grooveline Horns and younger brother to
Olga. Local music educator and composer Ray Strobel
makes his contribution on trumpet and Rick Matt,
local musician and music therapist plays saxophone
and flute. All the original songs on the CD tell
some seemingly personal stories, be they funny,
good, bad or ugly, and often with irreverent lyrics.
“It’s a Lie”, “Run Around Blues” and “Bad Dog” are
frequent crowd favorites. Although “It’s a Lie” is a
clear reference to a man or men in her life, “Bad
Dog” is said to be about some actual canines with
which she’s acquainted. The last track, “Ella’s
Lullaby” is an acoustic duo with Jay Weaver on
guitar. The CD was recorded and mixed at Sound Color
Studios in Mt. Lebanon, PA, a teaching and recording
studio owned and operated by the band’s guitarist,
Jay Weaver. Playing bass with the band since the
November 2008 is bassist, songwriter and choir
director from Sewickley, PA, Brian Sanders. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Olga Watkins and the Olga
Watkins Band, also voted second Best Blues Band in
the Pittsburgh City Paper’s 2009 reader’s poll, have
been featured in USA Today, The Pittsburgh Post
Gazette, The Pittsburgh Tribune Review, The
Pittsburgh City Paper, Pittsburgh Magazine,
Pittsburgh Downtowner Magazine, Ohio Valley
Magazine, the Wheeling News Register, the Sewickley
Herald, the Washington, PA Observer-Reporter, the
Beaver County Times, the Pittsburgh Courier, Taste
of Pittsburgh Magazine and on websites and blogs
ranging from the local www.Zbands.com to
Asia One’swww.shosiok.com |
|
| |
|
|
| |
The OWB can be enjoyed
live, twice a month, at
NOLA on the Square in
Market Square, downtown Pittsburgh, PA. The band
also performs their original show, most often as
a quartet, sometimes with horns and back up
vocalists, in venues and for events and
organizations including but not limited to Heinz
Field, PNC Park, The Rivers Casino, Ruttenbucks
in Triadelphia, WV, The Modern Café, the
original James Street Tavern, Sassy Marie’s, The
Wheeling, WV Wine & Jazz Festival, The Carnegie,
PA Blues Festival, WV Blues & Heritage Festival,
The Pittsburgh Blues Festival, Molly Brannigan’s
in Mt. Lebanon, PA, Little E’s Jazz & Blues Club
in Pittsburgh, PA and Hollywood Gardens Bar in
Rochester, PA, as featured guests on Pittsburgh
Today Live on KDKA TV, 96.9 Bob FM Mellon Square
Music Series, 92.9 FM Toys for Tots Christmas
Show, Pittsburgh Citiparks Riverview Jazz
Series, Westmoreland Arts Festival, Greendance
Winery Summer Music Series, Pittsburgh Cabaret
Theater, Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret, Highland Park
Festival, Urban Fusion Live, Annual Food & Wine
Show in York, PA, Pittsburgh City Paper’s Sound
Kitchen Series, Three Rivers Arts Festival,
Challenge the Champions for Every Child Inc.,
Annual Uncorked Gala for the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation, Mars Youth Home Annual Steelers Meet
& Greet, Steelers All Stars for the Thomas E.
Starzl Transplantation Foundation at UMPC,
Pittsburgh Fallen Heroes Fund (multiple
concerts), Pittsburgh United Artists for Christ,
Pittsburgh Dilworth Elementary Music Department,
Western Pennsylvania School for the Blind,
Musician’s Katrina Fundraiser, Glen Montessori
Annual Gala, Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of
Commerce Annual Gala and Annual Wine and Dine in
the Park and the CFF & AMD Chocolate and Martini
Gala. The band has also performed many shows for
Oglebay Institute and Towngate Theater in
Wheeling, WV and has been the featured act of
many local and regional music series, festivals
and television and radio events, and hundreds if
not thousands of charitable events, private
parties, corporate events and weddings. for
festivals and concerts as well as for commercial
licensing opportunities.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
New News from the OWB |
|
| |
The
Olga Watkins Band is currently finishing work on
their newest CD “Truth and Trouble”, recorded live
at Hollywood Gardens in Rochester, PA where Olga has
since become the head chef. The band hopes to
release the CD before the end of 2012 or in early
2013.
The band also continues to enjoy the wide reaching
fan base they’ve developed as a result of their 2011
hit “Drink up Yinz Bitches” a drinking song turned
Pittsburgh Steelers anthem. The song went viral upon
its release, netting a staggering number of website
and youtube related hits for the band in a few short
weeks. The song receives airplay on local radio
stations such as 102.5 WDVE, 96.9 BOB FM & 92.9
WLTJ as well as on Wheeling, WV and Erie, PA radio
as well. The Yinz Bitches phenomenon continues with
updated lyrics for the 2011 and 2012 NFL seasons and
will live on in the hearts of Steelers fans
worldwide. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
THE PLAYERS |
|
| |
 |
|
Vocalist, Olga Watkins has studied
music privately since age five. She
worked briefly as an opera singer
before taking a ten year break from
music during which time she worked
in the restaurant and food service
industry in various capacities. |
| |
|
She sings the National Anthem for
local sporting events, including
Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh
Pirates and Pittsburgh Force games.,
teaches cooking classes, is the Head
Chef at Hollywood Gardens in
Rochester, PA, a freelance food
writer for the Pittsburgh Tribune
Review and the leader of the Olga
Watkins Band. |
| |
|
Olga lives in
the Highland Park neighborhood of
Pittsburgh, PA with her husband Mark
Miller,
voted Best Bartender in Pittsburgh
2010 and second in 2009 by
the readers of the Pittsburgh City
Paper, her daughter Ella, also a
singer, musician and diva and her
two mastiffs; English Mastiff Nina
Simone Boo-gee-boo Watkins-Miller
and French Mastiff Satchmo Louis
Armstrong Watkins-Miller; all of
whom are avid and die hard Steelers
fans. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
Guitarist, arranger, composer,
recording technician and music
educator Jay
Weaver is
an outstanding addition to the band.
A Cumberland, Maryland native, Jay a
Duquesne University School of Music
graduate has made Pittsburgh his
home.
"Jay's new studio location in
Carnegie, PA is under construction.
He continues to work as a sound
technician, adjunct faculty at
California University of PA, private
music teacher, guitar hero,
guitarist for the Olga Watkins Band
and Olga's song writing partner.
He
effortlessly moves from one style to
another and wows audiences
everywhere. Part of Jay's intense
appeal is a result of his modesty
and unwillingness to acknowledge his
immense talent. Jay owns and
operates Sound Color Productions in
Mt. Lebanon, a recording and
teaching studio that also does live
sound for many area venues and
events. Jay is as easy going and
hard working as they come. He’s the
guy that’s easy to laugh and easier
to work with. His enthusiasm for his
craft is contagious and shows in the
faces of his many students. More
info about Jay is available at
www.soundcolorpro.com |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
Claude Flowers
began playing bass at the age of 17.
He has deep roots in the church
where it all began and is a “self
taught” bassist. Since then he has
gone on to play with a wide array of
Gospel artists; national,
international and local. Music has
taken him overseas to various parts
of Italy, Switzerland, and to the
Bahamas and Canada. In addition to
gospel Claude also plays rock, R&B,
pop, blues, jazz, country and more;
always happy to be challenged by a
new type of music. The bass isn’t
Claude’s only musical endeavor. His
first instrument was drums, which he
studied as a jazz performance major
at Slippery Rock University. He
currently plays the organ every
Sunday morning at Macedonia Baptist
Church in Pittsburgh’s Hill District
and works as a studio musician with
different artists. Although new to
the Olga Watkins Band he is an
experienced musician who enjoys each
new and diverse and opportunity
given to him. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
Subha Das
is a professional
percussionist/music educator in
Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania . He
attended the Duquesne University
School of Music from 1994-1999, and
graduated with a Bachelor's of Music
in Percussion Performance. During
his tenure at Duquesne, Subha was
fortunate to study orchestral
percussion with Gerry Unger (former
member, Pittsburgh Symphony
Orchestra ) and Stanley Leonard
(former timpanist, Pittsburgh
Symphony Orchestra ). As part of the
well-rounded education he received,
Subha also studied jazz with the
legendary Dr. John Wilson, Mike
Tomaro , Lenny Rodgers and Jay Ashby
( Paul Simon ). For a brief period
in 1996, he was able to study world
percussion with Rolando Morales (
Disney's Lion King on Broadway).
Some highlights from music school
were performances with Mike Stern ,
The New York Voices , and Michael
Abene ( GRP Big Band arranger ), and
being awarded outstanding soloist at
the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival
in 1999. Since graduating, Mr. Das
has built a very successful career
for himself, being one of the most
in-demand percussionists and private
instructors in the Pittsburgh area.
In 1998, he joined the staff of the
award-winning Mount Lebanon
Percussion program, where he holds
the title of principal assistant
director. |
| |
|
Aside from teaching, Subha maintains
an active career in performing with
the following groups: |
|
The Olga Watkins Group- Soul / Blues
/ R&B Quartet led by an amazing
singer. |
|
Cadillac Jazz- this group
specializes in providing cool, hip
jazz -- perfect for upscale events
like wedding receptions, corporate
functions, and private parties. |
|
Donna Bailey- Vocal Jazz Quartet |
|
Resonance- this group uses the
distinctive sound of the steel drums
to draw audiences into a compelling
mix of Caribbean jazz and global
fusion music. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
In addition, Subha is and will always remain a
student of his instrument. Over the past few years,
he has been studying drum set with Steve Rucker (Bee
Gees) at the University of Miami. And of recently,
he has also been studying Brazilian Percussion with
master drummer Marcus Santos in Boston. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Contributors,
Subs and Friends info |
|
| |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Mason Embry,
born on a dairy farm in Kentucky,
was gifted in music from the
beginning. At age seven he began
piano lessons and within two years
had outgrown his local teacher. At
age nine, Dr. Janet Smith, a
certified Master teacher, took Mason
as one of her students and he
studied with her for eight years.
|
By the age of 15, Mason was
the lead pianist at his
church and soon became the
bandleader. While in
Kentucky, Mason was
discovered by David DeMarco,
a Contemporary Christian
artist who traveled the
country speaking and singing
at churches and other
venues. Impressed with
Mason’s ability, David asked
Mason to tour with him on
weekends and during summer.
At the age of 16, Mason was
traveling the country making
music. |
| |
|
.jpg) |
|
.jpg) |
|
During this time, Mason
became fascinated with jazz
music and the concept of
improvisation. Dr. David
Livingston, a professor at
Western Kentucky University,
taught Mason the basics of
jazz, and Mason excelled in
the genre.
|
| |
|
After high school
graduation, Mason knew he
wanted to pursue a degree in
music. He enrolled at the
University of Louisville
where he would have access
to jazz experts such as
Jamey Aebersold, John
LaBarbera and Steve Allee.
|
| |
|
During his college years,
Mason shared the stage with
James Moody, Bob Mintzer of
the Yellow Jackets, Phil
Woods, Delfeayo Marsalis,
David Liebman, Joe LaBarbera,
Kristen Korb and Vince
DiMartino.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
In
2003, Mason graduated with highest honors, earning a
BA in Music Industry. He then moved to Pittsburgh to
continue working with David DeMarco Ministries. He
succeeded in the music business and worked for local
singers, played in jazz venues, gave piano lessons,
and did music consulting work. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
In
2007, Mason relocated to Nashville, TN to further
his career in the music industry. He is pursuing a
Masters degree in Jazz Studies at Middle Tennessee
State University where he studies with Pat Coil and
Don Aliquo. Mason continues to perform, teach,
write, arrange, and record music. He plays regularly
at The Oasis Church with pastor and musician Danny
Chambers. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
Reggie Watkins was
born and raised in West Virginia and
has played trombone for twenty two
years. After attending West Virginia
University for Jazz Performance he
moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to
become a staple on the music scene.
There he began playing and recording
with various groups. |
| |
|
In 1999 Watkins
joined Maynard Ferguson as
Trombonist, Musical Director, and
Arranger for the legendary jazz
trumpet player. On the road with
Ferguson, he performed thousands of
gigs and educational workshops
worldwide. He can be found on many
audio and video releases with
Ferguson and his band. Reggie is
featured Trombonist and Arranger on
the 2001 Maynard Ferguson/Diane
Schuur release
'Swingin For Schuur'. |
| |
|
In
2003 Reggie was selected as one of only eleven
semi-finalists to perform at the prestigious 2003
Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz
Competition in Washington D.C. There he was
accompanied by an all-star jazz group consisting of
pianist Eric Reed, bassist Bob Hurst, and drummer
Carl Allen. |
| |
|
In 2004 Watkins released his first
solo CD as Band Leader, Trombonist,
Composer, Arranger, and Producer
entitled A-LIST. The album features
sixteen musicians, all original
compositions and arrangements, and
is part of The Maynard Ferguson
Presents series. |
| |
|
In
2006 Watkins co-produced "MF VI Live at Ronnie
Scott's" with Maynard Ferguson and Ed Sargent. That
same year he was also honored as Outstanding Alumnus
from Wheeling Park High School and delivered the
commencement address to the graduating class and an
audience of many. He was the first person in the
performing arts to be chosen in the school's history
of thirty years. |
| |
|
In
2007 Watkins traveled to Thailand
for the fifth time at the request of
The King of Thailand to perform for
The King and the Thai people in
celebration of his 80th birthday.
Also featured on this concert was
Urbie Green, Ricky Woodard, Patrick
Hession and many others. |
| |
|
|
|
| |
In 2008 he joined the Grooveline Horns and they are
currently on the road with Jason Mraz. Last year the
group played Saturday Night Live, NBC's The Today
Show, Radio City Music Hall, Royal Albert Hall in
London, The Hollywood Bowl, The Java Jazz Festival
in Jakarta, Oxygen Festival in Dublin, Farm Aid,
"The Tonight Show with Conan O'brien" and an
extensive world tour. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Reggie has performed with a long list
of international performers including The Dave
Matthews Band, Jason Mraz, Maynard Ferguson, Arturo
Sandoval, Slide Hampton, Dianne Schuur, Jose
Feliciano, Urbie Green, The Temptations, The Ojays,
Lisa Hannigan, Martha Reeves, James Moody, Benny
Green, Michael Feinstein, Blues Traveler, Poogie
Bell, and Denis DiBlasio. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Grooveline Horns Release Their Debut EP |
|
| |
The Grooveline Horns have just independently
released their debut EP featuring two original songs
titled, “Copchase” (included on Jason Mraz’s most
recent live album release) and “I’m Done.” The EP
also features two covers, “One the Serious Side” a
new twist to Tower of Powers 1975 release and one of
Con Funk Shun’s greatest hits “Ffun.” |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Go to
http://groovelinehorns.bandcamp.com/
to order a limited edition physical copy of the EP
for $5 or digital download for only $4. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
Upon graduating from Duquesne
University in 1999
Rick Matt
has become one the of most in-demand
freelance saxophonists in the area.
Rick Matt has played with the
Pittsburgh Symphony orchestra
backing up stars such as Tony
Bennett and Johnny Mathis. He has
also performed with Regis
Feldman,Wayne Newton, The O'Jays,
and The Temptations. Rick has been
seen most recently on the latest PBS
special "Disco Explosion" which
features such bands as K.C. and The
Sunshine Band, Peaches and Herb, and
The Pointer Sisters. |
| |
|
Rick
Matt has also had the oppurtunity to
tour both nationally and
internationally with the Glenn
Miller Orchestra, The legendary
trumpet player Maynard Ferguson and
his "Big Bop Nouveau" and is
currently touring with the broadway
show "Smoking Joe's Café".
|
| |
|
Rick
Matt can be seen playing at many
local Pittsburgh area venues with
your favorite locals bands such as
The Olga Watkins Band, Billy Price
Band, The Boogie Hustlers, OPEK and
Dr. Zoot to name a few.
|
| |
Rick
Matt holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in Music Therapy and also
works with persons with disabilities
in and out of the home. Rick Matt
knows the power of music and the
effects it has on us. He encourages
everyone to just
take some time and listen!! |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Ray Strobel
is a
music teacher, composer, conductor,
and performer (trumpet). He is also
a Houston native who's still loyal
to the Astros, Texans, and Rockets.
He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon
with a Bachelors Degree in Music
Composition and a Masters in Music
Education. Ray is also the
Elementary Band Director for the
Wilkinsburg, PA School District. "I
direct the elementary band, made of
students from four different
elementary schools. 2008 is the
first year of the new pull-out band
program at Wilkinsburg in over 10
years, so I am creating this program
from scratch, and enjoying it." He
lives in just north of Pittsburgh
with his wife and daughter. He is an
enthusiastic member of the Society
for Creative Anachronism and enjoys
Looney Tunes and video games. |
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
On the CD Bassist, composer, arranger,
band director and Dad, Jason Hollar studied music at
Temple University. He has performed in over 2000
club, concert and festival venues. He is also
responsible for successfully planning the music for
over 500 events. Jason and his incredible talent
brought the band’s sound together. He is a natural
leader and someone who strives towards constant
improvement. His professionalism, easy going manner,
musical knowledge and performance capability make it
a joy to work with him. He is highly regarded among
his fellow musicians. He moved back to this area
after several years in the Aspen, Colorado area
running a successful music booking agency. He now
resides in the Greensburg, PA area with his wife and
two daughters. Jason also performs regularly with
the Tony Janflone Jr. Band, Donna Bailey, as well as
the Seton Hill University Faculty Jazz Band. Check
him out at
www.cadillacjazz.com
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
Dan Wasson
has played the electric bass guitar
in the Pittsburgh Jazz/R&B scene
since the late 70's. He has been a
part of Eric Johnson's Pittsburgh
band, The Fabulous A Team since the
early 90's and appears on their
latest recording 'Supahighway'.
He performs regularly with James and
Pam Johnson of the African-American
Music Institute. He also has also
performed with Babtunde Lea,
Tony Campbell,
Tubby Daniels, Carl Arter, Bo
Diddley Jr., Nathan Davis, Joe
Harris, Nelson Harrison, Pete
Henderson, Harold Betters, Walt
Harper, Gerald Haymon, Howie
Alexander, Roger Humphries, Jimmy
Ponder, Olga Watkins, Patte Terrel,
Al Dowe and Etta Cox, Sandy Dowe,
Kenny Fisher, Ron Tucker, Spencer
Bey, and others. |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
