The Olga Watkins Band

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OUR BAND

The Olga Watkins Band has been performing together since 2003. The band is currently putting the finishing touches on a CD of original music that will be released in the summer of 2009. The OWB performs the second Saturday of every Month at the 1902 Landmark Tavern in Market Square, downtown Pittsburgh. The also perform regularly at local venues such as Little E’s Jazz & Blues Club in downtown Pittsburgh, D’vine Wine Bar in Wexford, PA and Molly Brannigan’s in Mt. Lebanon, PA. The band has performed many shows for Oglebay Institute and Towngate Theater in Wheeling, WV and has also been the featured act of many local music series, festivals and television and radio events as well as for numerous charity events including but not limited to Citiparks Riverview Jazz, Mellon Square Music Series, Westmoreland Arts Festival, Pittsburgh Cabaret Theater, Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret, Highland Park Festival, Urban Fusion Live, Pittsburgh City Paper’s Sound Kitchen Series, Three Rivers Arts Festival, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Annual Annual Wine & Dine, Musician’s Katrina Fundraiser, Glen Montessori Anuual Gala, Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala and Annual Wine and Dine in the Park, Catholic Charities Fundraiser, CFF & AMD Chocolate and Martini Gala and numerous weddings, private parties and corporate events.

OUR STORY

Olga started singing again in 2002 after a ten year break from music. She feels fortunate to have met and begun performing with Subha Das at that point in her musical life. The band came together from there. Subha was in the Micah Burgess trio. Micah was one of only a few musicians willing to take time to rehearse the old standards with Olga and she became his vocalist. The distance traveled from those first gigs to today’s band has been funny, frustrating, incredibly enlightening, crazy, tiresome and exhilarating. When Micah moved to NYC, Subha and Olga regrouped as another trio with pianist Craig Davis. Olga will tell you that she has learned more than she could have imagined about making music from all of the boys in the band, beginning with Craig. Craig Davis is an extraordinarily talented pianist, composer, arranger with whom Olga recorded a duo CD entitled “Simplicity”. Craig challenged Olga to write lyrics for Paul Desmond’s “Take Five” and she did. You’ll hear the evolution of that tune on the new OWB CD. After Craig was no longer a part of the trio, Olga and Subha went through a lot of gigs with other groups and too many one time gigs with too many keyboardists, bassists and guitarists looking for the right chemistry. Olga was referred to a young pianist/keyboardist/arranger/composer/overachiever/boy scout named Mason Embry who was the new kid in town. Olga hired him for a gig, went to rehearse with him and knew right away that she was the luckiest chick singer alive. By Miss Olga’s standards, Mason Embry is as impressive a person as he is a supremely talented musician. In the meantime, Mason and Subha had seen Jason Hollar perform and insisted that Olga call him to play bass for their next gig. That’s when the real Olga Watkins Band was born. These four enjoy performing with each other AND just hanging out together. The have a great chemistry musically and have generally had a really good time. The OWB has not had a lot of the trials and tribulations of many bands, due in part to the fact that they are all professionals who love music AND appreciate the business of making music. Since everyone in the band is a thirty-something with students, families, businesses and/or homes to manage, they don’t know where their cooperative efforts will lead them. But they will definitely make the most of this journey and follow at least one path together as far as it will take them.

THE PLAYERS

Vocalist, Olga Watkins has studied music privately since age five. She worked briefly as an opera singer before studying culinary arts then went back to music and started singing and writing blues, soul, R&B, funk and reggae. Olga sings the National Anthem for local sporting events, including Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Passion games. She is the managing chef of the Monterey Pub in the historic Mexican War Streets section of Pittsburgh's North Side. Olga is also a Mom, a caterer, culinary teacher, restaurant consultant, diva, bombshell, kitchen goddess and vocalist extraordinaire! Olga, her new husband, bartender-manager-turned chef-turned bartender-manager, Mark S. Miller, with whom she runs the Monterey Pub and two partners are in the process of opening a full service bar and restaurant with an historic Pittsburgh theme, featuring contemporary comfort foods, in the Morningside neighborhood of Pittsburgh. www.thebulldoggrill.com Olga can sometimes be seen on local television shows, at various events and on food industry-related demonstration stages everywhere; as both chef and singer. Visit her at www.olgawatkins.com

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.

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.

Brian Sanders began studying bass guitar at age eleven. He first performed in church and soon after in a high school band. Brian has worked extensively in the gospel music field as a composer, singer and choir director as and with gospel artists such as Douglas Miller, Darrel Coley, Vicky Winans, Edwin Hawkins and Yolanda Adams in addition to touring Germany with the Golden Gospel Singers. He has completed several European tours with the Poogie Bell Band and performs in the Pittsburgh Market with Poogie Bell, the Dwayne Dolphin Band, the Olga Watkins Band and numerous others. Brian naturally catches the attention of audiences everywhere. He is highly regarded among his fellow musicians for his talent as a rock solid “in the pocket” bass guitarist as well as for his professionalism and easy going nature.

Drummer and award winning percussionist, Subha Das has studied and played with the best; including Dr. John Wilson, Jay Ashby, and New York Voices. He, like Mason and Jason, plays with Donna Bailey and Sputzy and the Soul providers on occasion. He is the Principal Assistant Director of the renowned percussion program for Mt. Lebanon, PA schools. He is also a perfectionist and a consummate professional. He is always studying his craft and expanding his already impressive level of musical knowledge. Subha demands excellence from himself, his students and his colleagues and inspires those around him to rise to that challenge. As far as Olga is concerned, she will never let him get away. Mr. Das keeps the band together both literally and figuratively. His website is www.subhadas.com

Contributors, Subs and Friends info

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.