The Olga Watkins Band

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OUR BAND

The Olga Watkins Band, voted “Best Blues/Jazz Band or Performer 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 features Subha Das on drums and percussion, Jay Weaver on guitar, Mason Embry on organ and piano and Brian Sanders on the 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’s www.shosiok.com.

The OWB 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 for the Pittsburgh City Paper “Best Of” Party, 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.

The Olga Watkins Band is focused on developing original music for live performances in clubs and for festivals and concerts as well as for commercial licensing opportunities.

New News from the OWB

The Olga Watkins Band has recently developed a new international fan base with their hit Steelers drinking song, “Drink up Yinz Bitches”, released on January 11, 2011.The song was played multiple times throughout the day on Pittsburgh’s 102.5 WDVE, 96.9 BOB FM, 105.9 The X , 96.1 FM, Erie, PA’s 100.9, WRKT and Wheeling, WV’s JACK FM. The song was downloaded from the Olga Watkins Band website and the WDVE “Everything Steelers” page by over 5000 people in the first 4 days of play and the related You Tube videos have been viewed by hundreds of thousands of people by Super Bowl weekend.

The Olga Watkins Band website enjoyed over 400,000 hits on the website between January 11 and 31^st, the latter date being the release of the first “Drink up” version of the song. The band also enjoyed a Twitter ranking in the top 2%, a Reverb Nation ranking of 245^th most popular in the US and 2^nd in the three state region. Steelers fans from around the world have made contact with the band via email and phone calls and have visited the OWB site often. Locally, the song was the most requested new Steelers song for radio play during the post season and the band has sold out all subsequent live shows.

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

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.

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.

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.