Ron Gonzales- Drums- Vocals
Ron Gonzales, singer, songwriter, drummer, is a founding member of Joe the Boss. His earlier musical experiences provide an example of his versatility. Ron was a founding member and the original drummer of Los Angeles based Metal merchants, Abattoir and appears on the original demo that is showcased on Metal Blade Record’s “Compilation Metal Massacre 5”, which sold over 50,000 records worldwide. He also was the brainchild behind another popular Los Angeles based Metal group, Commander. Commander acquired a cult following early on and became one of Los Angeles’s best drawing bands after the release of their debut release “The High and Mighty.” In the late 80’ s /early 90’s, Ron performed as a studio musician for many of pop music’s superstars with genres ranging from Top 40 Teeny Pop, Easy Listening Ballads to Top 40 Dance. But, in addition to this musical versatility, his strong suit is song writing and arranging, which now has become his comfort zone with his recording studio as his sanctuary.
Calvin Banks- Guitars, Vocals, Bass
Calvin Banks' story goes back to the seventies, when he met Roy Ayers and began what was to be a long and illustrious career as a performing artist. The meeting took place when Roy traveled to Calvin's hometown of Champaign, Illinois to appear at a famous jazz club known as Ruby Gulch. Calvin was chosen as the opening act that night and immediately impressed Roy with his guitar virtuosity. Roy liked what he heard and hired Calvin on the spot and invited him to move to New York. After some careful consideration Calvin said goodbye to his family, friends and his managers, Irving Azoff and Bob Nutt (owners of Blytham Ltd, talent and booking agency) and moved to New York to begin recording and touring with Roy Ayers Ubiquity for the next three years.
After completing three albums with Ubiquity and learning what life on the road was all about, Calvin decided to move to Jamaica to continue his apprenticeship by experimenting with other musical styles. He began his "search for the lost chord", and went on to play Reggae, Rock, New Age, Industrial Noise, Electronic Trance, Tribal Music, Rap, Classical and other alternative styles of music. Soon Calvin began to "see what he could hear," embracing the visual communications medium, developing his skills in digital imaging, film and video production techniques while traveling and living in many cities across America: Los Angeles, Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, Albuquerque, and also other countries. Along the way, Calvin performed with many diverse groups, from REO Speedwagon toGeorge Thorogood and the Destroyers to Stevie Wonder and Bo Diddley, and also composed soundtrack scores and even acted in some films.
In 1993 Calvin began performing and recording in what was to be his last band concept: Big Mountain. Their album, "Unity", shot up to number one on the World charts with the smash single "Baby I Love Your Way." The song was also featured in the film "REALITY BITES" with Winona Ryder, which became a runaway smash. The album was released on GIANT RECORDS which reunited Calvin with his old friend Irving Azoff. This brought Calvin full circle on his journey amongst friends and family. Two years later, Calvin decided to stop touring and took on yet another career challenge by moving to Maui, Hawaii. There, he returned to academics and teaching.
Currently in Los Angeles, he is now releasing an album which has been a labor of love- featuring 11 of his funkiest songs. This debut album, "Audio Tunes", includes some heavyweight players and producers. It will also feature some tight Drum and Bass remixes of 4 of the tracks. Calvin himself is also an avid music producer and head of tech support for a major music software and hardware manufacturer. In his many years on stage and behind the scenes, he has met and developed relationships with some of the best players in the game.
It is immediately evident when you hear his music that this soulful singer/songwriter/guitarist has been putting his all into the craft for many years. With guest performances by Koorosh Daryaie, Jamez, Gemi Taylor, and others, "Audio Tunes" is one special disc that should be in your library. Percussive layers, funky bass, swirling vocals, and ambient textures make this album groove and move.
