MUSICIANS
Vocals & Keys
Nico
Nico Giordano, the charismatic frontman and lead vocalist/keyboardist of Live At Nine, is a multifaceted musician whose roots run deep in the Chicago blues scene. His journey through the vibrant world of blues in Chicago has not only shaped his musical style but also his approach to performance, infusing each show with authenticity and passion. Nico is not just a talented vocalist but also a virtuoso on several instruments, including keyboards, blues guitar, and saxophone, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of music.
His vocal abilities are exceptional, enabling Live At Nine to explore a broad musical repertoire that spans various genres and styles. Whether delivering soulful blues, energetic rock, or intricate jazz melodies, Nico's voice adapts with ease, captivating audiences with its range and emotional depth. His skill as a keyboardist adds a rich layer to the band's sound, while his proficiency on the guitar and saxophone brings a unique texture to their music.
As the architect of Live At Nine, Nico has been instrumental in assembling an extraordinary group of musicians. His vision for the band was not just about individual talent, but about creating a synergy where each member enhances the others, resulting in a sound that is greater than the sum of its parts. Under his leadership, Live At Nine has become known for making every song uniquely their own and turning every performance into a one-of-a-kind experience. Nico's leadership, talent, and passion are the driving forces behind the band's success, making them a standout act in the music scene.
Nico
Nico Giordano, the charismatic frontman and lead vocalist/keyboardist of Live At Nine, is a multifaceted musician whose roots run deep in the Chicago blues scene. His journey through the vibrant world of blues in Chicago has not only shaped his musical style but also his approach to performance, infusing each show with authenticity and passion. Nico is not just a talented vocalist but also a virtuoso on several instruments, including keyboards, blues guitar, and saxophone, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of music.
His vocal abilities are exceptional, enabling Live At Nine to explore a broad musical repertoire that spans various genres and styles. Whether delivering soulful blues, energetic rock, or intricate jazz melodies, Nico's voice adapts with ease, captivating audiences with its range and emotional depth. His skill as a keyboardist adds a rich layer to the band's sound, while his proficiency on the guitar and saxophone brings a unique texture to their music.
As the architect of Live At Nine, Nico has been instrumental in assembling an extraordinary group of musicians. His vision for the band was not just about individual talent, but about creating a synergy where each member enhances the others, resulting in a sound that is greater than the sum of its parts. Under his leadership, Live At Nine has become known for making every song uniquely their own and turning every performance into a one-of-a-kind experience. Nico's leadership, talent, and passion are the driving forces behind the band's success, making them a standout act in the music scene.
Drums & Percusson
Josh Chatman
Josh is Live at Nine's newest member and drummer. Josh is a seasoned percussionist having played with a number of bands in the Midwest and national acts. As a recording artist, he brings a unique blend of power and rhythm to the studio, crafting intricate beats that define the band's sound. His performances are characterized by fluid precision and technical skill, making him a vital part of LiveAtNine's musical identity. On stage, his energy is infectious, captivating audiences with his dynamic and passionate playing.
His mastery of the drums is evident in every performance, whether live or in recordings. Josh's contribution to the band and the broader music scene is marked by his distinctive style and rhythmic prowess.
Josh Chatman
Josh is Live at Nine's newest member and drummer. Josh is a seasoned percussionist having played with a number of bands in the Midwest and national acts. As a recording artist, he brings a unique blend of power and rhythm to the studio, crafting intricate beats that define the band's sound. His performances are characterized by fluid precision and technical skill, making him a vital part of LiveAtNine's musical identity. On stage, his energy is infectious, captivating audiences with his dynamic and passionate playing.
His mastery of the drums is evident in every performance, whether live or in recordings. Josh's contribution to the band and the broader music scene is marked by his distinctive style and rhythmic prowess.
Guitar & Vocals
CJ Topes
CJ Topes, a remarkably talented blues guitarist and rock musician, is a driving force behind the Liveatnine rhythm section. With a passion for blues that runs deep, CJ's guitar playing is a fusion of raw emotion and technical expertise. He is known for his smooth, soulful licks and powerful riffs that resonate with the heart of blues music. On stage, CJ's presence is magnetic, often seen with his signature sunburst electric guitar, his fingers dancing effortlessly over the frets. His style is a blend of traditional blues with a modern rock edge, making each performance with LiveAtNine a unique and captivating experience. Offstage, CJ is equally dedicated, constantly exploring new sounds and techniques to enhance his musical expression, solidifying his reputation as an innovative and influential figure in the blues and rock scenes.
CJ Topes
CJ Topes, a remarkably talented blues guitarist and rock musician, is a driving force behind the Liveatnine rhythm section. With a passion for blues that runs deep, CJ's guitar playing is a fusion of raw emotion and technical expertise. He is known for his smooth, soulful licks and powerful riffs that resonate with the heart of blues music. On stage, CJ's presence is magnetic, often seen with his signature sunburst electric guitar, his fingers dancing effortlessly over the frets. His style is a blend of traditional blues with a modern rock edge, making each performance with LiveAtNine a unique and captivating experience. Offstage, CJ is equally dedicated, constantly exploring new sounds and techniques to enhance his musical expression, solidifying his reputation as an innovative and influential figure in the blues and rock scenes.
Bass & Vocals
Gary Gilmore
Gary Gilmore, affectionately known as the "Gary Giveitmore," is a bass player whose talent and style have made him an indispensable member of the band. With a rich history in the music industry, Gary has toured both nationally and internationally, showcasing his exceptional skills on the bass guitar. His experience includes playing with a diverse range of artists, most notably with Platinum record holder Harvey Scales and the Seven Sounds, where he honed his distinctive groovy bass lines that effortlessly blend rhythm and melody.
His entry into Live At Nine marked a new era for the band, bringing a refreshing and dynamic energy to their sound. Gary's approach to bass playing is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition, allowing him to create rhythms that are not only the backbone of the band's music but also a source of creative inspiration. Off stage, Gary is known for his collaborative spirit and his dedication to pushing musical boundaries, making him not just a performer but a valued contributor to the evolving world of music. His presence in Live At Nine has been transformative, adding depth, groove, and a unique flair that resonates with audiences and fellow musicians alike.
Gary Gilmore
Gary Gilmore, affectionately known as the "Gary Giveitmore," is a bass player whose talent and style have made him an indispensable member of the band. With a rich history in the music industry, Gary has toured both nationally and internationally, showcasing his exceptional skills on the bass guitar. His experience includes playing with a diverse range of artists, most notably with Platinum record holder Harvey Scales and the Seven Sounds, where he honed his distinctive groovy bass lines that effortlessly blend rhythm and melody.
His entry into Live At Nine marked a new era for the band, bringing a refreshing and dynamic energy to their sound. Gary's approach to bass playing is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition, allowing him to create rhythms that are not only the backbone of the band's music but also a source of creative inspiration. Off stage, Gary is known for his collaborative spirit and his dedication to pushing musical boundaries, making him not just a performer but a valued contributor to the evolving world of music. His presence in Live At Nine has been transformative, adding depth, groove, and a unique flair that resonates with audiences and fellow musicians alike.
Trumpet, Fluegelhorn & Percussion
Steve "Schteeve" Roehm
Steve Roehm is a highly talented and versatile musician, renowned as the other half of Live at Nine's "Kick Brass" horn section. His mastery extends across multiple instruments, including the trumpet, flugelhorn, and an array of Latin percussion instruments, showcasing his diverse musical abilities. Steve's journey in music began with formal studies at Wayne State University, located in the heart of Motown, Detroit, where he immersed himself in the rich musical heritage of the area, refining his skills in various genres.
His performance history is extensive, having played in numerous big band, jazz, and classic rock bands throughout the Midwest. This experience has given him a profound understanding of different musical styles, allowing him to infuse Live at Nine's sound with a unique blend of genres. Steve's musical journey has taken him across the United States, from the vibrant stages of New York to the iconic venues of Los Angeles, where he has shared the stage with a variety of acts, further enriching his musical palette.
In Live at Nine, Steve's contributions extend beyond his performances. He is the creative force behind the band's horn arrangements, meticulously crafting each chart to ensure that every tune is infused with a distinctive "horn-fueled" energy. His arrangements are a testament to his creativity and deep understanding of music, making each Live at Nine performance a unique and memorable experience. On stage, Steve's sound, energy, and technique are nothing short of mesmerizing, consistently amazing audiences with his musical prowess and dynamic stage presence. His role in the band is not just as a musician, but as an innovator, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in live music performances.
Steve "Schteeve" Roehm
Steve Roehm is a highly talented and versatile musician, renowned as the other half of Live at Nine's "Kick Brass" horn section. His mastery extends across multiple instruments, including the trumpet, flugelhorn, and an array of Latin percussion instruments, showcasing his diverse musical abilities. Steve's journey in music began with formal studies at Wayne State University, located in the heart of Motown, Detroit, where he immersed himself in the rich musical heritage of the area, refining his skills in various genres.
His performance history is extensive, having played in numerous big band, jazz, and classic rock bands throughout the Midwest. This experience has given him a profound understanding of different musical styles, allowing him to infuse Live at Nine's sound with a unique blend of genres. Steve's musical journey has taken him across the United States, from the vibrant stages of New York to the iconic venues of Los Angeles, where he has shared the stage with a variety of acts, further enriching his musical palette.
In Live at Nine, Steve's contributions extend beyond his performances. He is the creative force behind the band's horn arrangements, meticulously crafting each chart to ensure that every tune is infused with a distinctive "horn-fueled" energy. His arrangements are a testament to his creativity and deep understanding of music, making each Live at Nine performance a unique and memorable experience. On stage, Steve's sound, energy, and technique are nothing short of mesmerizing, consistently amazing audiences with his musical prowess and dynamic stage presence. His role in the band is not just as a musician, but as an innovator, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in live music performances.
Alto & Tenor Sax
Troy LeisemannTroy Leisemann is a remarkably talented musician and the latest addition to the Live At Nine horn section, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a fresh, vibrant energy. Originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Troy's musical journey led him to the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of music theory and performance. His time at Berklee equipped him with a diverse skill set and a profound appreciation for various musical styles.
After graduating, Troy returned to Wisconsin, setting his roots in Milwaukee, where he quickly became a prominent figure in the local music scene. Over the past 15 years, he has been incredibly active, performing in countless gigs that showcase his versatility.
His performances span a wide range of genres, from the upbeat rhythms of traditional Dixieland and the passionate beats of Latin salsa to the energetic pulse of rock & roll. However, it is in jazz that Troy finds his true calling. His love for jazz is evident in his improvisational style, which he skillfully integrates into Live At Nine's diverse repertoire.
In Live At Nine, Troy's jazz-influenced improvisations add a unique and sophisticated layer to the band's sound, enhancing their musical arrangements with his creative and soulful horn playing. His ability to blend different styles into his performances not only demonstrates his exceptional talent but also adds a new dimension to the band's music, making each Live At Nine performance a rich and varied musical experience. Troy's addition to the horn section has not only strengthened the band's overall sound but has also brought a new level of artistic expression to their performances.
Troy LeisemannTroy Leisemann is a remarkably talented musician and the latest addition to the Live At Nine horn section, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a fresh, vibrant energy. Originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Troy's musical journey led him to the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of music theory and performance. His time at Berklee equipped him with a diverse skill set and a profound appreciation for various musical styles.
After graduating, Troy returned to Wisconsin, setting his roots in Milwaukee, where he quickly became a prominent figure in the local music scene. Over the past 15 years, he has been incredibly active, performing in countless gigs that showcase his versatility.
His performances span a wide range of genres, from the upbeat rhythms of traditional Dixieland and the passionate beats of Latin salsa to the energetic pulse of rock & roll. However, it is in jazz that Troy finds his true calling. His love for jazz is evident in his improvisational style, which he skillfully integrates into Live At Nine's diverse repertoire.
In Live At Nine, Troy's jazz-influenced improvisations add a unique and sophisticated layer to the band's sound, enhancing their musical arrangements with his creative and soulful horn playing. His ability to blend different styles into his performances not only demonstrates his exceptional talent but also adds a new dimension to the band's music, making each Live At Nine performance a rich and varied musical experience. Troy's addition to the horn section has not only strengthened the band's overall sound but has also brought a new level of artistic expression to their performances.
Featured
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Kenny Walker-Saxophone
Kenny Walker is an extraordinary saxophonist and a highly esteemed member of Live At Nine, bringing a wealth of experience and talent to the band. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kenny's musical journey began at the tender age of 13 when he started playing the saxophone. He grew up inspired by Maceo Parker, the legendary saxophonist for James Brown, and this influence is evident in his soulful and energetic playing style. Kenny's remarkable talents caught the attention of another music legend, Little Richard, in Macon, Georgia. Like Maceo, he was recruited by the "Architect of Rock and Roll" himself. For over 40 years, Kenny was a staple in Little Richard's performances, known for his signature sax solos that would often be accompanied by Little Richard's exuberant shouts of "Blow Kenny!" from across the stage. His dynamic horn arrangements and captivating stage presence have opened doors for him to work with a wide array of renowned artists, including Isaac Hayes, James Engram, Bobby McFerrin, The Mar-Keys, and Luther Ingram. Kenny's talents also led him to a brief appearance in the film “The Little Richard Story.” His career has seen him play on stages all around the world, from the vibrant city of Singapore to the historical streets of Germany and the bustling city of Osaka. His unique blend of stage choreography, dance moves, and powerful saxophone playing make him a standout performer, often the center of attention wherever he plays. Beyond live performances, Kenny's impressive career includes appearances on major television shows such as The American Music Awards, Late Night with Jay Leno, The David Letterman Show, and other international broadcasts. His collaborations span some of the biggest names in the music industry, showcasing his versatility and appeal as a musician. As a frequent featured musician with Live At Nine, Kenny brings not just his saxophone skills but also a rich legacy of musical excellence, contributing significantly to the band's dynamic and soulful performances. |