Mark Stich - Keyboards
Mark fell in love with the piano at the age of 7 after hearing his uncle play a few blues licks on the family’s Steinway grand. He received his first Fender Rhodes electric piano and amp at age 11 and began playing in local bands at 13. A New York native, Mark attended the famous Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, where he studied jazz performance, composition, and theory. After playing local gigs in and around the Boston area, and a short stint playing music in Montreal, in 1982 Mark decided to seek his fortunes in the Golden State. In addition to teaching piano and running a successful piano tuning business in Northern California, Mark performed with several local bands and artists, including vocalist and songwriter Rosie Gains who soon after joined and recorded with Prince’s group “The New Power Generation”. Mark also did studio recording work in San Francisco and Los Angeles, including sessions with famed guitarist Ronnie Montrose who was producing various local artists. In 1989 Mark joined vocalist Angela Bofil as keyboardist for the “The Good Friends Tour” a 10 week cross-country stint which featured Jonathon Butler and Saxophonist Najee’s groups as well. Mark also wrote a regular featured column called “Street Smarts” in Keyboard Magazine where he shared tips and advice for live musicians.
Currently, in addition to his keyboard work with Tony Saunders, Mark performs regularly as pianist for the Grande Theater “Artists In Residence”; Tracy Community Jazz Ensemble as well as keyboards for smooth / R&B bands “Rhapsody” and “D-Hook” as well as Klassic Man & The Klique - Marvin Gaye Tribute band.
Angelo Luster - Saxophone
“A rose sprung from a rock” are the words critics use to describe Oakland, California native Angelo Luster, a saxophonist whose music invites the listener to embark upon a unique spiritual journey. You will without a doubt be enraptured by the emotion conveyed through his rich soulful sound, birthed from the union of contemporary gospel and the west coast jazz movements.
At age twelve, he was accepted on scholarship to the Young Musicians Program at the University of California, Berkeley, where he trained for six years in jazz and classical music. This led Luster to realize his purpose in life, “inspire others through my music.
Luster celebrated the release of his first solo CD entitled “Face 2 Face”, in July, 2004. The CD is an intimate reflection of his spirituality and desire to lead listeners into the presence of God. For this musical work, Luster was voted Best Male Jazz Artist of 2005 by Urban Gospel Industry Awards. He was also nominated for Best Jazz Artist and Best Gospel Artist by The Sounds of Soul Black Music Awards. Angelo was honored by the American Gospel Music Awards as Jazz Artist of the Year 2006 and in 2007 winner of the Bay area Black Music Awards “ Best Gospel Musician”.
Luster has recently accompanied artists such as Paul Jackson Jr., Micah Stampley, Frank McComb, and Kenny Lattimore.
John Mitchell - Drums
John Mitchell is a charismatic and energetic drummer that has been inspired by gospel music ranging from the late 80’s and the late 90’s. He has been inspired by a wide range of artists from the 90’s which has made him into the drummer he is today. Grooving and staying the pocket is what makes him stand out amongst most drummers in the industry. Having the pleasure of backing up R&B legend The Supremes, Gospel legend Ricky Dillard, and currently playing with Tony Saunders. The joy he brings with his smile and positive energy is what makes him unique.
Daryl (Debo) Bishop - Bass
A San Francisco Bay Area native, Debo began his musical journey at the age of 8, playing trumpet and earning music honors throughout his school years. As a teen, he was inspired by the Phenix Horns, the great horn section of his favorite group, EWF. He began playing with many of the top local R&B, pop, and funk cover bands, which included notable musician, Levi Seacer Jr. (Sheila E. and Prince). Debo has had the honor of playing with the likes of Billy Preston, Bay Area legends Freddie Stewart Stone (Sly and the Family Stone) and gospel singer, Dorothy Morrison (“Oh Happy Day”).
Debo dabbled with several different instruments but it wasn’t until 1982, after hearing the bass lines on the album, “Asphalt Gardens” of the great smooth jazz saxophonist, George Howard, that he really took hold of the electric bass. Since then, he has been playing with many contemporary jazz musicians throughout northern California. He was also the bassist and lead vocalist for the popular Latin rock group, Los Cochinos. Currently he is the bassist for the two-time Emmy Award winning bassist, Tony Saunders, and is the music director for the Marvin Gaye tribute band, Klassic Man & The Klique.
Peter Fujii - Guitar
Hailing from Detroit but nurtured in the cultural mix of the San Francisco Bay Area, Peter Fujii, the extraordinary guitarist, embodies a delightful medley of musical influences.
With a diverse background spanning Blues, Jazz, Rock, Latin, African, Classical, and the distinctive Oaktown funk, his music seamlessly fuses and transcends traditional genre boundaries. Now Peter Fujii hopes that this kind of world fusion will help bring the hearts and minds of people together.
Mr. Fujii has been blessed to work with: EsthHailing from Detroit but nurtured in the cultural mix of the San Francisco Bay Area, Peter Fujii, the extraordinary guitarist, embodies a delightful medley of musical influences.
With a diverse background spanning Blues, Jazz, Rock, Latin, African, Classical, and the distinctive Oaktown funk, his music seamlessly fuses and transcends traditional genre boundaries. Now Peter Fujii hopes that this kind of world fusion will help bring the hearts and minds of people together.
Mr. Fujii has been blessed to work with: Estter Phillips, Pharaoh Sanders, Hank Crawford, Steve Ferrone, David Garribaldi, Hilton Ruiz, Giovanni Hidalgo, Sikiru Adupoju, James Levi, Rusty Allen, Dramatics, Chirs Issac, producer Quincy Jones, Bernard Edwards, George Lucas, Thomas Dolby, and on the "Howard the Duck" movie just to name a few.
"Victims of the Groove" is the latest project and currently playing with Tony Saunders Group.