Steve was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He has been playing for 43 years. Steve plays several instruments including: Bass, Guitar, Piano, trumpet, Sax, Trombone and percussion. Steve grew up listening to bands like, Allman Brothers and Jethro Tull. Steve has been playing since he was 10 years old. He started with trombone and shortly after took up guitar.
" I’ve Professionally played all types of music in all types of venues with all types of bands. I crossed over to Bass guitar about 9 years ago after a 4 year stint playing lead guitar for a local blues, rock band. I needed something more from my music so that started what is now known as CRUZEN. My early mentor in organizing and putting together a large band was Bob Mahn from the original CRUZEN. I truly believe that all my experience and emotion has brought me to the point I am at now. Organizing and keeping together a large band is a lot of time and work but working with a group of musicians of this caliber is not only fun but rewarding. Over the past 9 years I have met a great deal of other knowledgeable musicians that I still learn from and look up to."
Al has been playing trumpet almost his whole life. Born into a musical family, his mother and father paid for their college tuition through singing performances and Al’s siblings have all played in various Bands and singing groups. After taking nearly a decade off while starting a family, Al returned to the trumpet and flugel-horn in 1990 to emerge on the big band scene in St. Louis- playing in the original Knights of Swing, and subbing for the Sentimental Journey Band, the Gateway City Band and the Swingland Band. Currently, you also can catch him playing with the Meramec Wednsday Night Jazz Band- a founding member!
Al is influenced by legendary trumpeters Clark Terry, maynard Ferguson, Al Hirt, Dizzy Gellespie, Jim Manley, Wayne Burgeron, and many others. He is just as passionate for the Pop scene with groups like Tower of Power, Chicago, and Blood Sweat and Tears
Kristen was born in Fort Collins, Colorado. She has been involved in music for the better part of 25 years. Her influences include: Ben Folds Five, Mariah Carey, Dave Matthews, Steve Wonder and Diana Krall.
" I am what you would call a natural born performer. At a very young age I discovered my passion for entertainment. While in school I participated in multiple choirs, shows and music lessons. I was the lead in Multiple productions and soloist in many concerts. After having spent my childhood in Fort Collins, Co. and Chicago, IL, I moved to St. Louis in 2001. I was thrilled for the opportunity to perform again on a regular basis when I joined CRUZEN in late 2006. I love rockin’ out to the oldies and am grateful for the chance to play with other talented musicians."
Angelo was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He has been playing for 20 years. His earlier musical interests included: various 80’s and 90’s artists. His influences include: Carter Beafuord, Dennis Chambers, and Steve Gadd.
" I have had my fair share of gigs and bands over my career. I have played with Nashville recording artists and performed on many studio tracks for various local groups."
Jake has been playing for several years now and along with Sax he plays Flute.
" I have been privileged to perform with several wonderful groups in St. Louis, including the Sessions Big Band, Compton Heights Concert Band, and the Meremac Community College Jazz Lab Band, which I am currently their Lead Tenor Sax, and featured soloist. I have three passions in my life; family, music,and photography. I grew up listening to jazz and horn driven funk music. My all time favorites are Maynard Ferguson, Tower of Power, Michael Brecker, and John Coltrane. I have been blessed with the opportunity to play as a featured soloist along side Arturo Sandoval, and perform with special guests Bobby Shew, Nick Brignola, Frank Foster and many others."
Herman was born in St. Louis, Missouri. His influences include the likes of Johnnie Taylor, Sam Cooke, The Temptations and the Four Tops.
" I have been involved in the Metro-entertainment scene for much of the past two decades. I became a member of CRUZEN in the fall of 2006, prior CRUZEN, I was one of the lead singers in the B Street Express and Remnants, performing R&B, Motown, Blues and Pop."
Reece was born in Sikeston, Missouri. In addition to Guitar he also plays: Mandolin, Banjo, Harmonica and French Horn.
"I started playing guitar at 13. At 14 I had joined my first band and life has not been the same since!"
Roger was born in St. Louis Missouri. Along with playing the piano, he also plays: guitar and flute. His influences include: Chick Corea, Bruce Hornsby, and Diana Krull.
" My mother was a piano player, so I started playing at an early age. Going to St. Louis County high school, I played Bass guitar, guitar and keys in various bands and projects. Later in my career I played as a regular at the Frank Moskus in Exile Bar for some time before it closed. After taking a musical hiatus, I returned to the music scene. Now I’m a 6 year veteran of CRUZEN and I also play various solo piano gigs around St. Louis."
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