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Mike Leon
Jim Gary
Mike Forgione
- Lead Guitar / Vocals
 
Mike moved to North Carolina from upstate New York where he played for many years
throughout NY
state, New York City, Long Island and Woodstock NY where he was
influenced by wide variety of great musicians. He's recorded in Electric
Lady Studios in NYC (Jimi's place...very cool and sacred ground!) and other studios in
NYC. Mike has played just about every style of music and believes his good
fortune to have played with many great and creative musicians remains a
big influence in his work with the West Street band today.
Equipment:
Fender Stratocaster, Ibanez Prestige with DiMarzio pickups, Ibanez
Artist w/ DiMarzio pickups, Vintage 1977 Mesa Boogie 60/100 watt amp / Marshall 4x12
speakers, various effects: delay, distortion, compression, chorus. Ernie
Ball Super Slinky stings (9ga - 42 ga), Fender heavy
picks.
Musical Memories from way back...
Gary Grier
- Drums
Gary started playing drums at 14 on his mother’s pots and pans, mastering
the tin-pan shuffle.
He finally retired from playing pots and pans when he purchased
his first drum set. In his early teens he always made it his aim to play
with more experienced musicians “old cats”, so he felt he was always
“learning music”. At 15 he was being taught Jazz studies by Shaw
music major graduate and saxophonist Avery Flynt. They would frequently
go to jazz sessions in
Durham
where
Gary
would show his skill, getting recognition from area musicians. After
playing with various Funk and R&B bands, he wanted to venture out to
more styles. His goal was to explore as many styles of music as
possible, studying jazz, R&B, rock, hip-hop, electronic and Latin
music and then playing those styles. With a strong emphasis on timing
and groove, he has played with many local bands and now puts the funk
behind West Street
band.
Kenni Hairston -
Keyboards / Vocals
Kenni has
performed with a number
of national artists/performers including Cyndi Lauper,
Cameo, Elliot Easton from "The Cars", Nona Hyndryx from "LaBelle", Myles
Jay and
M'tume. His experience also includes
songwriting, producing and scoring for video and
film. He has written and produced a significant number of songs
including a Top
10 R&B Hit for the group "The Barkays" as well as a #1 R&B hit for
Vanessa
Williams "Running Back To You" from the (Comfort Zone) CD.
Leon Bellamy -
Bass/Vocals
 
Originally from
Chicago, Il. from a family of singers/musicians. He started producing
music at 14 years of age after learning to play the piano at age 10. He
then picked up the guitar at 15 and the Bass in the same year.
Unbelievably, he's also a very smooth & soulful saxophone player.
He is a very experienced Bass Player who has has had the privilege of
working with many "Top 40 bands" and "Jazz Combos" over the years
Additional West
Street back up players...
Jim Weaver -
Keyboards/Vocals
Don McCray
- Keyboards
Steve Challs
- Bass
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