Mike   Bambi   Jim   Gary

Mike Forgione - Lead Guitar / Vocals

I  moved to North Carolina from update New York where I played for many years most notably in the band Albatross, a well known band in upstate NY. Albatross played in upstate NY, New York City, Long Island (where I grew up) and Woodstock NY where a lot of musicians like members of Orleans, Mountain and others hung out and played at local clubs in the 70s. During that time I recorded in Electric Lady Studios in NYC (Jimi's place...very cool and sacred ground!) several times and other studios in NYC. Albatross was signed by ex Sony records chairman Tommy Matolla who managed Hall & Oats at the time.  Eventually, we split up when one of the keyboard players left to tour with Hall & Oats and the drummer went on to play Ringo in Beatlemania on Broadway. One of the sounds guys became the drum tech for famed jazz drummer Billy Cobham while another moved back to NYC and mixed sound for Cats on Broadway. I went on to join a big horn band playing 'heavy funk' before forming a progressive rock group in upstate NY. I've had the good fortune of playing with many excellent and creative musicians who's influences are a driving force in West Street today. West Street continues the privilege I've had of playing with top area  musicians who enjoy each other and enjoy entertaining audiences.  

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 medium and Fender heavy picks.   

Bambi Linzey  - Bass

Bambi moved from New Orleans to North Carolina in September 2005 after being evacuated  from the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. The following was taken from the News And Observer- Sept 11, 2005.

"The music Randolph "Bambi" Linzey hears is in his own head. It's made up of the bass lines to what must be a thousand songs he knows, the songs he plays with a half-dozen different bands in clubs around New Orleans. He makes his living waiting tables, but it's the music that keeps him alive.

That's why when he was able to make it back to his house through chin-deep water and climbed the steps, he was so relieved to see his six-string Wasburn XB600, still in its battered black case, sitting on the bed, while two sofas and the bathroom sink floated around. He paid $700 for the bass five years ago, and it's still one of the most valuable things he owns.

He set it on top of an old tire and floated it out.

Of the loss he says "You got to take the bitter with the sweet."

On August 29, '06, Bambi was featured on an NBC17 TV story about Katrina evacuees in Raleigh 1 year after the storm. Click here to watch the video. 

Jim Weaver  - Keyboards/Vocals

Jimmy started out playing at the age of 8. He played in bands with his older brother David when he was 12 years old, the first of which was Bro T Holla. Then came Shakin' Sherman and The Blazers (recorded first album 1978), Tall Timbre, Dana Scott and The Bob Cox Trio (Jazz), Too Much Fun and Slowhand - a Tribute to Eric Clapton. He has taken the stage by request with Ellas McDaniel, aka Bo Diddly, on two occasions and had the pleasure of sitting in with many local bands through the years including Spoonful of Soul, and The Castaways. 

Jimmy's command central starts with a Roland RD700 88 key weighted controller, Yamaha Motif 6 and Roland VK8 M organ module, Roland KC500 amp and Shure Beta 58 mic.

Jimmy has a daughter who thinks she is grown, though not even in college yet. He lives in Clayton and enjoys his sports car on twisty roads as well as riding his bike and heading off to the beach. He works for Grayson Stadler Inc. as an independent sales rep for audio testing equipment.

Gary Grier  -  Drums

Gary Grier 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 wen 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.

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