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I was born and raised in Wheaton, where the rest of my Sarcastic Saints band mates currently reside. I have basically lived in various parts of the Chicagoland area my entire life. Since 1999 I have been living in Batavia with by wonderful wife Joy with four children, Natalie, Josh, Billy and Sarah. I have been a Software Developer for CA (formerly known as Computer Associates) in Lisle since 1999. From 1993 – 1999 I worked for Platinum Technology (CA acquired Platinum). I was a systems programmer for Allstate from 1988 – 1993. My early influences (70’s and 80’s) were Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Outlaws, Allman Brothers, Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, and other Southern Rock Bands. I also liked UFO and the Scorpions and anything with Eric Claption (especially Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominos). I have always enjoyed country and Blue grass. Bands I really like from the 90s and contemporary artists include Metallica, and No Doubt. In high school I was in an acoustic band that did a lot of America, Neil Young and Bluegrass stuff. During and after college I was in a Band called Mr. Toad. In the early 90s we had become quite good and were regulars at Johns Buffet in Winfield Illinois. We did about 1/3 originals, 1/3 covers that were true to the original artists and 1/3 covers where we put our own twists. We did a lot of four part harmonies and our originals had a unique country rock sound. Our covers included many intricate songs, such as, Elizabeth Reed (which was an instrumental by the Allman Brothers). We did a wide range of songs from Amy by Pure Prairie League, to Paranoid by Black Sabbath as well as Dueling Banjos. We also did an awesome version of the Brady Bunch song (which became a crowd favorite). We took turns doing lead vocals. There were three guitar players and no true bass player, so the guitar players took turns playing Bass. In the late 90s up until joining Sarcastic Saints, I played with the remnants of a band that was formed and funded by Platinum Technology. We called ourselves Every Six Months (because that was how often we did a gig). This included some phenomenal musicians and included keyboards, sax and male and female vocals. We did a lot of Steely Dan which was very challenging and fun. I joined Sarcastic Saints because I had been looking for quite some time for a band that is disciplined enough to practice regularly, includes contemporary songs in their set list, keeps it simple and consists of people who can control their egos. My rhythm guitar sucks and I don’t like to sing so the Sarcastic Saints is a perfect fit. They had a nice rhythm section the first time I jammed with them and I was able to fit right in. My wackiest dream would be for us to open for Lynyrd Skynyrd. JB |