“West Side of Chicago” bills itself as the Northwest’s Premier Retro Horn Band. There are 10 members in this Twin Harbors musical group, and they pride themselves in performing accurate cover versions of songs by Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, Ides of March, and other “horn rock bands” of the 1970’s & 80’s. Many of the band’s songs are taken from the first Chicago album, “Chicago Transit Authority” (circa 1969). Thought by many fans to be Chicago’s finest album, this record includes “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?”, “Questions 67 & 68”, “South California Purples”, “Beginnings”, and many other classic songs by Chicago’s original 7-member group.
“West Side of Chicago” actually started back in 1972 at South Bend & Raymond High Schools. Introduced to the horn rock sounds of Chicago by South Bend High School Band Director Tim Kirby, several of WSOC’s members played these songs in a high school rock band. These original members included Phil Davis (keyboards & vocals), Lew Chapman (trumpet), Steve Brown (guitar & vocals), Ron Smith (drums), and Gordo Lynn (trombone & percussion). WSOC’s remaining current members include Russell Wilson (lead vocals), Doug George (bass), Mike Kelly (sax), Greg Garrett (trumpet), and Brian Cokeley (guitar & vocals).
This “new” group (WSOC) actually began on Christmas Eve of 2001; Phil Davis & Lew Chapman played for the evening service at the South Bend United Methodist Church. Remembering their high school days together, they slipped in “one quick Chicago tune” (Colour My World); it was received so well that the idea of a “Chicago tribute band” emerged. Between Phil, Lew, and Gordo, the complete concept of the “West Side of Chicago” began to take shape. The band’s 2002 Shows began at the June 15th Cancer Relay for Life show, the Labor Day SBHS Class of 1972 Reunion show (Saturday, August 31, 2002 at the Chester Tavern in South Bend), the Pacific County Fair’s Saturday night headline show (August 24th in the Main Arena), and as the headliner at the Raymond Theatre on December 7, 2002. The band received tremendous response at each of these shows.
Several of WSOC’s members have a varied and interesting musical background: Lew Chapman played trombone, cornet, and flugelhorn with “The Jazz Ambassadors”, the U.S. Army’s 19-piece premier touring jazz ensemble. Lew performed around the globe with “The Jazz Ambassadors” and retired in 1998 from the service to settle back in his hometown of South Bend. He currently performs with several other NW acts including Lily Wilde & Her Jumpin’ Jubilee Orchestra and Black Swan Classic Jazz Band. Guitarist Steve Brown (http://users.techline.com/toyboxstudio/) has an extensive live and studio musical background, playing in Tacoma for many years, and recording several Twin Harbors area bands as well as his own original music. To date, Steve has released two CDs (“Lonely” & “Brown Paper Bag”) and is currently completing his third CD entitled “The Other Side”, all released on Toy Box Records. Phil Davis is a former Columbia & CBS recording artist with the Seattle-based recording act “Bighorn”. He was also signed to A&M Records with Portland artist “Johnny & the Distractions” (Johnny Koonce), and has many years of recording studio experience. Both Steve & Phil’s music is available on their respective mp3.com websites. Russell Wilson was the lead singer for “Plastic Smile,” releasing three CDs and performing throughout the Pacific Northwest. Russell is well known for his high, powerful vocal style. Twin Harbors veteran Doug George (also a graduate of Raymond High) has played bass with many local musicians, including a great CD with “Charlie Horse”. Doug has performed with literally dozens of bands in Grays Harbor, and claims to be “The hardest working bass player in all of Rock n’ Roll!” Doug has also played with Steve in several other local groups. Ron Smith has been on a sabbatical from music for nearly 30 years while he logged a considerable portion of North Pacific County. He is happy to be back in the drummer’s throne with the boys again, and is playing very well indeed. Gordo Lynn, one of WSOC’s most entertaining members, contributes excellent percussion parts, trombone, and vocals. WSOC’s members note that Gordo’s playing has not lost a thing from his high school days; Gord’s still got it! Mike Kelly, originally from Kansas City, Missouri, plays every saxophone made, flute, and clarinet. Mike was fortunate enough to perform with the likes of Gary Foster, Randy Brecker, BB King, Albert King, Delbert McClinton, as well as Lily Wilde & Her Jumpin’ Jubilee Orchestra. Mike now lives in Portland, Oregon. WSOC’s trumpet-playing duties are provided by Greg Garrett. In Greg’s recent musical career, he has performed with the Artie Shaw Band, Duffy Bishop, Ellen Whyte, Soul Vaccination, Lilly Wilde, Yani, The Moody Blues, Portland Chamber Orchestra, and the Oregon Symphony. Greg is a tremendous musician, and WSOC is thrilled to have him on-board. Greg makes his home in Vancouver, WA. Last, but assuredly not least, WSOC is proud to present Brian Cokeley as the newest member of their musical team. Brian resides in Montesano, WA, but his musical career truly blossomed during his time in Hollywood, CA where he attended the Musicians Institute, graduating “outstanding vocalist” from MI’s vocal program in 1988. Six months later, MI hired him as a vocal instructor, and he taught at the school for 2 years. While living in L.A., he sang on TV’s “Days of Our Lives,” worked with members of The Commodores, The Tonight Show Orchestra, Quiet Riot, and several other TV shows including “The Wayne Brady Show,” “Vibe,” and “The Martin Short Show.” Brian then moved to Seattle, where he played and sang on numerous radio commercials and performed session work from Puget Sound to Vancouver, B.C. In 1996, Brian joined the rock band “Vanderhoof” and recorded 3 albums as well as touring Europe. Brian is an accomplished writer, guitarist, vocalist, and keyboard player, and WSOC is pleased to feature him in their show.
The “West Side of Chicago” was
originally assembled to be a source of community entertainment with an
emphasis on fun. However, the band has quickly evolved into a great
band with a killer horn section. WSOC’s appeal stretches across all
ages, but “boomers” will particularly enjoy hearing songs from their school
and pep band days (“25 or 6 to 4”, et al.) Treat yourself and your
family to a healthy dose of great rock music with hot horn playing:
Check out the “West Side of Chicago”. You won’t be sorry you did!
www.davisagencyinc.com/wsoc/
For Booking & Schedule Information, Please Contact:
Philip D. (Peter) Davis
c/o The Davis Agency
PO Box 186
South Bend, WA 98586-0186
1(360)875-6591; (360)875-6605; Cell (360)942-7476
davisinc@davisagencyinc.com