Biographies
David Gleason - Piano, Vocals and Director
David Gleason received his master's degree in ethnomusicology from Tufts University. As a pianist he has performed with RumbaNaMa, The Boston Latin Band, The Either/Orchestra, Lee Konitz, The Empire Jazz Orchestra, Laurel Masse, Mojive and Soul Session. He studied music education and jazz studies at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York and jazz piano with Lee Shaw. As an educator, he has taught music at the Sayles School of Fine Arts and as an adjunct at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is the author of "The Total Blues Keyboardist" available from Afred Publishing.
Tim Williams - Saxes, Flute and Vocals
Tim Williams is originally from Massappequa, Long Island. He studied saxophone and Music education at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York. As a sought after section player and soloist he has played with Soul Session, Mojive, The Refrigerators, and the Erftones. Tim, also an active music educator, teaches in the Troy City Schools.
Pete Sweeney - Drum Set www.petesweeney.net
Pete Sweeney is a drummer, author, and educator who performs in every genre of music. He has performed, recorded, and toured with many outstanding artists such as Pat Metheny, Lee Ritenour, Robben Ford, Frank Gambale, Duke Robillard, Ronnie Earl, “Dangerous” Dan Toler, Ed Mann (Frank Zappa), Andy Summers (The Police), Mick Goodrick, Malcolm Cecil, Laurel Masse, Steve Bailey, John Abercrombie, Jay and the Americans, Larry Coryell, Murali Coryell, Johnny “Clyde” Copeland, Lorne Lofsky, and Ray Vega. He is also a member of the Latin group Sensemaya and Soul Session. In addition to his performing, Pete has written 18 drum instructional books for the Alfred publishing company, as well as 3 dvds. He has numerous instructional lessons online with Workshoplive. He is also a faculty member of the National Guitar Workshop, The Berkshire Music School, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, and the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation.
Tony Garcia Jr. - Congas, Percussion
Tony Garcia Jr. is a Schenectady-based multipercussionist and composer who has played with Alex Torres Y Su Orchestra, Mundo Muevo and Maximo Sabor
Erik Johnson- Bass
Erik Johnson is one of the Capital Regions most in-demand bass players. Originally from Amityville, Long Island, he has been living and playing music in the Capital Region since 1989. Primarily a freelance bassist, Erik has played with such artists as Lee Shaw, Nick Brignola, Chuck D'Alioa, David Calarco, George Muscatello, Eric Walentowicz, Ray Alexander, Sonny and Perley, and many more. Erik teaches private bass lessons and stings in the Albany City Schools.
Walter Ramos - Lead Vocals and Percussion
Walter was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. He studied flute and piano at the Henry Street Settlement Music School, the City College of New York, and SUNY College at Old Westbury. At CUNY he received instruction from John Lewis, Dizzie Gilespie, John Faddis, Connie Kay, and Charlie Palmieri. In addition to music, Walter holds also holds a degree from SUNY Stonybrook and a law degree from SUNY Buffalo. His law career brought him to Albany in 1999, where he continues to reside. Currently he performs with Sensemaya and Mundo Nuevo.
Pete Giroux - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Pete has been teaching music for over 20 years and playing horn in nightclubs for over 30 years. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from the Crane School of Music and his Master of Music Education from Ithaca College. He is the High School Band Director at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, where his bands have received numerous accolades including Level 6 Gold “with Distinction” 10 times since the year 2000 at state music festivals. In addition to Sensemaya, he plays regularly with Soul Session.
Tony Garcia Sr. - Bongos
Tony Garcia's has played with a "who's who" of salsa. Originally from Puerto Rico he was a reegular congero in the Fania Salsa scene during the 70's and 80's in New York.
Ben O'Shea - Trombone
Ben O'Shea holds degrees in music from from the University of Arizona and Central Washington University. He has performed in a number of ensembles with artists that include Jimmy Heath, Conrad Herwig, and Linda Rondstadt among others. Ben feels very fortunate to have studied with Bill Anthony, Tom Ervin, Mark Babbitt, Jeff Haskell, and Chris Bruya.
