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Slant Six Swing Band
Gary Lotspeich - Bass
Doug Reid - Violin
John Young - Piano, Trumpet, Sax, Harmonica
Heidi Walsh - Vocals
Brett Lanier - Pedal Steel, Dobro, Banjo
Don Schabner - Guitars
Brett Hoffman - Drums
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Click on the "Thumbnails" below to see larger photographs...
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| Heidi Walsh - Vocalist - The "Sapphire of Bombay" was probably born singing. Her early life in Northern Vermont was partly spent lending her voice to church choirs and academic choruses. Known for her strong alto pipes and relaxed stage presence, she has performed continually with local bands, starting with "Bluezoo" in 1988. Heidi lives in Vermont's "Northeast Kingdom" with husband, John Young.
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| Brett Hoffman - Drums, Vocals - Our esteemed time keeper. Brett's musical history in the Kingdom and beyond includes drumming and strumming guitar in a wide variety of ensembles. With his "FM" voice it's easy to understand how he came to radio disc-jockey work while living in Alaska. Even if you never see the Slant Six Swing Band--and what a shame that would be--you may very well encounter this Newark native performing with other groups especially the Dave Keller Band. A master of language, friends and band mates alike are always on the lookout for flying puns and other "humor".
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| Brett Lanier - Pedal Steel Guitar, Dobro, Banjo, Harmonica - Having graced the musical stages of Vermont for the past several years, we are delighted to have Brett joining us. Originally from Perkinsville, Vermont he now lives in Johnson. Brett plays with more bands than you can count on one hand, and always brings his best game to the table. Check him out with the Joshua Panda Band with whom he just completed a tour of Germany and Sweden.
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| Gary Lotspeich - Bass Guitar, Vocals - El Basso Profundo. Gary never misses a note, but if he were to stop playing for a couple of measures, you could drive a truck through the hole it would leave in our sound. Originally form California and now a resident of stunning Sutton, Vermont, over the years Gary has performed with a variety of groups, "The White Hearts" and "Coco and the Lonesome Road Band" to name just a couple. His talents run from bass and guitar to accordion and even graphic design. Also a skillful songwriter, you will hear some of his original music at our performances.
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| Don Schabner - Guitar, Vocals - Hailing from Morrisville, Don has played in area ensembles for many years. A stint with Doug and Brett H. in the "New Gypsy Swing Quintet" makes him a familiar face to many of our fans. A master of many styles, he also has a really great tenor voice.
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| "Hollywood" Doug Reid - Violin, Vocals - Before Doug started violin lessons at fourteen he was listening to Stephane Grappelli, and is excited to be at the stage in his career when he can devote himself to the fine points of this lyrical style. Classically trained, he spent many years as a touring sideman in country & western bands out of Southern California, Austin, and Atlanta. He has opened for many major acts in country music. While living in Texas, he studied jazz and composition at North Texas State University, and played with several of the Texas Playboys, including Joe Holley and Johnny Gimble.
Doug spent seven years as a feature performer at the Jim Stafford Show, in Branson, Missouri, where, in addition, he was alternately comedy writer, arranger, Music Director, and head of Special Effects. In New York City, Doug was a busker in Central Park, a commercial arranger in the Flatiron District, and a feature performer with several acts, including four years with the Paris Swing Orchestra of New York at the annual Bastille Day Celebration on 60th Street. He returned to his home in Vermont in 1999 where he splits his time between performance with the Slant Six Swing and other Bands, and professional consulting for the Vermont Violin Company. Check out the other groups by clicking: Rick and the Ramblers or The Abby Jenne Band.
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| John "Mr. Band" Young - Piano, Harmonica, some Horns, Vocals - Johnny has been leaning on pianos one way or another for his whole life. When not playing them he is involved with professional piano tuning and restoration through his business, Young's Piano Shop Musically, he has been a part of many groups through the years: as a harp player in "Blue Breeze" in the 70's and later with Londog in "The Workingman's Blues Band" in the 80's. Heidi joined them both in the 90's, as featured vocalist in "Bluezoo" the R & B band. John often handles the booking and other business affairs for the Slant Six Swing Band, and would be delighted to offer you more information if you send an e mail to info@slantsixswingband.com.
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| 2001- 2010
Lonny "Londog" Gustafson - Guitar, Pedal Steel, Alto Sax, Trumpet, Flute, Piano, Vocals - You name it he can knock out a tune on it. The irreplaceable Londog played and sang with us for nearly ten years. We all miss him and wish him well in his retirement from live music. Dog, if we ever see you in the audience, rest assured we'll be calling you up to give us one more blast of the "Curley Shuffle"!
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| 2001
Gary Matthews - Bass - It was short but sweet. Gary was with us for a brief time at the very beginning. We'll always be grateful for his arrangement of "Sing, Sing, Sing", that remains in our repertoire to this day.
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