Monica Ashton Jazz Band
UPDATE:
I recently put up new sites in addition to Soundclick. www.monicaashtonproductions.com will begin Sept. 1st, 2007, and I already have www.myspace.com/monicaashtonproductions up.
I will keep this Soundclick site going also, as a lot of people know me and the band from this page, but it will not be updated past Sept. 1, 2007.
Thanks Soundclick for getting me started. Couldn't have done it without you!
ORIGINAL INTRO:
Monica Ashton, piano; Patrick Fleming, Percussion; Rob Rostau, bass; Randall Willis, Tenor/Alto Sax, Brad Hubbard, Flute/Bari Sax, Rhoyal Baibe, Drums
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
I still have to get bios from RANDALL WILLIS, BRAD HUBBARD and RHOYAL BAIBE (www.rhoyalbaibe.com) for this website (and for the upcoming CD). PATRICK FLEMING, consummate artist that he is in his own right (percussionist, saxophonist (professionally for 7 years), vocalist (sang 2 years with the Coasters)), happened to meet me in Mountain View, CA one night in January 2006. Where we met had nothing to do with music, either! It was definitely a "God thing!" ROB ROSTAU, or more affectionately known as DOCTOR ROB, is a fabulous bass player, as well as a guitarist, sound engineer, composer in his own right (alternative rock), and oh, did I mention...he's also a Chiropractor? You can check out his music at www.myspace.com/rostauband. Me? (MONICA ASHTON) Well, you can check all my stuff out here at Soundclick at www.soundclick.com/monicaashton.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Just finished an INCREDIBLE recording session at Skywalker Sound up in Marin. www.skysound.com. We had a GREAT time, and were blessed with fabulous sound people LESLIE ANN JONES and DANN THOMPSON.
Your musical influences
MONICA is a Gershwin fanatic, as well as Joannie Mitchell, and Bach, among others. PATRICK is Mr. Funk, and was classically trained. DR. ROB seems to like anything (just kidding, Rob!). Actually, he's into U2 and celtic stuff, and alternative rock, among others.
What equipment do you use?
Currently, MONICA will play any piano that is in tune. When she brings her own stuff, she uses Roland keyboards (she has 3, an X-10, RD-300x and an A-90). PATRICK currently uses Tonga bongos and congas, but is planning to get a whole percussion section together little by little. Some moron stole his special congas after a gig in San Diego that had been given to him by Santana's drummer! Ouch! ROB plays both a Gibson bass and guitar. MIKE DACAYANAN, our illustrious sound guy, has a bunch of equipment. You'd have to ask him (email him here). The horn players and Rhoyal have to send me their bios (didn't I say that already?)
Anything else?
Stay tuned for the CD Release Date, and Party, hopefully taking place in the Bay Area this Spring/Summer. We're also hoping to get a tour together from SF to LA to LV. Definitely stay tuned for this.
