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(The
History)
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was the mid- 1970's when drummer Ross Anderson, after years of playing with
various bands in the southern New Jersey area, decided to form a permanent band
of his own, the Country Sensations. He
recruited a lead singer and guitar player named Will, and a bass player and
singer named Bill Jack. Female vocals were provided by Dottie, but there was
still something missing. Bill Jack enlisted his brother, Mike Jack, to fill that
spot with keyboards, rhythm guitar, and vocals. The band became well-known for
their Gatlin Brothers type of harmonies, and their ability to cover all styles
of country music, from Kenny Rogers to Tammy Wynette to the then emerging
"Urban Cowboy" style.
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In
1979, singer and guitarist Will decided to pursue a different direction, and was
replaced by guitarist Al Philo. Al came from roots other than country, having
played with horn bands, wedding bands, and flat-out rock bands, but his style of
playing always had leaned toward the country side. This combination of Ross,
Bill, Mike, Al, and Dottie opened up even more styles of music. The band was now
made up of not only experienced musicians, but schooled musicians, and began to
play music from traditional country to southern rock. The ability of the band to
play a new tune cold, by reading both Nashville- style "charts" and
traditional musical notation opened up the possibilities for an unlimited
repertoire.
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a four-piece band, working in the New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania area
nearly every Friday and Saturday night of the year, and several additional
Wednesday and Sunday nights. The band at this time began to work under the
current name "Sundance", and even though a "part-time" band,
was working the same clubs and schedule as several of the local full-time bands.
Mike Jack began to concentrate more on guitar, and eventually left the keyboards
at home. The band soon became recognized for the dual lead guitars, in the
tradition of the southern rock bands, but still remained true to its country
roots, and with the addition of pedal steel player John, added a touch of
western swing to its sound.
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John stayed with the band for a year, and left to
put more time into his family life. Once again, Sundance Band was a four-piece
band, with drummer Ross having been replaced with Brad. Brad had never played
country music in his life, but had the uncanny ability to hear what was going to
happen, and be right there on drums. The band soon was gaining more and more
respect as a small but tight unit. But...there was still a direction left
unexplored. The addition of singer and rhythm guitarist Lorianne opened the door
to that direction, and soon the band was covering a nearly unlimited repertoire.
Young Lorianne was dedicated to pursuing a career in country music, and
after a year with Sundance, moved on to Nashville to begin her recording career.
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Once again, Sundance was a four-piece band, but not for long. A vocalist by the
name of Lori Jennings was looking for a band, and her abilities and unlimited
enthusiasm soon established her as a member of the band. She brought to the band
a fresh style, and a love of performing that brought a whole new stage presence
to the style of music. In the early 1990's bassist and vocalist Bill Jack needed
more time to devote to a demanding day job, and was replaced for a short period
of time by Chester, who was then a free-lance bassist, and eventually Alex took
over the job of permanent bassist. Alex's outgoing personality and outrageous
sense of humor showed on the stage and in the music, but Alex also had to devote
more time to family and job, so was replaced by Chester, once again. The demands
of a day job soon began to take its toll on drummer Brad, and original drummer
and band founder Ross came back with a new energy and enthusiasm.
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in 2001 at
an annual party held by Lori Jennings Struble, and her husband George,
that a teenage singer named Eryn sang a song or two with Sundance serving as her
back-up band. Eryn's vocal abilities and original songs were immediately
enlisted by the band, and she soon became a drawing feature. Between the experience and enthusiasm of Lori, and the fresh approach
of Eryn, the band now had the abilities to perform music of all styles, and
although still primarily a country band, soon took on a bluesy sound. Chester's
commitments as a freelance player prevented him from working as a regular
Sundance member, but original band member Bill Jack reappeared, and the old core of the band was
together again. Sundance has recently concentrated on playing private parties,
veterans' affairs, and motorcycle events, but the occasional club job still
finds the band performing for the general public.
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Band
Update...
As it
always seems to do Change found the band again in 2006 ... Due to health issues
long time drummer Ross Retired and was replaced by good friend of the band
Topper. Also in 2006 the time had come for Eryn spread her wings and to move
on... She is currently working on recording her Demo and putting together her
own original show (hopefully we will hear her on the radio soon)...
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The
Current line up of The Sundance Band is Fueled by the skill of drummer Topper,
the song-writing and guitar-playing of Mike, the blues and southern rock
influence of Al, the steady foundation supplied by bassist Bill, the vocals and
enthusiasm of Lori.
We
certainly hope that you will watch the website for a booking near you, and come
out and join the party!! It is always a party when Sundance Band is performing!
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