Soul Commanders Dance Band from Portland, OR

SOUL COMMANDERS IS A GROUP OF SOME OF THE NW'S MOST TALENTED AND EXPERIENCED MUSICIANS COMMITTED TO PLAYING THE MOST DANCEABLE R&B, FUNK, SOUL AND POP HITS FROM THE 80'S THROUGH TODAY. Covering artists that range from Michael Jackson, Chaka Kahn and Earth Wind and Fire to Hall and Oates, Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston, Johnny Cash to 80's dance hits, a Soul Commanders performance delivers the deeply infectious grooves and timeless melodies of these musical gems with a familiarity and integrity that could only be achieved by artists with the capabilities and professionalism that this group possesses. Dedicated to maintaining this rich tradition of American popular music, most of the groups players began their musical careers when these hits were first popularized and as a result they bring a level of authority and intimacy to the material rarely seen in today's market. The members collective discography reads like a who's who of the last 30 years of popular music. John Mazzocco the group's leader and bass player is a highly sought after musician whose credits include John Lee Hooker, Paul Delay and Curtis Salgado. He has put together a stellar group of musicians beginning with one of the area's freshest talents, vocalist Michal Angela Wilson. Michal Angela hails from Moscow Idaho and studied classical voice at the University of Idaho. Since moving to Portland she has played with Devin Phillips, Farnell Newton, and Errick Lewis among others. On keyboards and piano is Ramsey Embick a native Oregonian whose studies at Berklee College of Music led him to the Los Angeles music scene. This is where he landed the gig of Musical Director and keyboardist for the Pointer Sisters and recorded with such notables as Ray Charles, The Commodores, Michael Jackson to name a few. The group's guitarist is none other than Eddie Martinez, Eddie cut his teeth in the studio scene in New York and is widely considered one of the finest guitarist working today. His credits include Yoko Ono, Mick Jagger, Robert Palmer, Meat Loaf, RUN=DMC, and David Lee Roth. Our secret weapon and heartbeat of Soul Commanders is Johnnie Lenn Russell on drums. Johnny has been a fixture on the Portland music scene for many years having graced the talents of Linda Hornbuckle, Cool Breeze and many others with his rock solid grooves.  Rounding out the group is  Scott Wardinsky  on percussion. Having lived and studied in Cuba for many years Scott adds a distinctly latin tinge to the groups sound. He is no stranger to the NW scene where he has played with Tom Grant, Nu Shooz, Calvin Walker Band etc. He has recently returned from L.A. where he taught Afro-Cuban percussion at UCLA from '98 – '04. In the today's world of popular music with all of its computerized tricks and digitally enhanced performances Soul Commanders genuine, organic sound is like a breath of fresh air. Their contagious energy, detailed execution and commitment to providing quality dance music make them a highly desirable act for weddings, conferences, festivals and parties alike. With a repertory of literally 100's of songs this group can tailor its shows to most occasions.