Professional Bass Player: Gary Smith
Gary began playing bass at an early age in a "Garage
Band. In High School, he played in jazz lab under the tutelage of Marcus Tsutakawa, who had a profound
influence on Gary - he allowed his students to be creative and venture into the music of their desired era. Gary's
main influence began with Gospel, but finds jazz to be the most challenging as well as being his favorite music .
One would say that Gary's musical background was handed down genetically by his dad, Tony Smith (known as "Tiny Tony"),
who is recognized as one of the famous Northwest Rock & Roll pioneers and is also featured in the Music Experience
Project (EMP) museum.
Gary's favorite musicians (who have influenced
his playing) are Stanley Clarke; Joco Pastoris & Marcus Miller, along with Bootsie Collins & Larry Graham
with a touch of Louis Johnson. That would explain his taste of playing which tends to be what Gary calls "Funky-Jazzy"
- with that Chicken-Choppy soloist style.
Lady
"A" calls him "G-Force", as she claims he's here one minute and takes you somewhere else without you
even knowing it within the next....- - "So Let the Force - Be with You"
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| Richard Mills, Guitarist - B.B. King would be Proud! |
Professional Guitarist: Richard Mills
Richard began his musical career in church.
Richard has a style like no other in the Pacific Northwest and once he gets going, is one to be reckoned with.
Richard has played in several local Seattle bands and always leaves an audience amazed at
his flair on the strings.
Richard is a local entreprenur, with his recording
studio "Sound Reflection", where local gospel, hip-hop and jazz musicians gather to record their latest projects.
His versatility in singing and playing is remarkable and a great assest to the LABB sound. His scatting ability
while playing definitely captivates audiences with a style similar to "George Benson".
Lady "A" likes to call him - "Little B.B." - B.B. King would be proud
of this brother and his talent......he can play some Blues that will make you wanna "Cut somebody" (if you understand
what I mean?.........smile)
