Phil Naro is a singer-songwriter originally from Rochester, New York. He is best known as the front-man for Billy Sheehan’s Talas in the mid-1980s. Naro’s first major gig was in 1979, Phil joined the popular Canadian band Chain Reaction, which released two albums and played an intense coast-to-coast tour schedule of 600 shows in two years.

 Phil Naro is a Daytime Emmy award-winning performer and internationally acclaimed composer, singer, guitar player, songwriter and producer, well known for his powerful voice and his tremendous four octave range. Naro’s career began in his hometown of Rochester, New York at the age of fifteen where he performed in a variety of popular High School bands. Word of his amazing voice quickly spread to the bar bands where he pursued his musical career.

 In 1980 Naro had a musical opportunity to go Toronto, ON, where he joined the band “Chain Reaction,” and released “X-Rated Dream” on the Attic Records label, Chain Reaction played an intense coast-to-coast tour schedule of 600 shows in two years. Following the release of “X-Rated Dream” he then returned to Western New York. While Naro immersed his talents writing and recording songs with other musicians in Rochester and Buffalo, bass player, Billy Sheehan (www.billysheehan.com,) from Talas was in search of a lead singer for his band. Then late in 1983 he found the voice of the band in Phil Naro. After numerous performances, the band recorded “Live Speed on Ice" at L'Amour in New York City which simultaneously made the top ten charts in both England and Japan.

 While with Talas Phil Naro enjoyed great success on a unique American heavy metal tour performing with many of the 80's top attractions such Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force, Anthrax, White Lion, Quiet Riot, and Iron Maiden. After his time with Talas, Naro joined with Canadian AOR Coney Hatch, replacing James LaBrie as the band’s new charismatic front man. highlighting his career.

 By now Naro was a much sought after lead vocalist and discovered by respected producer Eddie Kramer who had worked with Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and KISS. This discovery resulted in Kramer recommending Naro to Peter Criss (www.petercriss.net,) former KISS drummer, who was preparing his solo career. At the helm of Criss’ solo project two of Naro’s songs, “Bad People” and “Blue Moon over Brooklyn” appeared on Criss’ 1995 release, “Cat 1.” While he was creating music with Criss, Naro also wrote songs for Lee Aaron's 1989 multi-platinum selling album "Body Rock" and provided his powerful voice in studio work with Grammy winning producer Tom Lord-Alge, known for his work with Billy Joel, The Cure, Steve Winwood, Marilyn Manson and The Rolling Stones.

 Naro also appeared on a compilation disc released through Liberty N' Justice Records entitled "Soundtrack Of A Soul" which featured ex-Skid Row member Sebastian Bach, Mark Slaughter, and Joe Cerisano of Trans Siberian Orchestra. From “Soundtrack of A Soul,” Naro followed up by fronting a band from NYC and Kivel Records, Tango Down (www.myspace.com/tangodown). Naro also produced Jim Crean's (www.metalworksband.com) upcoming CD "Velvet Crush" for Glass Mountain Music.

 In 1994 Phil teamed up with John Rogers (Brighton Rock, Long Tom and the Dusty Danglers) to form an acoustic duo dubbed as The Phil & John Show (http://thephilandjohnshow.com/) to play the Ontario Club Circuit. Playing both originals and covers of some of the most beloved songs of our time The Phil & John Show Released Cover Art in 2006 and are finishing up their follow-up release for 2011

In 2004 Phil was asked by longtime friend Don Mancuso to collaborate with him and former Foreigner lead singer Lou Gramm, (www.lougramm.com) on first of three DDrive albums which resulted in a release in 2005 which received critical acclaim and airplay in the US, Australia, and Europe. The band’s signature sound blends strong classic rock roots with a modern edge sound all its own. The first DDrive CD did so well that Mancuso and Naro decided to put together the band’s second release in 2007 entitled "Straight Up The Middle." The new album received accolades from a rapidly growing legion of DDrive fans, and is in its second pressing. Following the seccuss of the release the band shot and released a video in the summer '08 for the track “Pray for Tomorrow”.

 3D was the long awaited follow up to “Straight Up The Middle” (2007) and was released in June 2010 on Melodic Revolution Records, suffice it to say it was worth the wait the album has been well received by both fans and media alike around the world. 3D is an album that will be enjoyed for generations to come. 3D has great significance as well, not only as DDRIVE's 3rd release but the CD is also housed in a special edition 3D cover with 3D Glasses and features eleven rocking tracks + the album features some special guests like Long time friend Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, Talas, David Lee Roth) on the first single Dig Down.

 Phil is involved in various other projects for example Druckfarben (coming soon www.druckfarben.ca) a Toronto based Progressive Band forged in 2008 for the love of this genre of music, Druckfarben has finished recording their debut release due out later this year. For now you can catch them performing live and captivating audiences throughout the Ontario region of Canada



Joe Macre-Bass                           

Joe Macre is not just a world class bassist, producer and engineer but the founder of Cuppajoemusic which Produces Artists and composes custom scores and sound design for Film and TV. Joe's music career started in high school and proved to be the start of a phenomenal road to success. Joe worked with major recording artists Crack the Sky, The B. E. Taylor Group and Wild Cherry. After relocating to New York, Joe became an engineer and studio musician and performed with artists such as Jim Croce, David Sanborn, The Brecker Brothers, Marie Osmond, Kieth Green. Clint Brown and many others. As Joe's career expanded into television, he began scoring and engineering for national clients such as Pepsi, Burger King, McDonald's, Ford, Nickelodeon, Showtime, Bud Light, Corona Extra, and Walker Texas Ranger.  Joe is one of the country's most sought-after mixing engineers. Award winning credits in films such as Monster in Law, House of D and Fire Down Below. His “Cuppajoemusic" Library and Sound Design is chosen for many national spots such as the award winning Super Bowl Tabasco "Mosquito", Corona "Ship in a Bottle", Nickelodeon, Showtime, Ford, McDonalds, Corona, Hyundai, Oprah Winfrey and more. This past year Joe's song “Safety in Numbers” was rewritten with British Atlantic Records artist Ellie Lawson and D.J. Lethal for the film “Monster in Law” with Jane Fonda. He also worked with Erykah Badu on the film “House of D“ and produced tracks for Erikah for an upcoming project. In addition, Joe recently worked with Quest recording artist Sy Smith and Erykah Badu producer Madukwu Chinwah. Joe Produced/Engineered and performed on the latest Crack The Sky project entitled "The Sale". He and the original Crack drummer Joey D'Amico recently reunited with the band and are currently touring the northeast. Current projects are the Live CTS DVD, (August 09) and the new CTS Album Machine, due for release this fall. Joe has also formed and is producing a new Progressive Rock project King Friday with drummer Joey D'Amico, singer Phil Naro and Oliver Wakeman, the current keyboardist for Yes and Strawbs. In addition, Joe performs reunion concerts with Wild Cherry and is an Instructor of Composing/Producing at Mediatech Institute (Dallas campus) and is an active member of ASCAP, AES and the American Federation of Musicians.

 Joey D'Amico is the drummer who makes up the experimental and powerful bass & drum section. Along with Macre, he has carved out a special and unique brand of their own.  A combination of Bill Bruford and Alan White brings a powerful yet experimental quality to the rhythum section.Joey grew up in the Ohio Valley region near Stubenville Ohio.;He started playing drums in his youth and played in an influential band called Sugar with bassist Joe Macre.That band with Joey and Joe merged into what became Crack The Sky.Crack The Sky was selected "Debut album of the Year" in 1976 by Rolling Stone magazine.Joey played drums on the first 3 Crack The Sky releases and on his comeback with Crack The Sky in 2008-2009.Joey has also played with B.E.Taylor who had a top 20 hit with "Vitamin L" on MCA records.

Joey is now the driving force on the skins in King Friday.

Oliver Wakeman-Keyboards,vocals

 

 

Oliver Wakeman - Piano & Keyboards

Oliver Wakeman was born into a musical family

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and is the eldest son of rock musician Rick Wakeman. He has written and appeared on various albums, all of which have been released to critical acclaim.

 

Oliver's musical career started at about the age of 5 with piano lessons taken during break time at New Gregories School in Beaconsfield. As a child, Oliver would often sit at his dad's grand piano in the lounge and run his fingers haphazardly over the keys thinking that if he did it enough times them something tuneful would happen and one day it did - only briefly, but it was enough to make the young Oliver sit there all day, annoying everyone, trying to 'guess-play'. Eventually Oliver realised that he was just going to have to learn to play properly.

Oliver's recording career started in 1984 when he and his younger brother Adam contributed backing vocals to a track on father Rick's "Cost of Living" album. The track is called 'Bedtime Stories' and to this day is the only track that features Oliver, Adam and Rick Wakeman on the same track.

At age 17 Oliver started to gig regularly in pubs in the Devon area and considers those experiences to be as important as the formal musical training he has received. 1989 saw Oliver's own personal recording debut as part of the band 'Obssession'. He featured on the cassette-only release "Debut of Desire'". Oliver wrote one song for the album called 'Into the Mirror' which he is still threatening to re-record one of these days. Oliver left 'Obssession' and started college in his late teens. He trained as a graphic design artist and holds a diploma in the subject. He continued to perform on the North Devon music scene as an integal part of the Rock Blues band "Smokestack" which was well regarded by the public and fellow musicians alike. Oliver left the band in early 2002 although he was re-united with the members of the band when they were the backing band at his wedding reception!

1997 saw the release of Oliver's first solo album "Heaven's Isle". "Heaven's Isle" was written at the request of the Landmark Trust to promote their 1997 season of Lundy Island. The album was re-released throughout Europe by Verglas music in late 1999. Music from this album has been used by BBC 1 & Independent Television for various programmes. The Tarka Tourism board's video "The Secret Country of the Two Rivers" also features music from this album.

His second album 'Jabberwocky' (a collaboration with London based musician Clive Nolan) was released in early 1999 and featured an all star cast, including Peter Banks (Yes), Tony Fernandez (Strawbs), Rick Wakeman, Tracey Hitchings (Landmarq) & Bob Catley (Magnum).

Oliver's 3rd album, "The 3 Ages of Magick", an instrumental work, was recorded with Steve Howe (Yes, Asia), who contributed guitars and executive production duties. This album was released in July 2001 to ecstatic reviews. The album was launched at the well known London music venue 'The 12 Bar Club' where Oliver performed to an invited audience.

Oliver and Clive released the follow up to 1999's 'Jabberwocky' album with "The Hound of the Baskervilles" in early 2002. The album featured a similar cast plus Arjen Lucassen (Aryeon), Ashley Holt (Rick Wakeman Band), Karl Groom (Threshold) as well as Robert Powell, the world renowned actor, narrating as Dr Watson. Again this album received rave reviews.

A commissioned new age album, "Chakras", was released in early 2002 and a further commissioned work 'Spiritual Enlightenment' was released in early 2003. His album 'Purification by Sound' was released by President Records in May 2003 and has received glowing reviews from various magazines. 2003 also saw Oliver team up with the Celtic singer Rachel for the 'The View from Here' single which was followed by a live performance from the band at the CRS Awards night in 2002.

Oliver was also commissioned to write a variety of incidental music for six poetry CD's. One of which features the voice of Derek Jacobi who is well known for his various film roles, most recently 'Gladiator'. Oliver has also written music for various corporate companies in order to launch or promote their products including the pro-audio company Allen & Heath. Oliver also composed the jingle for the CD version of the TV show 'Name That Tune'.

2004 saw the piece of music 'The Progress of the Soul' from the Divine Harmonies album feature as the title music for the 'A Guide to Spiritual Healing' DVD. 2004 also saw Oliver appear on Ayreon's "The Human Equation" album along with other musicians such as James LaBrie (Dream Theatre), Ken Hensley (ex-Uriah Heap) and Heather Findlay (Mostley Autumn). This also had the excitement of Oliver's first appearance on a top 10 album.

As well as appearing on the 'ProgAID' charity single (alongside Neal Morse and Arjen Lucassen and others), which raised funds for the Asian Tsunami disaster relief fund, he also appeared on Steve Howe's CD 'Spectrum' which was released in July 2005.

During 2006 Oliver took to the road with his new band performing selections from his 'Mother's Ruin' album (which was released to critical acclaim in late 2005/early 2006) as well as songs from his back catalogue. Oliver also appeared as a member of Bob Catley's (Magnum) touring band playing in the UK and Europe.

Oliver has been nominated for the Classic Rock Society's 'Best Keyboard Player' award on many occasions and in 2006 he won and received the award from Carl Palmer (Aisa ELP) at the annual CRS awards night. 2007 saw Oliver win the award for a second time and received this award from John Wetton (Asia).

2007 saw Oliver join the American classic rock band 'Starcastle' for the American Rites of Spring Festival.

Oliver and his band continue to perform live at various venues and festivals and he is currently working on a new album to be titled 'Culteral Vandals'.

2008 saw Oliver join Chris Squire, Steve howe and Alan White for the 'In the Present' world tour. The tour continues through 2009.

He was also awarded the 'Keyboard Player of the Year' award by the Classic Rock Society.

At the beginning of 2009 Oliver was announced as the keyboard player for the upcoming Strawbs tours of Canada, Europe and the UK.

 

 

 

Vinnie DePaul-Keyboards

 

Vincent De Paul ( Vinnie DePaul) has left an important mark in popular music, yet instead of resting on his laurels he continues to push his creativity. This spark has guided him throughout his career with the bands Crack the Sky , ( Debut Album of the year Rolling Stone Magazine ) Neon ( with Danny and Dae Bennett sons of the lengendary Tony Bennett) , The David Werner Band,( Americas David Bowie) and Word of Mouth,( Featuring Rob Fahey best known for his song Raised on the Radio from the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High). He has toured with Electric-Light Orchestra, Foreigner, Blue Oyster Cult, Arrowsmith, Atlanta Rhythm Section and the Cars to name a Few.  and as a solo artist he has worked with Collin James Hay, Kym Ryder, The Kids After Dark, Todd Rudgren, Hall and Oates,and the Rayvns.

The keyboardist/ songwriter is best known for his visionary work with Crack the Sky. His use of synthesizers and Mellotron  go far beyond the boundaries receiving critical acclaim. He has performed on the Tonight Show, Good Morning America, and The Tom Snyder show. As well as MTV and VH1

De Paul was born in Pittsburgh Pa, When he was a youngster. He played the Club Scene with different known local acts while creating his keyboard skills.Then he ultimately joined forces with Crack the Sky and the rest is history.

Today De Paul is a hard driving force in the music scene recording and touring with number of bands. He is now a member of the new progressive rock band King Friday.

 

Corey Marbut-Guitars  Corey Marbut is a young guitarist with an appetite for the industry. He has founded thetechnical metal band Shattered Dimension, in which he has managed,composed,written,engineered, and produced since it's birth. All self taught, he brings a fresh view to some of theories old practices with a structured yet fresh outside view. With guitar also comes along an array of other musical instruments he plays such as drums,keys,bass,violin,sitar,banjo,mandolin,etc. Coming from a metal background but an open musical mind, Corey has dabbled in many styles such as alternative,smooth jazz,fusion,rock,classic rock,flamenco,country, and electronically based styles as well. Music being such a large part of his life he decided to take the step into the control room as a professional and get his degree in recording arts at MediaTech Institute and become ProTools certified. The future can only tell where this talented young musician/engineer/producer is headed and be sure to expect his work in many different genres and styles.