Eric Gales
Eric Gales is a two time Grammy nominated guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose explosive playing has made him one of the most respected artists in modern blues and rock. The Memphis native signed with Elektra Records at 15 and released his debut album at 16, earning Best New Talent honors in Guitar World’s 1991 readers poll. His unmistakable approach, playing a right handed guitar flipped upside down, is matched by a sound that moves naturally through blues, rock, funk, soul, and psychedelia.
Across more than three decades, Gales has performed or recorded with artists including Carlos Santana, Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Lauryn Hill, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. His albums The Bookends and Crown reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Blues Albums chart, while Crown and A Tribute to LJK each earned Grammy nominations for Best Contemporary Blues Album. A three time Blues Music Award winner, Gales also contributed electric guitar to Ludwig Göransson’s Grammy and Academy Award winning score for Sinners.
Dennis Chambers
Dennis Chambers is one of the most influential drummers of the modern era, celebrated for his deep pocket, remarkable speed, and ability to make highly technical playing feel completely musical. A self taught prodigy from Baltimore, Chambers began playing drums at four, was performing in clubs by six, and joined Parliament/Funkadelic at 18. That early foundation in funk became part of a musical language that would eventually reach across jazz, rock, fusion, soul, and Latin music.
Dennis has recorded and performed with Carlos Santana, John Scofield, John McLaughlin, George Duke, the Brecker Brothers, Maceo Parker, Mike Stern, and many others. His career also includes playing in the jazz fusion trio Niacin with Billy Sheehan and keyboardist John Novello. Dennis was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2001. Over his career he has become one of those rare drummers who can hold down an undeniable groove, drive a band with tremendous power, and take the music completely outside without ever losing its center.
Billy Sheehan
Billy Sheehan is one of rock’s most original and influential bassists, known for turning the instrument into both a powerful rhythmic foundation and a commanding lead voice. After building his reputation with the Buffalo power trio Talas, Sheehan joined David Lee Roth’s band alongside Steve Vai and Gregg Bissonette, recording the platinum selling albums Eat ’Em and Smile and Skyscraper. He later co founded Mr. Big, whose worldwide hit “To Be with You” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts around the world.
Sheehan’s career also includes extensive work with Steve Vai, The Winery Dogs, Sons of Apollo, and Niacin with Dennis Chambers and John Novello. His signature style blends deep groove with three finger picking, chords, harmonics, two handed tapping, and controlled feedback. Voted Best Rock Bass Player five times in Guitar Player’s readers poll, Sheehan earned a place in the magazine’s Gallery of Greats.