AZ
Singer Rick Lenzi has been impersonating Elvis Presley for 13 years now. His father introduced him to the King of Rock'N'Roll at the tender age of 2. From that point on he grew to love and admire The King's music. Rick first began singing Elvis's music in 1993, doing the early years. From then on he has grown to impersonate all of the eras of Elvis. He has won many contests throughout the United States. He has also been a pre-qualified finalist for the "Images of the King" contest in Memphis, TN. Several times. Rick has also appeared on many local and national television shows such as: Dick Clark's "Your Big Break" where he was a semi-finalist, Evening Magazine, Mornings on 2 and Chicago's WGN Mornings News. He has also appeared in "3000 Miles to Graceland" as an Elvis Impersonator. Rick takes his job as an Elvis Entertainer very seriously as he states in his own words" I am just trying to do the best impersonation I can to help keep the Elvis Presley legacy alive. Over the years he has become one of my musical idols and I just hope that I do him justice. No one will ever replace Elvis Presley but we can help keep his memory alive". Angelo Cappello, Rhythm Guitar: Being born on the east coast, less than 25 miles from N.Y.C. It was easy to become interested in music. Angelo started as a drummer in the early 60�S, and switched to guitar when the Beatles invaded America in 1964. He has been involved in many bands, DOO WOP, 50�S and 60�S COVER BANDS, JAZZ STANDARDS and COUNTRY, but his true love has always been the music of the LATE 50�S and 60�S ARTISTS LIKE HOLLY, ELVIS, AND THE BEATLE "Archie" Michael Aspinwall, Lead Guitar: Like Elvis, guitarist Archie Maxwell has hi roots in gospel music. He recorded his first album of original songs at the age of 18 and shortly thereafter began as lead guitarist with "New Life," a group he co-founded in Southern California. Seven years, three albums, and hundreds of West Coast performances later, Archie made the transition to Country music singing and playing lead for "Pony Express," a popular band on the L.A. club circuit. Then came the call that changed it all. As Archie tells it, "I got a call from a keyboard player who was working with an Elvis tribute singer. They needed a guitar player right away, and I thought to myself, 'hmm...an Elvis show' I don't know....' But I showed up for rehearsal, and halfway through the first song, I thought, 'Whoa, these guys are pretty good!' Turns out they were thinking the same thing about me." The band was Suspicious Minds, a group that became the West Coast's premiere Elvis tribute band, and spent fifteen years entertaining Elvis lovers throughout the Western states, as well as doing tours of Europe and Japan. Sky Stackus, Bass: He started getting involved in music in the Church Choir. He played the French horn and Tuba in high school and college. He was music major in college but it fell short when he was drafted.In the 70's and 80's he played the bass and the keyboard in various road bands through out Michigan, Indiana and Illinois.He played with one band in particular called "FUZE" a Southern Country Rock Band that featured a two set "Tribute to Elvis".His most recent indevers include playing in a classic rock band and with the Highway 51 Band a Phoenix Elvis Tribute Band. Chris Welker, Drums: Professional musician that played the trumpet at the university level, he won a battle of the bands contests drumming in the Phoenix area in the 60's and toured with groups across the US and Canada He to has played with one band in particular called "FUZE" a Southern Country Rock Band that featured a two set "Tribute to Elvis"His most recent indevers include playing in a classic rock band and with the Highway 51 Band a Phoenix Elvis Tribute Band. I've worked for American Superstars in Reno, Heroes of Rock N Roll in Las Vegas and Showstoppers Live in Arizona. I have a full Elvis tribute band called Roustabout and we perform a full �3 Eras Live Show� of Elvis' music from the early 50's through the 70's Vegas era. My band consists of a great Elvis guitarist named Archie Maxwell who has been playing and backing up Elvis impersonators for over 15 years. We also have a great guitarist and keyboard player named Angelo Cappello also who sings backup harmony vocals as well. A 20 year upright bass player Kevin B on Bass guitar and talented drummer Chris Welker who also has been backing up local Elvis impersonator�s as well as sings Bass for the bands vocal harmonies.
"Chris and the guys were amazing! We were a bit nervous at first, because we had never heard them play in person. Chris was in contact with us constantly to reassure us that everything would work out..and it did! They arrived early and were already playing when we showed up. The music was perfect! We could not believe all the complements we received on our choice of bands. The room was an elegant ballroom and the music was a perfect fit. They were the perfect volume so people could talk and they kicked it up as the night got later so we could all dance. We would definitely recommend them for your wedding reception or any type of event. They were first class!" --Dale T. Tucson, AZ "Giant Steps gave me exactly what I desired for my event. They were just the right vibe, just the right volume and very low maintenance." --Ling T. Scottsdale, AZ Our new guitarist, John Vold, has worked with top professionals like JOEY DEFRANCESCO, PAPA DEFRANCESCO, and DAVID "FATHEAD" NEWMAN! John is the newest member of our team! John says, "Giant Steps is, by far, the best band in Arizona!" Giant Steps Jazz Band has been featured at: The Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, The Famous Knitting Factory on Hollywood Boulevard, The Phoenician, Tempe Center for the Arts, The Rhythm Room, The Scottsdale Princess Resort, The Hotel Weatherford, Peoria Sports Complex, and many, many more. Our musicians come well dressed, on time, and sound great. Your satisfaction is very, very important to us. So go with the pro's, hire Giant Steps Jazz Band.
GIANT STEPS JAZZ BAND We have a 5-STAR service rating from feedback by clients like you. The quality of this rating shows, really, who we are. Just listen to what our customers have to say about our service: "Giant Steps gave me exactly what I desired for my event. They were just the right vibe, just the right volume and very low maintenance." --Ling T. Scottsdale, AZ Our Saxophonist and Manager, Chris, has worked with top professionals like JOEL DIBARTOLO (Bass Player for THE TONIGHT SHOW BAND), ED SHAUGHNESSY (Drummer for THE TONIGHT SHOW BAND), GRAMMY AWARD WINNER MARIA SCHNEIDER, BOBBY SHEW, ERNIE WATTS, and many others. Chris has worked as an educator at COCONINO COMMUNITY COLLEGE and NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY. Chris says, "We really love what we do. Taking care of our customers is really, really important."