Combining four powerful horns, a driving rhythm section and three of Detroit's best singers, Dr Pocket creates a refreshing, entertaining and exciting musical product. Whether performing "covers" or original arrangements, the band's focus is on the tradition of great horn bands from Blues, Jazz and Rhythm 'n Blues.
From Tower Of Power to Wilson Picket, from Joe Cocker to Delbert McClinton, Dr Pocket touches the musical soul of every listener.
Lead singers, Dick Fidge, Kim Lange, Bob Gustovict and Mark Watson bring a wealth of talent and experience to the front of this exciting band. Known for their entertaining style as well as their outstanding voices, these singers consistently leave audiences cheering for more.
I credit the success of the band to a simple concept, "Although each member is an outstanding soloist and musician, their willingness to put the sound of the band above any individual's needs results in an incredible musical experience."
Step out of the mundane generic sounds you're used to and let Dr Pocket cure your blues.
CSO (CRAIG STRAIN ORCHESTRA)
CSO grew out of my belief that it was time for a fresh face in the field of Detroit's Big Bands. The concept is one that draws from the rich heritage of the contemporary big bands with Jazz, Swing and Rhythm & Blues as the basis for the band's library. Music made popular by artists such as Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Randy Crawford, Sarah Vaughn, Ray Charles and Joe Cocker is typical of the music performed by CSO. One of the aspects that makes CSO unigue, it its ability to cross over into the pop/R&B genre in a convincing manner while being a superb interpretor of the traditional big band repertoire.
What started out as an experiment to perform some of my arrangements quickly blossomed into an exciting and diverse band capable of generating great music. The members represent an impressive cross section of some of the Detroit area's finest musicians. You will be thrilled to hear this outstanding band perform.
Recent performances include Gilda's Big Night Out at the Masonic Temple, The Michigan Jazz Festival, Martino's in Livonia, and The Manhattan Club in Novi and Jazz on the Vine at The Fillmore.
MIRROR OF MATHIS
I have the privilege of being the music director and arranger for Mirror of Mathis starring David Robbins. David has performed his show throughout the United States and beyond. His uncanny likeness and remarkable sound of Mathis has brough him acclaim for decades. Recent performances have included El Paso, Texas; Mocksville, North Carolina; Joliet, Illinois as well as performances in the Metro Detroit area. The typical instrumentation includes trumpet, sax, trombone, keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. All arrangements written by myself.
BROADWAY PROJECT
The Broadway Project consists of four talented vocalists and an outstanding seven-piece ensemble of flute, violin, cello, guitar, piano, bass and drums. Two female vocalists and two male vocalists perform at times as soloists, duets, trios and quartets. Each song is preceded by a brief description of some historical data and/or a setting of the song's relevance in the musical. Musicals range from Showboat to Hamilton with many in between including West Side Story, Rent, Avenue Q, Jekyll & Hyde, Wicked, My Fair Lady, Chicago, Grease, Ragtime and more. The show appeals to a wide range of musical tastes and is always enthusiastically received.
