Rex Bongo & the Sophisticated Hippies
- 2014 Bands
- Tuesday, 10 December 2013 01:40
- 4568
On Stage: Friday 1:30 - 2:30
Rex Bongo and the sophisticated Hippies is a band made up of a very eclectic group of musicians. From percussion and drum rhythms to steel guitar and everything in between, Rex Bongo has carefully assembled what he considers to be his dream band. Playing everything from gut bucket blues and outlaw country to roots and rock n' roll, it's a rockin' country blues band with an edge!
Rex Bongo has been playing guitar since the age of 10. He teamed to play on an old Yamaha dassical guitar. His record collection consisted of Willie & Waylon, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hank Jr., Hendrix and a copy of Back in Black his sister (thankfully) insisted he had to own. Rex has played 30+ years in bars, clubs and events honing his skills. In 2012 he did a 6 month stint with the legendary southern rock band, Blackfoot. With Rex's soulful yet aggressive vocals and his rock n' roll blues guitar style, he was the perfect fill in for his buddy, Sean Chambers, who is the current lead singer of Blackfoot. His connection with the legendary band led to the first Rex Bongo and the Sophisticated Hippies CD which was recorded @ Studio Sea in Ft Myers FL, owned by Ricky Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot.
The Sophisticated Hippies are:
Larry Bell (Steel Guitar) Larry grew up in Nashville and is a member of the Michigan Steel Guitar Players Hall of Fame. Most people think of steel guitar as just a country music instrument. Larry Bell, however, proves time & time again that it is much more. From blues and Hammond 83 sounds to funky wah-wah solos and beautiful jazz pieces, Larry never ceases to amaze.
Douggi Jefferson (Drums) Douggi was a member and a teacher of Drum Corps in Pittsburg. Douggi's explosive drum styles come from his experience in Drum Corps. His use of Afro/Cuban style drums, combined with his Keith Moon over the top rock style, makes Douggi a force to be reckoned with.
Gary Grindell (Percussion & Vocals} Originally from Boston, Gary was an intricate part in the whole downtown Ft. Myers, FL music scene. As a club owner and life-long musician, he brought eclectic national acts to the area, as well as giving local musicians places to play their original music. Gary's rugged voice and rhythmic percusslon stylings are important ingredients to the Sophisticated Hippies unique sound.
And last but not least. Tbone Funk {Bass & Vocals) Tbone's career started as a roadie for Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot, but after much persuasion by his baby brother, he started playing bass. Tbone has played bass for a number of local and national acts such as Lita Ford and others. His solid, in the pocket playing is reminiscent of that 60's & 70's John Paul Jones style.
With over 170 years of combined playing experience, there isn't much, if anything, the Hippies can't play.
