Rhythm Section
James Bill
Drums
James Bill is a native of Lake Charles Louisiana where he began developing his drumming skills early on. Before finishing high school James was serving as drummer for several different local bands at the age of 14. The word got out fast about this young, in the pocket, funk-style drummer who could play any style of music. James attended Southern University Majoring in business administration. However, it did not take long before he would continue to pursuit his true passion for music. At the age of 19, James began touring with a well-known local blues artist that allowed them to be the opening act for several blues legends such as Tyrone Davis, Johnny Taylor, Bobby Bland and many others. James also played for Grammy award winner Rockin’ Sidney the “Toot Toot” man. James was also fortunate to have played behind the legendary James Brown. One of his most precious moments was receiving the Black Heritage Entertainer of the year award from his hometown. James exhibits a powerful style that is technically proficient, yet highly musical and groove oriented. He can play in a wide variety of musical genres that's often displayed when performing with the band from Lake Charles, Louisiana “City Heat”.
Check out the smooth sounds of James Bill new CD, "Living The Dream". Available now online at all of your favorite digital stores or at www.Jamesbillartist.com
Drums
James Bill is a native of Lake Charles Louisiana where he began developing his drumming skills early on. Before finishing high school James was serving as drummer for several different local bands at the age of 14. The word got out fast about this young, in the pocket, funk-style drummer who could play any style of music. James attended Southern University Majoring in business administration. However, it did not take long before he would continue to pursuit his true passion for music. At the age of 19, James began touring with a well-known local blues artist that allowed them to be the opening act for several blues legends such as Tyrone Davis, Johnny Taylor, Bobby Bland and many others. James also played for Grammy award winner Rockin’ Sidney the “Toot Toot” man. James was also fortunate to have played behind the legendary James Brown. One of his most precious moments was receiving the Black Heritage Entertainer of the year award from his hometown. James exhibits a powerful style that is technically proficient, yet highly musical and groove oriented. He can play in a wide variety of musical genres that's often displayed when performing with the band from Lake Charles, Louisiana “City Heat”.
Check out the smooth sounds of James Bill new CD, "Living The Dream". Available now online at all of your favorite digital stores or at www.Jamesbillartist.com
Sylvia Hankin
Percussion
"Ms. Sylvia" as she is known to many. Sylvia reigns from the New Orleans, Louisiana area with a beat of her own. Sylvia is one the most talented percussionist that graces the gulf coast. Her style of playing brings on a flavor of its own.
Percussion
"Ms. Sylvia" as she is known to many. Sylvia reigns from the New Orleans, Louisiana area with a beat of her own. Sylvia is one the most talented percussionist that graces the gulf coast. Her style of playing brings on a flavor of its own.
Chester "C.J." Daigle III
Drums, Percussion
Chester "C.J." Daigle III is a graduate of Grambling State University with a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication. He is the co-founder/owner of Cold Armor Productions. Aside from playing drums and percussions, Chester produces hip-hop indie artists. He plays piano and is also known as a local hip-hop beat maker.
Drums, Percussion
Chester "C.J." Daigle III is a graduate of Grambling State University with a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication. He is the co-founder/owner of Cold Armor Productions. Aside from playing drums and percussions, Chester produces hip-hop indie artists. He plays piano and is also known as a local hip-hop beat maker.
CHESTER "CHOPPE" DAIGLE
Piano, Keyboards
Chester "Choppe" Daigle - a gifted maestro in every right is known to his friends as "Choppe", and is a native of Lake Charles. Chester graduated from Northeast University in Monroe, LA. in 1980 with a BA degree in Music Composition and Theory. Mr. Daigle released his first CD in collaboration with Michael Kittling in 1999 named "Cardinal Principles". Chester is known for his keyboarding expertise and was assistant conductor for the Broadway production DREAM GIRLS tour with Jennifer Holiday. Chester has traveled to perform with Phyllis Diller, Joan Rivers, James Brown, and many others. He was voted the Mayor's Arts Awards "2012 Artist of the Year". Chester uses his influence locally to promote music and jazz culture as co-director and founder of Jazz In The Arts foundation, and co-owner of Mystery Artist Production and Publishing.
Piano, Keyboards
Chester "Choppe" Daigle - a gifted maestro in every right is known to his friends as "Choppe", and is a native of Lake Charles. Chester graduated from Northeast University in Monroe, LA. in 1980 with a BA degree in Music Composition and Theory. Mr. Daigle released his first CD in collaboration with Michael Kittling in 1999 named "Cardinal Principles". Chester is known for his keyboarding expertise and was assistant conductor for the Broadway production DREAM GIRLS tour with Jennifer Holiday. Chester has traveled to perform with Phyllis Diller, Joan Rivers, James Brown, and many others. He was voted the Mayor's Arts Awards "2012 Artist of the Year". Chester uses his influence locally to promote music and jazz culture as co-director and founder of Jazz In The Arts foundation, and co-owner of Mystery Artist Production and Publishing.
JEFF SIMON
Guitar
Jeffrey Simon's pursuit of music started at the age of eight with guitar instruction by his father, Lynn Simon. Lynn introduced clarinet studies to Jeff's music curriculum the following year. The third year of his music education would include the intense study of chord progressions under the leadership of his grandfather, Leo Simon. Jeff's school years, under the direction of Willie C. Sennette and Gerald Steward, spawned a life-long love of woodwind instruments, particularly the tenor saxophone. Though enamored with the saxophone, Jeff's father, and his teachers encouraged him to focus on the guitar as his principal instrument. Thus, the career as a professional guitarist began in the spring of 1979 with Beaumont, Texas' own national recording artist, Barbara Lynn, followed by The Jazz Innovators, The Lawrence Daniels Quartet, The Jimmy Simmons Orchestra, The Ed Dix Quartet, and many others. As a 1982 graduate of Beaumont-Charlton-Pollard High School, and aware of the uncertainties of the music business, Jeff enrolled at Lamar University, where he earned a degree in Electrical Technology, followed by certification from the FCC. Jeff is employed in the field of telecommunications. Jeff enjoys family life with his wife, Valerie, and children, Ashley, and Evan.
Guitar
Jeffrey Simon's pursuit of music started at the age of eight with guitar instruction by his father, Lynn Simon. Lynn introduced clarinet studies to Jeff's music curriculum the following year. The third year of his music education would include the intense study of chord progressions under the leadership of his grandfather, Leo Simon. Jeff's school years, under the direction of Willie C. Sennette and Gerald Steward, spawned a life-long love of woodwind instruments, particularly the tenor saxophone. Though enamored with the saxophone, Jeff's father, and his teachers encouraged him to focus on the guitar as his principal instrument. Thus, the career as a professional guitarist began in the spring of 1979 with Beaumont, Texas' own national recording artist, Barbara Lynn, followed by The Jazz Innovators, The Lawrence Daniels Quartet, The Jimmy Simmons Orchestra, The Ed Dix Quartet, and many others. As a 1982 graduate of Beaumont-Charlton-Pollard High School, and aware of the uncertainties of the music business, Jeff enrolled at Lamar University, where he earned a degree in Electrical Technology, followed by certification from the FCC. Jeff is employed in the field of telecommunications. Jeff enjoys family life with his wife, Valerie, and children, Ashley, and Evan.
JAY ECKER
Bass
Jay Ecker is one of the first call bassists on the Gulf Coast, playing all styles of music. He holds a Master of Music in double bass from Louisiana State University where he studied with Bill Grimes. Jay is the Director of Bands at Westlake High School. He also serves as Director of the Educational Workshop for Jazz In The Arts. Jay has performed with Houston jazz artists Dennis Dotson, Woody Witt, Mike Nase, and others.
Bass
Jay Ecker is one of the first call bassists on the Gulf Coast, playing all styles of music. He holds a Master of Music in double bass from Louisiana State University where he studied with Bill Grimes. Jay is the Director of Bands at Westlake High School. He also serves as Director of the Educational Workshop for Jazz In The Arts. Jay has performed with Houston jazz artists Dennis Dotson, Woody Witt, Mike Nase, and others.
