Bruce Decker - Keyboards and Vocals

bruceBruce Decker (piano, organ, synth, harmonica, trombone and guitar) has probably forgotten more songs than many area musicians have ever learned.  Of course, after gigging for 40+ years the forgetfulness is bound to happen eventually.

Starting on piano at age five, Bruce was soon playing organ at Blessed Sacrament Church in Syracuse, NY for evening services under the direction of Art Stasko, his piano/organ teacher and resident organist for the church.  “Mr. Stasko taught me all the basics that a keyboardist would need to become a professional musician, including sight reading, music theory and ‘fake’ playing,” recalls Bruce.  “He stressed the classics as well as classical technique, and besides my immediate family was the most influential person in my life musically”.

Jeff Kocher- Lead Guitar and Vocals

JeffJeff began his love for music at the age of 7.  Mom and Dad bought the family a Conn organ and lessons soon followed.  After 3 years of lessons, Jeff realized he longed to play guitar like his father.  So around age 10 he stopped organ lessons and began to teach himself how to play guitar.

Guitar lessons soon followed from distinguished local guitar “gods” Dave Whitehill and Tony Scozzaro.  After studying with those teachers for 10 years, and playing in a few bands throughout high school, he was ready to take the big step into the Buffalo music scene.

First up was Masquerade, hard rock cover band with childhood friends, Joe and Dave Dzialak.  After about a year of playing with Masquerade, the three friends joined forces with Buffalo Music Hall of Fame member Bobby Andalora and together they re-formed one of Buffalo’s best bands White Lies.  White Lies was a Buffalo staple for years, playing classic rock cover tunes. This time around however, White Lies would be an all original hard rock act where I played guitar as well as keyboards.

Jay "Taz" Kuzara- Drums

VOTED "BEST ROCK DRUMMER" - 2010 BUFFALO NIGHTLIFE AWARDS
Endorsed by Regal Tip Drum Sticks

TazA late bloomer, by some standards, Jay didn't pick up a drumstick till the age of 16. Back then just to be able to get through any song off of Def Leppard's Pyromania album was a huge accomplishment. Using the U.S. Savings Bonds he received from year's of, "we're building his future" gifts from family and friends, Jay bought his first drumset. It was used. It was loud, and it was big! 9 pieces - all open end toms and kick drums. That's right, don't start small like the rest of the world and build up, just jump right in literally two feet first.

With a brand new drumset, and an ambition to play, Jay retreated to his parents basement. Playing everyday after school and weekends for as long as his Mom could take it, Jay finally mastered his first song, Shot In The Dark by Ozzy. A real no-brainer when you look back at it. "I played it so much, that my Mom and dog could have played the song note for note." 

By the age of 17, Jay was in his first band Blue Unicorn. "It was awesome. We'd get together at my buddy Jim's parents house and jam KISS, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, you name it. We were Metal". Jay's first real playing gig came by his marketing genius, he called a local church doing a lawn fete, and got in the beer tent. Picture if you will, a nice old school Polish neighborhood turned into chaos. "It was really funny. We opened with KISS, did Maiden's "666" and then all hell broke loose. "I'll never forget the looks on people's faces when the bass player ripped into Hendrix's version of the National Anthem and let the last chord ring till there was nothing but feedback. People were just pissed."

Scott Panfil- Lead Vocals

ScottScott grew up in a musical family, both his father and uncle had been (and still are) extremely active in the Buffalo music scene. Because of the early guidance provided by both of their parents and uncles and aunts (some of whom are musicians; others who’ve owned or managed bars and restaurants; and every one of whom is extremely supportive), Scott and his sister Katie (now in Stone Row) both had numerous instruments and opportunities to play in front of people.

Starting out playing in restaurants with as many relatives who could make it that night, everybody took turns singing and playing bluegrass, rock, country, and oldies for tips and/or free food. These nights would generally consist of a few Billy Joel songs, some Alison Kraus, and a bunch of bluegrass standards.

In high school, Scott started his first band with friend Aaron called “Gentry” and played rock covers from Queen, Metallica, Chuck Berry, and some originals. Scott sang and played guitar, keyboard, and later bass. Gentry played a few shows before many of the members left for college in different areas of the country and disbanded.

Mike Schill- Bass and Vocals

MikePrevious Bands: Sky High, Twilight, Fat Brat, Mirror Mirror, Option 4, AKA, the Hostages
Influences:  Jaco Pastorius, King's X, Judas Priest, ACDC, Billy Sheehan, Victor Wooten, Stu Hamm, Ross Valory, Pino Palladino, John Entwistle, Michael Anthony, UFO.
Instructors: Jack Kulp, Jim Kurzdorfer, Jim Easton, Doug Cerrone, Lew Reczek
Background: Classified, eyes only clearance level Omega, certified by Colonel Nick Fury, Supreme Commander SHIELD ( translation: nobody's damn business...I show up I play, I prefer Jack Daniels)

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