The Band behind St. Claude Bridge
Woodwind specialist Tommy Cheek has been performing consistently since his first professional position in the CETA orchestra. He has performed with groups from many different genres including Rhythm and Blues, funk, African soul, Blues, Jazz, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and European classical music. Tommy plays saxophones, clarinets and flutes as well as composing and arranging. He has worked with The Tempatations, The Four Tops, Lou Rawls, Natalie Cole, Third world, Charlie Palmieri, Manhattan Transfer, The Oregon Symphony and The Columbia Symphony among others. Tommy also has been a member and arranger of the Portland Saxophone Quartet and World music group Akrowa with Israel Annoh and Ramsey Embick.
Tommy Cheek
Israel Annoh is a master drummer from Accra Ghana, highly skilled on drumset, hand drums and percussion. Annoh came to the United states to play with bandleader and master drummer Obo Addy, also from Ghana. In Accra both Annoh and Obo were members of the prestigious national Radio Orchestra. Before leaving for the US Annoh was considered one of the best drummers on the West Coast of Africa. Annoh had played and recorded extensively in the Pacific Northwest and is in high demand as a clinician and educator.
Israel Annoh
Keyboardist Ramsey is an Oregon native who started his first soul band in high school and never looked back. Long time friend of Tommy Cheek, Ramsey was musical director and leader for the Pointer Sisters in the 80’s. He also worked on projects with Jennifer Holiday, Gladys Knight, The Whispers, Gerald Levert, Rene & Angela, Michael Jackson, The Commodores, Bobby Womack, Kiss, and Laura Branigan. Ramsey attended Berkley College, Boston University, and New England Conservatory. He also studied privately with Chile Banacos, Ralph Jenkins, and Jaki Byard. He currently leads his own band in Portland: BridgeCity Soul.
Ramsey Embick
Sam Arnold
Bassist Sam Arnold is an active freelance performer and recording artist, and a private teacher and clinician. He has performed and toured with groups and artists such as Celisse, Ron Artis II, Quadeca, quickly quickly, Stelth Ulvang (The Lumineers), Y La Bamba, Brian Jackson, Darrell Grant, LaRhonda Steele, Mike Phillips, Lo Steele, Mae.Sun, Sarah Clarke, Haley Johnsen, Reva Devito, Mbrascatu, Kendall Lujan, The Eugene Ballet/Orchestra Next, and Portland Summerfest Opera. Recent touring highlights include playing on Willie Nelson's "Outlaw Tour" and Lake Street Dive's "Good Together Tour" with Celisse, and on Joe Bonamassa's "Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea" and the Dave Koz Cruise with Ron Artis II. Sam still calls Portland his homebase but can be found touring both nationally and internationally year-round, or as a recording artist on a variety of recordings anytime, anywhere!