Player Profiles - Orange County Blues Project

Cool and collected, Richard fits in wherever he plays. His tone is always sweet, since he is the amplification guru of all things warm and bluesy. When not performing as the latter entity of his power trio, Grey Dog & Bones, Rich runs a blues jam group that has been the genesis of many bands in Orange County, including this here Project. By day, Richard works in the oil biz, but as far as we know, he's shown no signs of tycoonery.

Richard Hassebrock

Guitar

Roy Jenkins

Bass Guitar

Running the OCBP is much like managing a softball team. You're always in the lineup, and nobody can fire you. Though he's been playing bass for only a few years, and will forever regard himself as no more than an “advanced beginner,” Roy is always grateful that seasoned pros will allow him to share the stage. A great love of Beatles and 60's music morphed into the requisite passion for high school era (i.e. early 80's) music, and finally into the blues he heard practiced ad nauseam by his older brother. By day, Roy works as a freelance Internet marketing consultant.

Below is a list of the most frequent players in the OCBP lineup. While you won't see every one every night, they are all capable musicians who enjoy playing together. We hope you enjoy listening!

Chuck Berk

Blues Harp and Keyboards

You might think that veteran bluesmaker Chuck Berk is all about the blues. In fact, he will surprise you with a wide knowledge of music of many genres. When he's not tripping back to his hometown of Detroit to mix things up and blow harp at a few clubs, he's right here in Orange County, playing at jams, and running a band or two of his own. So, who needs time to work…?

Al Bonowitz

Drums

The consummate professional drummer, playing with Al is a pleasure to all who have had the opportunity. Al loves aviation, baseball, Cheap Trick, Indian food, living near the ocean, oh…and drums! By day, he's an editor for Westways Magazine.

BJ Caldas

Guitar

BJ probably spends most of his waking hours thinking about music. It shows when he plays, since the notes come with feeling and more than a few drops of sweat. His wry sense of humor makes us all smile. By day, he works on airplanes. Yes, the big ones.

Bruce McCoy

Drums and Guitar

A wonder of nature, Bruce is the best guitarist of any drummers we know. Whether he's strumming, shredding, tapping, pounding, or belting out a tune, he always, always does it with passion and joy. A veteran of the surf scene in the 60's, Bruce still plays in TWO surf bands based here in OC. We're just happy he makes time for us, now and again. By day, Bruce works as a producer in the marketing department of a major studio.

Laguna Slim

Blues Harp

Oft a frontman, Slim also enjoys laying back in an ensemble such as the OCBP. Singing and blowing harp, there's always passion behind his music. By day, Slim (Stan Zabek) is a financial planner. Yeah, numbers guy. Who's have thunk it??