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Meet MOJO |
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The driving force behind MOJO ZYDECO, Randy has, in his words, been 'Zydefied'. Initiated to the stage through a series of Rock bands and Folk music projects, he has found his calling in Zydeco music. Co-founder of the successful blues band TheCaboose, he has honed his song writing and performance skills since that bands inception in 1997. Driven by forces unclear to Randy himself, this bandleader has propelled MOJO ZYDECO very far in a very short time span. Resolved to establish a Canadian Zydeco band after a trip to New Orleans in 2001, Randy has carefully assembled the most eclectic group of performers to share in the realization of his dream. Only eight months after the bands' inception, Randy had secured bookings both in Vancouver and two of the most established Zydeco rooms in Louisiana- the Rock'n Bowl and Le Bon Temps Roule. Housing what must surely be Vancouver's definitive Zydeco CD collection, Randy's home is the birthplace and rehearsal space for MOJO ZYDECO. The application of his song writing skills to the Zydeco format has given, to date, over 12 original songs from this unique band. There is no limit to the vision Randy has for his band, and he hopes one day the band will represent an important contribution to the spirit and recognition of Zydeco. |
A charismatic and magnetic personality who radiates a passion for life, Jane was introduced to the high-energy Creole rhythms while traveling to New Orleans for vacation. A born dancer, Jane took to Zydeco as naturally as a moth to the flame. Having no experience with an instrument unique to Vancouver, Jane was free to express herself through the instrument. While playing at in New Orleans in March of 2002, Jane was honored to be invited on stage by the Great Rock'n Dopsie, the number one rubboard player in the area. So affected was Mr. Dopsie, that he vowed to send her his own custom-made bottle openers used to play the rubboard. On a recent tour of the Pacific Northwest at Vancouver's Yale Hotel, Rosie Ledet and her band also invited Jane to stand in; resulting in a powerful exchange of Zydeco between this great Louisiana band and MOJO ZYDECO. Jane has also played in Seattle as part of this area's vibrant Zydeco scene. |
Extensive live performances on four continents in venues ranging from intimate piano lounges, cabarets, five-star hotels, international festivals to special events, premier pianist and entertainer extraordinaire Jack Velker has performed with a wide array of celebrated artists including Boz Scaggs, Colin James, Charlie Musclewhite etc. He has opened for Ray Charles, Paul Revere, Vinilla Fudge and the Great Dizzie Gillespie. He has been involved in the production of over 40 albums and his compositions have been broadcast from coast to coast on CBC and independent radio stations. Choreographers throughout Canada as well as Mainland China have featured his works. He has arranged for jazz, classical and experimental ensembles concert and rock bands. He has worked as musical director and composer for numerous large live performances including Ethno-Fusion, his 20-piece professional and international orchestra, and has appeared on a regular basis at The Commodore with his 10-piece all-star band, The Ambassadors. He has toured Europe's main festivals with Amos Garrett, and recently worked on a CD in Prague. He has toured with the Elvis Review, and performs extensively throughout Western Canada. Jack has found in Zydeco music an honest expression of his vibrant and indomitable spirit. |
Bassist with Group Therapy- a jazz-rock fusion band that performed extensively at all the principal venues in the Greater Vancouver area from the mid '80's to the mid '90's including the Commodore Ballroom, The Railway Club, '86 Street, as well as receiving wide radio and television exposure. Dave was privileged to study with bassist Bob Magnusson (jazz recording artist who performed with Buddy Rich) and Gary Willis, who performed with The Allan Holdsworth Band and saxophonist Wayne Shorter. In 1978-79 Dave first performed with an American band called A Touch of Class and later on with Phoenix. He was awarded a Canada Council grant to further his studies in Hollywood at The Bass Institute. He has been recorded on Cascadia, produced by Bill Buckingham for Kathryn Wahamaa , as well as Anna Mae and the May Knots and The Caboose of which he has been a member since the bands' inception. In collaboration with luthier Paul Iverson, he designed a unique 6-string fretless bass so as to explore the possibility of extending the range of the instrument. Of Acadian decent, Dave feels the pull of Zydeco deep within him, and provides MOJO ZYDECO a solid bottom-end foundation on which to build. |
Reinier has played accordion on and off for over 30 years. Mostly off! He spent the better part of the 80's and 90's running his recording studio, Lighthouse Studioz, out of Toronto, Canada. There he worked full time as a music producer and song writer, producing many demo CD projects, radio advertising spots, and other audio creations. For the last half dozen years he has been pursuing his passion for Photography and Digital Design, starting two companies NoWallsDesign and BrilliantEye Photography. About one year ago Fate crossed his path with Mojo Zydeco's and it has be "Full Accordions Ahead" ever since. In the last year Reinier has learned the majority of the bands repertoir as well as penning a handful of tunes for the band. His enthusiasm and energy is a fun addition to the already exciting Mojo Zydeco experience! He is still surprised that his accordion has been the key to his passionate re-entry into the music world, and he hopes to make a pilgrimage to New Orleans later this year, where he hopes to get a few proper accordion lessons! |
Kevin began his drumming career at age 11 winning a talent show playing wipeout with local school mates. During school he was very active in the musical community. Kevin played in various stage and concert bands while attending high school. At 17 he started playing music in nightclubs doing the top 40 band and New Wave band thing. During the 80’s, Kevin played full time for years in various top forty bands such as a tribute to Van Halen and a tribute to Styx and Rush. He also played the Alberta circuit during that time, and this kept him busy on the road 52 weeks of the year. During the early 2000’s Kevin took a sabbatical from performing music to pursue new interests. Then, in fall 2006, he was approached by Randy on behalf of the band to become the drummer for Mojo Zydeco, which he enthusiastically accepted. Zydeco was a new experience for him, but a GOOD experience! Kevin now enjoys pounding out a solid Zydeco dance beat that your sure to enjoy. |
Gordie is the newest member of the MojoTEAM. He started drumming when he was 12 years young. He kept himself out of trouble in high school by being involved in a number of bands. Later, like Kevin, he put in his time on the Alberta circuit in the mid-80's. He ended up meeting Randy in the "coffee house" musician crowd and then last February (2006) was asked to sit in on a Mojo gig in Courtney. This was the OFFiCIAL ZydeHooking of one Gordie Brown. He has become our honorary 7th member and says "I'm really diggin the zydeco thing! This is my first spin at it and I'm really liking my Internship here in the ZydeCollege!" |
Reinier deSmit
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