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Meet The Band!
Band Leader, Trombone. Joshua Brown grew up playing drums and trombone in a variety of jazz, rock and blues bands in upstate New York. With influences such as Fred Wesley and the Rebirth Brass Band, Josh fell in love with funk music and was obliged to form J. Wok after his second semester of mechanical engineering at Lehigh. When Josh is not leading his benevolent funk crusade, he can be found playing drums in the Go Trio or jamming with other musicians in the Lehigh Valley.
Lead Trumpet. Andrew Bredholt is an alumnus of Lehigh University where he was a member of the Marching 97, Pep Band, and was one of the original members of J. Wok and the Pedestrians. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Andrew began playing trumpet in 1994. It has been said that he plays with the sound of an entire rank of trumpets. Andrew's main influence is Harry James. When he is not distributing soul vaccinations, he is cheering on the Mets and the Jets.
Keys, Alto Sax. Matt Shelosky is a political science graduate student at Lehigh University. Known for his sweet sounds and funkadelic clothing styles (i.e. tie dye scrubs), he was one of the founding members of J. Wok, but on alto saxophone. His main influences are Charlie Parker and Thelonius Monk. When he's not "funking it up," Matt enjoys sports and going to concerts.
Drums. Dan Glasel began his life-long partnership with music in his hometown of Nyack, New York. He has been playing drums for over 15 years. Having graduated from Lehigh University with a masters in electrical engineering, the funky doctor now lives and works in Jersey City with a life-long goal of curing the world of funky-pox.
Guitar. Sean Kelly has been playing the guitar since 1999. Currently pursuing Lehigh University degrees in both jazz studies and computer engineering, he can be easily spotted on campus by his buccaneer hat. When Sean isn’t pirating the name of funk, he is rocking out in the name of Jesus as RUF’s musical leader.
Tenor Sax. Mike Oehmen. According to J. Wok, funk is spelled “Phunk.” According to all, Mike puts the “hunk” in phunk. He is known for his vocal harmonies and tearing tenor sax solos that make the ladies shimmy shake. He aint too hard on the eyes either.
Alto Sax. Andrew Rakowski brings his eastern-European musical background to J. Wok. It is said that if you’re roaming the streets of South Bethlehem at 3AM, you can still hear the sweet wail of his accordion. Armed with a ninja-like ear, any sound out of his sax tastes like sweet kielbasa sausage and kicks like Chuck Norris.
Bass Guitar. Bill Jones is an architecture major at Lehigh University. He consistently splatters his smooth funky jazz all over the stage which always has to be cleaned up later. Best known for his tough-guy façade, Bill spends his free time spear-heading the annual charity event Funk for Tots.
Lead Vocals, Trumpet. Hi, my name is Graham Cornwell. I currently work in the Lehigh Valley as a mechanical engineer. My perfect date? Well, I think it would be a candle-lit dinner followed by a long walk on the beach. When I say a long walk on the beach, I mean a LONG walk on the beach. I've met people through these services who CLAIM to like long walks on the beach but we'll be out there for barely an hour before they start with "I'm tired" and "Don't you think we should turn back?"........ BRING A TENT
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Acclaim
"An energetic horn section you have to see to believe!"
- UP Productions
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"The outrageous outfits and antics cannot disguise their serious musicianship... There's something about this music that is infectious and joyful."
- Bill Warfield, Assiciate professor of music and director of Lehigh's jazz ensemble |
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"The power of the horns mixes with the insistent groove of the rhythm section for a mix that is both danceable and listenable, with original takes on a variety of genres." (read full article here)
- Dave Howell, The Morning Call |
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"Members of this funk band, J. Wok and the Pedestrians, revel in loud horns as much as their chaotic clothing choices." (read full article here)
- Becky Straw, Lehigh University Alumni Bulletin |
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"The band is known for its blaring horns and clashing costumes - feathered hats, overalls, Lehigh sweatshirts and flashy orange suits." (read full article here)
- Resolve Magazine |
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| Gabe Young |
Vocals/Congas |
| Cody Clement-Sanders |
Bari Sax |
| Eric Leckrone |
Vocals |
| Elliot Friedmen |
Tenor Sax |
| Bill Warfield |
Trumpet |
| Antoin Glenn |
Bass |
| Genna Reed |
Vocals |
| Nick Greybush |
Bari Sax |
| Rich Rakowski |
Tenor Sax |
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