Big Wedge is:
Steve Fleck: Lead, Rhythm and Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
Kevin Distel: Drums, Percussion and Assorted Sounds
Chris Appel: Fretted and Fretless Bass, Acoustic Bass
Michael Jos: Electric Guitars
Breeze: Lead and Harmony Vocals
As diverse as their varied musical background, New York City based Big Wedge has finally released their first full-length album. Eclectic yet accessible, Minutiae consists of 11 original songs that mix elements of funk, hard rock, 50's classic and country all within a decided pop structure. Produced by Steve Fleck, Kevin Distel, and Bob Stander, Minutiae was conceived as a vehicle to restore melody and quality musicianship to pop music. Stander's renowned resume includes producer, engineer, songwriter, arranger, guitarist, and bass player credits. In addition, Stander has worked with countless professional bands, including touring on lead guitar for The Platters, and forming a band with Pete Thownsend's brother Simon in England.
Rounding off the guest list on Minutiae with Stander are trumpeter Jerry Sokolov (appeared with Blood Sweat & Tears), saxophonist Mario Cruz (recorded with Bruce Springsteen), Fleck's brother Bill on trombone/horn arrangements, harmony vocalist/organist Chris Mariano, and Fleck's father Jack on guitar. Teddy Cook (who toured, recorded and wrote with Ronnie James Dio and Great White) produced backing tracks on two of the songs. Mike Watts, owner of Vudu Studios in Freeport, NY (where Minutiae was recorded) co-arranged and sang harmony vocals on one track. Each of the guest musicians has added singular color to their particular track. Obviously, not your average local rock record!
Big Wedge was formed in 1999 by guitarist/songwriter Steve Fleck and drummer/songwriter Kevin Distel. Growing up in NY's Mid Hudson Valley, Fleck, Distel and Fleck's brother Bill were exposed to a wide variety of musical styles, ranging from funk and Latin to straight ahead jazz, while playing with their high school Jazz Ensemble. The group's alumni have gone on to play with Maynard Ferguson, The World Symphony Orchestra, and the Nashville Brass. Frequently travelling, they performed at prominent Jazz Festivals including the 1982 Montreux Jazz Fest, where they shared the stage with Dizzy Gillespie.
In the early 90's, while Distel was gigging and recording in LA, Fleck formed a progressive rock band called Parallax with bassist/songwriter Chris Appel, and worked with guitarist/songwriter Michael Jos. Appel had his own bands at the time, including Coda Blues, and a progressive 3-piece called Sleeping In Neon. In the meantime, Jos was writing, gigging and recording with his band, the hard rock/pop foursome Baby New Year. Seeking to streamline his ambitious compositions, Fleck forged a more mainstream catalog of solid tunes, and by the new millennium, Big Wedge's lineup featured Fleck, Distel, Appel and Jos. They hit the studio to record 4 of Fleck's tunes which resulted in Onset, their first EP, in 2001.
While preparing for the Minutiae sessions in 2002, Big Wedge knew they needed a powerful and diverse vocalist befitting the ambitious songs. They met with many vocalists before discovering singer/songwriter Breeze. Breeze had recently become available after his own very successful band, Sweet Brother Rush, decided to part ways. After a few meetings it became clear that they all shared the same musical ground, so Breeze joined in to lend his considerable talents to Minutiae. A unique performer, Breeze has since, appeared as a finalist on CBS's Star Search TV program, and is currently in rehearsals in an off Broadway play in addition to his other musical endeavors.
Big Wedge is currently in rehearsal to bring the distinct music of Onset and Minutiae to local audiences, for now, enjoy Minutiae!
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