ABOUT OUR MEMBERS
MS. RACHEL KNIGHT on lead vocals has the gift of writing and singing her own music like only she can do. Rachel credits her love of music to her mother, who sang to her and her sisters every chance she got, teaching them a wide variety of music from sound tracks from "The Sound of Music and "Mary Poppins" to the energetic rock of Tina Turner and the cool, jazzy sounds of Nina Simone. She has the gift that all professional singers hope to master..."Singing from her soul."
ZIGGIE MCQUAY, bassist, is a seasoned veteran of the blues, playing with various bands for 20 years. Even though he is a multi-talented performer, he says he likes playing bass the most. His other talents include singing and songwriting, harmonica, drums, keyboard and guitar; and we discover new talents about him on a continuous basis. The band definitely doesn't sound the same without the sexy sounds of Ziggie's funky bass.
PAUL "CHEWY" PHARES, guitarist, is heavily influenced by many artists including Stevie Ray Vaughn, Buddy Guy and Albert Collins. Chewy mesmerizes the audience at every venue with his soulful guitar playing. This gifted, self-taught musician has a Texas style all of his own. When he starts his riffs, there's no stopping him and you never know just what he'll do next. This one you just gotta see to believe.
MATTY HAESSLER, drummer, joined the band in June of 2000. His addition brings a burst of energy to the band. Matty is referred to as the "Engine of the Machine." His ability to keep people on the dance floor during his solo is something that needs to be seen in person. Matty also contributes to the lyrics, with much of the background vocals coming from the man hidden behind the drums.
RICH WILCOX, violectra(electric 5 string violin), harmonica and vocals. Rich adds a new "electricity" to the band! Eight years in the Chicago scene and altogether 20 years in the music scene, combined with a violin performance major from the University of Iowa helped to create his sound. James Cotton, Son Seals and Johnny LittleJohn are a few of the musicians he has worked with. His violectra and harmonica stylings bring an exciting edge to "Whatever's" sound. Vocally, Rich is greatly influenced by his Chicago experiences and his association with ex-Rolling Stone, Sugar Baby. You won't hear Rich on this cd since he joined the band after it was done. Make it to one of our live performances and you will hear a violin like you've never heard before. We're excited to be the only blues band in the area, and maybe in the country, who has a violin incorporated into our music.
"WHATEVER" put out their first CD in March 2001, entitled, "In the beginning...." This 10 track CD keeps its listeners attention from beginning to end, with most of the lyrics written by Ms. Rachel and the words put to music by the band. "WHATEVER" recorded their 2nd cd, soon to be released, live at Jimmy B'z in Davenport, IA. It's a 14 track cd that is dinomite from beginning. It's in the printing process right now so keep watching their site and CD Baby for the release. Together, this extraordinary group of dedicated musicians is on their way to the top of the music world. Their live shows not only include thier 35 original tunes as well as many covers by such artists as Janis Joplin, Nina Simone, Uppity Blues Women, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Ray Vaughn and many others. Be prepared to witness this band live and experience the show of a lifetime! Wear you're dancin' shoes 'cause you won't be able to stay in your seat!
WHAT OUR FRIENDS ARE SAYING
"Rachel has got to be one of the strongest female vocalists we have in the Quad Cities. The band is very tight and I love the way they sound together."
Kristy Adams
Director of Downtown
Events/Promotions
Davenport, IA
"My wife and I were so impressed with you last fall at the Des Moines Blues Fest, that you were my first choice to play at our festival. We play your CD all the time. We got 2 of them so we didn't have to share."
Mike Mc Anally
Lizard Creek Blues Society.
"You guys are one of my favorite bands. I think it would be great if you played at 'The Taste of the Quad Cities'."
Tory Brecht
The Dispatch/The Rock Island Argus
"This band has what it takes to headline on any stage." Their stage energy and versatility is going to put them at the top of the music world.
David James
DJ's Entertainment L.L.C.
"I've been all around the world and have seen a lot of bands perform live, and I'm here to tell you, this band is AWESOME!"
Amy Miller
Pennydoodle Productions, Inc.
"Now that I've seen and heard the band, I want to book more gigs with them."
Susan G.
Fargo Lounge & Sports
"This band is the hardest working group in America. Their live shows are full of energy and I can't wait until they become huge. I will continue to invite them to be on my show anytime they want."
Jason Wilkens, DJ
97X Radio Quad Cities
"Rachel has an incredible voice. I'll have to meet everyone in the band before they're too big or I'll never get close."
Bill Gombert
CEO of Financial Architects
They're dynamite! From the first time I heard Rachel's voice on this cd, I loved it. After they did their first live performance with us, I hired them for 2 more because my patrons loved them so much.
Mary
Steel Horse Saloon, Peoria, IL
You guys are tops in entertainment and have a great synergy together that makes me want to hear you again and again.
Vikki B., owner
Jazzy Willy's, Des Moines, IA
Read more...