MSB:THE BAND

NOTE: The band's primary members are listed below in 'reverse' alphabetical order...


MICHAEL STANLEY

   Singer, songwriter, musician, television personality, celebrity DJ--a self-dubbed "shot-gun Renaissance man", Michael Stanley continues to please...A popular afternoon 'drive-time' DJ for Cleveland's WNCX, he manages to find time to produce STILL MORE MUSIC, as evidenced recently in his 1996 solo release, "Coming Up For AIr", and an upcoming Spring 1998 'double-live' CD.
more on Michael Stanley...


KEVIN RALEIGH

   A veteran of the Cleveland rock scene, Kevin Raleigh joined The Michael Stanley Band in 1979 during the recording of "Greatest Hints". His versatility and musicianship made him a powerful contributor to MSB's following performances and releases, adding second keyboards to their 'sound', and sharing lead vocals with Stanley. As well, his songwriting talents joined those of Stanley and Pelander, and he remained a highly visible member till the band's formal breakup in 1986. In 1989, Kevin produced a solo release on Atlantic Records, titled "Delusions of Grandeur".
more on Kevin Raleigh...


DANNY POWERS

   Danny Powers assumed the position of lead-guitarist in 1983, replacing Gary Markasky. His talent provided the licks that gave "You Can't Fight Fashion" its distinctive sound. Though it was the band's final release from EMI-America, Danny Powers continued to be MSB's highly-visible 'guitar master' in the following years of concert AND studio performances (Inside Moves and Fourth & Ten). His contributions as a fine guitarist turn up again on Michael Stanley's recent solo release, "Coming Up For Air". Danny's current musical investments include work on several multimedia CD ROM projects, as well as studio involvement with The Holograms and Jennifer Love-Hewitt (to name a few)...
more on Danny Powers...


BOB PELANDER

   Bob "The Commander" Pelander was involved early on with The Michael Stanley Band, but it wasn't until 1977's double-live "StagePass" that he 'officially' came on board as a member. Keyboardist-extraordinaire, his talents provided The Michael Stanley Band with a 'full sound' that became the band's trademark. In addition, Pelander's skill as a songwriter began turning up as early as "Cabin Fever"; throughout the ensuing releases he established himself as a major force in this area, as well as production and engineering. He has remained a 'constant' in Michael Stanley's 'post-MSB' musical forays, joining Stanley in the Ghost Poets, and figuring prominently as musician, engineer and co-producer on "Coming Up For Air".


DANIEL PECCHIO

   Part of the original line-up formed in 1975 (and reportedly 'stolen' from another popular Cleveland rock band at the time, Glass Harp), Daniel Pecchio provided he was not only a talented bassist, but singer/songwriter, as well. He formally left the band in 1979 for a career in race car driving, but turned up onstage for a 1991 reunion concert at Blossom Music Center. He has remained heavily involved in music, and currently manages
his son's Atlanta, Georgia-based band, Funkomatic, of which their Arch Records CD is receiving positive reviews throughout the Midwest/Southeast...

more on Daniel Pecchio...


GARY MARKASKY

   As Jonah Koslen departed in 1978, Gary Markasky stepped in as lead guitarist. His energy and style suited MSB's sound both on concert stages and in the studio; he departed just before the band went into the studio to record 1982's "You Can't Fight Fashion".


JONAH KOSLEN

   In 1973, singer/guitarist/songwriter Jonah Koslen joined a popular local solo artist, Michael Stanley, in forming the original band. He remained a strong and influential member, penning such songs as "Waste A Little Time On Me" and "Nothing's Gonna Change My Mind", before his departure after the double-live "Stagepass" in 1977. Initially pursuing a solo career, he soon formed "Breathless", a band that was to produce two albums for EMI-America; he joined Michael Stanley again in 1994 as one of the Ghost Poets. In addition to his continuing musical endeavors, Jonah is currently involved in several multimedia CD ROM projects with Philips. Visit Jonah's neo Motion website....
more on Jonah Koslen...


MICHAEL GISMONDI

   A Youngstown, Ohio, native, Michael Gismondi arrived in 1979 to replace departing bassist, Daniel Pecchio. He not only remained with The Michael Stanley Band to the 'end' in 1986, but reappeared on Michael Stanley's 1996 CD release, "Coming Up For Air".


TOMMY DOBECK

   Tommy Dobeck was there 'all the way', from providing drums for the original line-up in 1973 to the formal 1986 break-up. He continues to 'stay involved' in Michael Stanley's 'post-MSB' efforts, lending his talents in the studio on the Ghost Poets release, as well as area concert appearances, and, more recently, on "Coming Up For Air".


RICK BELL

   Soon after Heartland's nationwide success, Rick Bell added his phenomenal horns to The Michael Stanley Band's line-up in 1981. He and his powerful sax-ability filled subsequent releases with a newer sound and energy, staying on until the formal 'demise' of 1986.


    And a few notable GUEST APPEARANCES by:

  • Joe Walsh: Electric/12 and 6 string Guitars, ARP synthesizer and backing vocals on Michael Stanley and Friends & Legends
  • Joe Vitale: Percussion, Flute, ARP synthesizer and backing vocals on Michael Stanley and Friends & Legends
  • Rick Derringer: Pedal Steel and Guitar on Michael Stanley
  • Paul Harris: Piano, Organ and Clavinette on Friends & Legends, You Break It You Bought It and Ladies Choice
  • Todd Rundgren: Clavinette on Michael Stanley
  • Kenny Passarelli: Bass on Friends & Legends
  • Dave Sanborn: Alto/Tenor Saxophone on Friends & Legends and Ladies Choice
  • Richie Furay, Dan Fogelberg, Tasha Thomas and Carl Hall: Backing vocals on Friends & Legends
  • Clarence Clemmons: Saxophone on Heartland



Introduction | The Music | The Band | The Media | MSWords | Heartland: Update!
Scrapbook | Lyrics | The GuestBook | MSBulletin | MSBChat | MSBlinks | HOME
Site Map (Text Index)

~ Credits & Legalese ~



Platinum Entertainment Cleveland Razor & Tie Belkin Productions Scene Online Rock Hall of Fame Cleveland Live Cleveland Music Links




Updated April 10, 2000


email Ask Michael: MSBB@aol.com   Info: heartland@iname.com
© 1998-2000, Michael Stanley & MSG Productions.
BELKIN PRODUCTIONS


Site Design by: *just* PROPAGANDA