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The WPG Trio is funky. Comprised of three
outstanding musicians, Blues Webb, Benjie Porecki, and Gary
Grainger, WPG's mix of funk, r&b, and jazz is unique and
refreshing. Together since 1998, the three bring a tight-knit,
energetic, vital unit to the stage, and have been wowing audiences
around the world. Guaranteed to have you either dancing, tapping
your foot, or nodding your head as you listen, the WPG Trio
is definitely an enjoyable experience in all forms. The unique
sound and energy that is the WPG Trio stems from the broad
range of experiences that each member brings to the group,
as well as the natural chemistry that exists among the three.
Andre "Blues" Webb
is an exciting, masterful drummer and vocalist whose technical
skill is matched only by his musicality and entertaining stage
presence. Playing drums from the age of four, he later learned
to play in church and school. As he became increasingly dedicated
to music, it was clearly evident that Blues was no ordinary
drummer, winning soloist of the year at the D.C. Public School
Jazz Ensemble competition. Following high school, Blues embarked
on a musical career that has taken him all over the world,
sharing his deep musical gifts. What separates Blues from
most drummers is his ability to hold a strong groove, and
then to turn around and display monstrous chops. Also unique
is his ability to sing a stinging blues song, then follow
it with a beautiful ballad. Whether on a recording, TV, or
live performance, Blues' dynamic style and presence on the
drums are second to none.
Benjie Porecki has been charming
audiences with his soulful and energetic approach to virtually
any style of music. Starting in music on the trumpet at age
ten, he learned by playing along with jazz records. Moving
over to piano two years later, Benjie found his niche and
was gigging regularly by the ninth grade, playing at the 1987
Baltimore Jazz Festival in the tenth grade. Upon completion
of high school, Benjie studied music for a semester and began
gigging internationally in a variety of styles. In 1996 he
released his self-produced debut album, Going On Through.
In 1998 Severn Records put out his second release, Servin'
It Up which won rave reviews in Jazz Times, Jazziz, Blues
Access, and Blues Revue magazines. Benjie's blend of soulfulness,
energy, chops, keyboards, Hammond B-3, is musical and entertaining
to musicians and listeners alike.
Gary Grainger has been called
the most tasteful bass player around; he has also been called
the funkiest bass player around. Gary began music on drums
but eventually switched to the bass. Playing through school,
he went on to study art at Morgan State playing in local bands
on the weekends. After finishing school, Gary began what has
already proved to be a prolific career, playing bass in groups
ranging in style from soul to jazz-fusion. He has appeared
on countless recording dates, TV, and generally leaves audiences
with their mouths hanging open after a live performance. Gary's
seamless approach to virtually any style of music makes him
one of the premier, most sought after bass players in the
world. In 1993, Gary founded GBM Records with his brother,
Greg Grainger, and Tony Bullock, in 1996 they released their
debut, Grainger Phase 1 which received great reviews and successful
airplay. It's likely that you've already heard Gary Grainger;
if not, you're missing some of the cleanest and funkiest bass
tones that exist in the music industry.
Among the three of them, the members of the WPG
Trio have worked with a seemingly endless list of artists.
An abridged list includes; Yolanda Adams, Chuck Brown, Dennis
Chambers, George Duke, Mimi Fox, James Funk, Roy Gaines, Luther
Ingram, Gladys Knight, Bobby Parker, Pockets, Billy Preston,
John Scofield, Richard Smallwood, Lonnie Liston Smith, Hubert
Sumlin, Take 6, Stanley Turrentine, Bee Bee and Cee Cee Winans,
the list goes on and on. Individually each member could front
his own band, but when the three play together it's a lethal
mix. Their selection of material is a refreshing blend of
funky interpretations of covers, as well as originals. All
three sing and blend harmonies on many of the songs, while
other tunes are instrumentals. A unique and entertaining group,
WPG Trio is bound to leave the listener waiting breathlessly
for the next performance. Bringing funk music into the 21st
century, WPG has slated a debut CD release for 2001 on Severn
Records.
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