Laura Wiens(vocals)
Laura recently joined RML Jazz, and has previously performed with Jazz Conspiracy and the Laura Wiens Quartet. She is also an accomplished composer, creating music for two BBC radio dramas, and has a work in progress for the Glasgow Radio Festival. Laura has performed with funk and blues bands in Belgrade, Serbia, and closer to home in Washington D.C. and West Virginia. Laura brings an exciting Jazz vocal style to the group, and a great rapport with audiences.
Glenn Utsch (keyboards)
Glenn Utsch, PhD is a professor of Music at Slippery Rock University and performs a wide variety of musical styles from Bach to Rock. Glenn has performed at Lincoln Center for Former First Lady Nancy Reagan, as well as in London England. Locally he has performed with Groove Merchant, Bob Riddle’s Kings of Swing, Bombay Blue Sapphire Band, and Orchestra Tropical.
Jeff Leonhardt (guitar)
Jeff Leonhardt performs with Groove Merchant and has played with other local jazz, Latin, and Swing groups, including the Bombay Blue Sapphire Band, the Kings of Swing, and Algo Latino. He has also performed with the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, Stage 62 productions, Gene Kelly Awards, and has been guest soloist with the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra. Jeff is a graduate of Duquesne University and has been a music educator in the Upper St. Clair School District since 1987. In addition, Jeff has maintained a private guitar instruction schedule for the past 20 years.
Perry Pinto (bass)
Perry Pinto is one of Pittsburgh’s best-kept secrets, and one of the most versatile bass players in town. Perry performs with Groove Merchant and John McDonald and the Mango Men as well as the Civic Light Opera production “Patsy”, and plays trombone with his own Dixieland group the Dixie Cups. In addition, he has performed with Bob Riddle’s Kings of Swing, Val Clark, and Dr. Kwasi and the Islanders. Perry can also be heard on cd’s by John McDonald and the Mango Men, and “Family and Friends” by RML Jazz. Perry has performed at major area venues, including PNC Park, the Amphitheater at Station Square, Star Lake, Dowe’s on Ninth, Boardwalk, Fresco’s, and many area country clubs, and performs with his Dixieland group annually for the Veteran’s Cruise on the Gateway Clipper.
Gene Laus (trumpet, flugelhorn)
Gene Laus is by far one of Pittsburgh’s finest musicians. He was a member of the Balcony Big Band, and has also played with Roger Humphries’ Big Band as well as many area groups, including Matt Ferrante and Modern Times, Algo Latino, and Orchestra Tropical. He has also played for national acts such as Smokey Robinson and The Temptations, as well as frequent oldies shows. Gene previously was leader of the group Hit and Run, which toured the East Coast for many years.
Mike Clancy (saxes, flute, percussion)
Mike Clancy is one of Pittsburgh’s most dynamic sax players and has worked with many of the top jazz, latin, and variety groups in the area. Mike headed his own band for many years and has played with area groups such as Groove Merchant, Nitestar, and The Bombay Blue Sapphire Band, and in addition to RML Jazz, Mike performs with his Irish duo, Abbotts Cross, and Stick To It. He is well known for his energetic and exciting soloing, as well as his sensitive and supportive ensemble performance. In addition to his performance schedule, Mike also teaches music for the Baldwin School District. For more information, you can check out Mike's website at http://www.mikeclancymusic.com.
Rick Laus (drums, founder/leader)
Rick Laus has been performing professionally since 1968, and is owner of Rick Laus Drums and Percussion. He has performed with many area bands, including Matt Ferrante and Modern Times, Bob Riddle’s Kings of Swing, Bombay Blue Sapphire Band, Orchestra Tropical, Algo Latino, Pittsburgh Simcha Orchestra, Hot Matzohs, Val Clark, John McDonald and The Mango Men, Dr. Kwasi and The Islanders, Glen Quarrie Quartet, and Pirate Bucco Band. In addition, Rick has produced and performed on a jazz cd “Family and Friends” with RML Jazz, and is the founder/leader of Groove Merchant.
