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STEVE ZAVESKY “SLICK” Our new drummer Slick, joined the band on the island of misfit toys in June of 2014 after Fredo Perez-Stable went legit, became a civilian and took a day job jack! Slick will tell you that he resides in “Seven Hills,” but don’t let him fool you HE IS REALLY FROM PARMA, OHIO!

Slick comes in and fills the drum throne once occupied by Fredo-Perez-Stable who brilliantly drove the band since 2006. And while Slick may appear to be the “new guy” he really isn’t so “new” after all. He has been around collaborating and sitting in with Colin and his band mates since 1988.

Back in the fall of 1988, Slick had just finished College and was considering joining the Incredible Sanzini Brother’s Circus from Europe. The Sanzini’s were captivating audiences the world over with feats of illusion and dazzlement. The troupe featured the brother’s Gustov, Adolph, Rip Off, Rudolph and Jack! Slick was a first round draft choice as the Sanzini’s equilibristic, juggling, vaulting and drumming mega star specializing in unicycle, rola bola and turning his body along its long, medium and short axes. (He also possesses unparalleled gyroscopic juggling, devil stick, Diablo, bee bearding, wheel of death and plate spinning skills but these are topics for another day).

In the early 90’s Slick joined the ranks of gigging Cleveland timekeepers by working with a wide variety of original, blues and 60’s style bands. All of these experiences helped Slick create and develop his unique style and great ear. He was a founding member of the band Jandrix, which concentrated on the music of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. He worked on occasion with Jimmy Feeney, Chris Boros, Greg Hurd and Fred Tobey (all of whom worked and work with Colin Dussault). He also sat in on percussion with the Sky Dogs playing alongside Fredo Perez-Stable in that band. Interestingly enough, Slick would go on to replace Fredo in several other bands in the years to come. Additionally, Colin actually jammed with Slick who was drumming for Morrison Hotel when he played harmonica with the infamous Doors tribute act one morning live on the Jim Chenot Morning program on Akron’s 97.5 WONE FM in 1995.

Slick eventually went on to replace Fredo Perez-Stable in the Grateful Dead influenced JMiller Band when Fredo left that post to eventually work his way into Colin Dussault’s Blues Project. After JMiller, Slick worked in several blues, 60’s , SRV Tribute, hippie, original, classic rock, wedding and polka bands which kept his drum chops sharp and his sock drawers full of white socks and pierogies. These gigs kept his skills sharp and his breath smelling like onions until Slick got the nod to bring his white socks & polish dumpling breath with him to once again fill Fredo Perez-Stable’s shoes in Colin Dussault’s Blues Project (well that is not exactly true since Fredo NEVER wore shoes! But that, like Slick’s flirtations with circus immortality is a topic for another day).

Slick has been with the band since June 2014, but he has been our friend, contemporary and partner in crime since the very beginning. When it came time to replace the shoeless, Cuban Pal Of Ours on the drums we did not have to look very far for Slick. It is comforting to know that we were able to “keep it in the family.” Slick has been around so long that it only took him 2 weeks of riding in the band van to crack, decipher and understand Robbie The Roadie’s brilliant ramblings! That alone is as impressive as Slick’s mastery of the circus Wheel Of Death (Space Wheel), whistling, Bee Bearding and drumming skills.

JOHN ATZBERGER “RED” or “REED”* Has been playing professional bass guitar since 1977. In that time he has played copious local schools and clubs, opening for notable regional acts like American Noise and Moonlight Drive. Red/Reed was the bass player in the acclaimed Led Zeppelin Tribute Act ZOSO from 1985-1992. ZOSO worked the Hanna Theatre, Peabody’s Down Under and many other area clubs building a huge following and creating a cult following. Red/Reed has recorded 2 albums with Echo Grove and lists a 20 year tenure with Kathleen Turner Overdrive (with the best singer in Cleveland-Paul Ross) among his many accomplishments. In addition to being a talented back up vocalist and tenacious gear loader, he has also toured extensively with acclaimed guitarist Mark Brennan as a duo and with Story Road. With over 38 years of professional experience under his bass strap, Red/Reed is excited about joining forces with Colin Dussault’s Blues Project. He especially loves Robbie the Roadie’s infinite wisdom and unique take on life. Red/Reed officially joined the band on Sunday, November 22, 2015 and made his debut with the band at the Beachland Ballroom on that date during a performance at the Carlos Jones Tribute Concert. Welcome aboard Red/Reed!
* After being in the band only 20 minutes, Red received his new nickname from Robbie The Roadie. Robo kept asking; “where’s Reed? Is Reed coming? Why is not Reed in the band van yet Pal ‘O Mine? Where is Reed?” It took us all another 20 minutes to figure out what the hell Robo was talkin’ about. Then it hit us! He was calling Red, “Reed.” So, he is now known as “Reed” within the band. Severious nickaname changing indeed, courtesy of Robo!