Patti Taylor Band

Patti Taylor Band is the illustrious brainchild of it’s namesake, Patti Taylor. A self-described power singer, take one listen and you’ll know it’s true. She’s been singing ever since she can remember, and at age 5 she could belt Bobbie Gentry’s “Fancy” so loud that the next-door neighbors could hear her. There is a deep breadth of soul to her voice, and a tangible creativity to her style that has manifested the band around her. She grew up listening to a diverse palate of music, from Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Tab Beniot, Delbert Mclinton, Susan Tedeschi to The Police, The Pretenders, Fleetwood Mac and of course her all-time favorite singer - Etta James. Patti makes the songs she performs her own, and sings them from the heart. It’s hard not to feel what she is feeling when you watch her perform.

She was named 2016 Best Female Blues Vocalist by Blues Society of Tulsa, and has shared the stage with Tab Benoit, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Moreland & Arbuckle, Mr. Sipp, Kris Lager Band, and Andy Frasco. PTB was recently selected to play the inaugral G Fest, an eclectic Muskogee festival which features Merle Haggard, Marty Stuart, Avett Brothers, Swon Brothers, Robert Randolph & The Family Band and many more.

Originally brought in just for the Hound Dog Blues Festival in 2014, the horn section- Rod Clark (trombone), Dave Johnson (trumpet, flugelhorn), and Victor Anderson (sax) had such a blast they joined the band. Patti and Charley were ecstatic because they had been dreaming of just that thing. The trio, now known as Monkey Fist Horns, say that Patti’s powerful voice drew them in along with the unique selection of the material, and the caliber of the other musicians in the band.

Together, Rod, Dave, and Victor plug into many different bands. They comprise the lead section players of the Starlight Jazz Band, the Tulsa Jazz Orchestra, and the Brady Orchestra. Individually, they have performed with The Temptations, Frank Sinatra Jr., Lynard Skynyrd, Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis, Lawrence Welk, Wayne Newton, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Bugs Henderson, and Tulsa native Toni Estes.

Twenty-two-year-old prodigy Brady Hoover first took up guitar at age ten under the instruction of Tonk Edwards, a member of the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame. Talent runs in his genes- his grandpa played in a band that opened for Jerry Reed and Mel Tillis. He earned his stripes in PTB by learning 16 songs in 2 weeks to performance level for his audition with the band, and blew everyone away. He also sings lead/back-up vocals, and is a singer-songwriter on his own time.

Accountant by day, seasoned R&B bassist by night, Jim Loftin has spent much of his career as a go to bassman, picking up tours and one nighter’s with names everyone would recognize. He works with the Monkey Fist horn section regularly doing big band jazz gigs, and plays at his church.  An incredibly humble player (as the best often are), Jim adds a keen wit to the group, and will randomly tell a hilarious joke that will have everyone in splits.

Steve Pounds is “solid as a rock.” His 50 years of experience behind the drum kit is obvious, as his presence is never lost in the crowd. Steve was voted Best Rhythm by the Blues Society Of Tulsa.  Steve has spent time both on the road touring and at home supporting local musicians. You will often find Steve giving his time to benefits and fundraising event helping everyone from fallen musicians to our veterans. He currently plays with The Salty Dogs, The Hero Band, G-Force, and the Sitting Ducks.

Bill Beall takes a Leslie and a Hammond keyboard to gigs. He has been playing for 50 years, and also plays guitar.  Just like his fellow members, he loves playing in this band, and says he’s “been in one other band that might have been as good. Good people don’t usually get along; it doesn’t happen often. It’s more about getting the right people than the best people, and we have some really good people.

Patti’s voice tells the story with an unapologetic fervor, echoed by the band‘s cry. Charley is incredibly smooth and harmonic, and Brady plays with ease and a natural flair way beyond his years. The rhythm section lays a groove thick enough you couldn’t fall off of it if you tried. The horns coloring everything with the brilliance only brass can supply.  They play as a unit, and emotions flow out of them easily and with a strength that is greater than the sum of its parts. This is the band at its very best, fierce, fun, and their skills shining bright.  Some may say it’s all been done before, but it’s never been done quite like this. Patti Taylor Band puts a fresh breath of soul, rhythm, and blues into their music. They will draw you in, hold you close, and leave you wanting more.