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TORNADO
ALLEY - Is an five piece accoustic band the features four part harmony. Tornado Alley enjoys blending many
of the accoustic sounds from across America to write fresh new songs that feel as if you already know them. The
band features four of Long Island's acclaimed singer / songwriters that are accomplished soloists that have been playing
the local scene for some time but together they find new inspiration for their writing and arranging. A typical Tornado Alley
set is just like the name implies, with songs whirling together to create a new acoustic landscape. They all blend nicely
and the songs all stir up visions of a simpler American life.
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SONNY SPEED - Founding member Producer and guest artist
on Mandolin, Dobro, Guitar, Bass, Melodica, Harp & Vocals. Sonny is a singer
/ songwriter, independent producer and studio owner that the New York Times has called “a musician and producer
with a reputation for professionalism.” He has a discography of over forty albums to his credit. If that isn’t
enough to keep him up late, he was the Director of the “Island Songwriters Showcase” www.islandsongwriters.org (or ISS), Long Island’s largest songwriting organization,
for the past fifteen years. Harry Chapin said, “Sonny’s ability to translate a simple story line into song
is what makes his style appealing.” Sonny plays the frets for Tornado Alley but he can also be found on keyboards for
“The Defibrillators,” www.thedefibrillators.com which has opened up for such legendary acts as The Zombies, Leon Russell and Suzie Tyrell. The band was also a recent
feature on WLIW Channel 21’s show titled "Act II with Newsday", and the subject of a four page feature story
in Newsday. In the past Sonny has worked with members of such renowned acts as Orleans, King Harvest, Mandrill, The Drifters,
and Chubby Checker, just to name a few. His diverse instrumentation and background comes through in his songs. Whether penning
a true western trail song or pounding out barrel house blues, it’s authentic. Sonny now resides in Saratoga Springs
New York and can be seen as a guest artist with Tornado Alley and other acts |
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VINNY CRICI - Guitar, Mandolin, Bass & Vocals. Vinny has made a career of music. He has played in various bands and duos over the years and is just as comfortable
as a soloist and still has found time to earn both a B.S. and M.S. in Music Education. Known as a writer’s writer among
the singer/ songwriter community, his melody and harmony are standouts and his vocals are smooth and personal, all of which
has brought him favorable reviews on his recent solo CD release “Against the Moonlight.” Vinny has been interviewed
on Cable News Network Channel 12 (Long Island)…chosen as ‘Country Star of Tomorrow’ (1996) by Modern Screen’s
Country Music Magazine. His songwriting has been described as: “so strong that today's younger country crowds should
be able to easily get behind it as will older, more sophisticated pop listeners.” Vinny was also the subject of a feature
article in Newsday. When not playing in Tornado Alley, Vinny keeps busy as an independent producer and studio musician in
his own recording studio. Vinny has received many songwriter awards from both
the Island Songwriter Showcase and the BACCA Songwriting Contest including overall "Best in Show" and 1st
place in the Blues/Country and Popular categories. Vinny says he enjoys crafting songs and playing in Tornado Alley, and feels
he is breaking new ground as a writer. "It’s great fun to do three-part harmonies. It’s an awesome experience!"
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TIM HUSS - Guitar, Bass
& Vocals. Tim is a singer/songwriter who has been writing and performing on Long Island as a soloist for many years. His songs are a blend of folk, country, pop, and gospel that feature his strong vocals
and meaningful lyrics. Tim’s vocals are his strong suit and they are featured
in many of Tornado Alley’s songs. As a soloist, Tim has enjoyed a growing fan base and has received critical acclaim
from his solo CD “An Inner Voice” by the local press. http://cdbaby.com/cd/timhuss Tim's CD gets regular air play on college radio and he has played at the Westbury
Music Fair. Tim is often found in the coffee houses and on the wine and cheese club circuit. One
of Tim’s songs has been featured on a national wildlife TV program on the Fox network. As a writer, Tim has won many
Writers Choice awards from fellow writers at Island Songwriters Showcase meetings and has been compared to singer/songwriters
like Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, Jim Croce and Harry Chapin.
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LORA KENDALL - Fiddle, Vocals. Lora has been singing all
her life. According to her mama, when she was born, the doctor slapped her little butt, and she emitted a musical cry. The
doctor said, “A soprano!” The violin is Lora’s primary instrument but she is also an accomplished
guitar player and keyboardist and you can often find her backing up many of Long Island's top artists. She resumed
songwriting recently and is currently a much sought-out studio musician and sideman. Lora has taught violin, voice, viola
and piano privately. If that doesn’t seem like a busy schedule, when not performing with Tornado Alley, you can find
her heading up her own eclectic rock band, Stone’s Throw or working with the country band, The Red River Ramblers; She’s
the organist for her community church as well as its Choir Director. Lora can also be found playing classical music as a violinist
in the Sound Symphony.
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ROBERT
LANGLEY - Percussion, Hand Drums & Vocals. Robert has long been the backbeat to many Long Island bands. He brings just the
right percussive mix to Tornado Alley’s Americana sound by using a unique set up of snare, congas and various percussion pieces. Robert's experience of knowing just
what to add is a key factor to the band’s sound. When Robert is not performing
with Tornado Alley, he can also be found playing a full drum kit behind “The Defibrillators." www.thedefibrillators.com
If you catch him on the set you will notice why he has always been in demand for session work. He’s even done work for
producer Shadow Morton. That’s Robert drumming on the Shangri-Las’ “Leader of the Pack.” He even got
to rev that iconic motorcycle! Robert’s touring experience has also allowed him to open for acts like Thin Lizzie,
Blind Faith and Al Kooper.
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Official Sidekicks & Hired Guns Ken
"The Rocket" Korb can be found playing his Hohner Special 20 Harps at many of the shows. Ken's harmonica work is also featured on two tracks of our CD
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