ANDY ENNIS -TENOR SAXOPHONE
Mr. Ennis had his first contact with the tenor sax between the ages
of 5 and 8. By 1957 he was already playing his first professional gig
with Tracey McCleary and the Royal Men of Rhythm at the famous Royal
Theater on Pennsylvania Ave. Attends the Naval School, discharged '63.
Joined Bill Doggett '65-'67. Ray Charles Band '68-'77. Played with various
group in and around the Balto. - Wash, D.C. area. Currently appears
with Earl Wilson & Phase One.
Andy is the brother of famed vocalist, pianist, Ethel Ennis.
Five of Baltimore's "Super Horns"
From Left to Right: Arnold Sterling, Brad Collins, Carlos Johnson, Harold Adams, Andy Ennis
CARLOS JOHNSON
- ALTO SAXOPHONE
At the age of 10 Carlos was already enrolled in every music program he
could in the Baltimore City Schools. He was soon performing in local clubs
on Pennsylvania Ave... In the late `60's, he joined the Bim Bam Boom Trio with
the late organist Cornell Muldrow. He played with Cornell for nearly 15
years at the Lucky Number Club on Popular Grove St. Toured with vocalist
Damita Jo. While on the road he shared the stage with such performers as Count
Basie, Lena Home, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Chuck
Jackson and Roy Ayers. Aside from his proficiency with the alto sax,
he has a soulful singing voice.
EARL WILSON -
GUITAR
His first instrument was the piano at age 7. His mother, an Apostolic
Minister, taught Earl the guitar playing spirituals at 12. Started singing
with an R&B quartet at 17 on street corners. Learned the jazz/blues
style from the late Gene Edwards of the Lou Bennett Trio. Played his
first professional gig at the old Smith Hotel. Played his first major
pro gig with Dee Clark at Carr's Beach. Took some lessons from late
guitarist Bill Harris, Wash. D.C. Toured with the Blue Bells, and Arthur
Alexander, Jimmy Soul, '58.Appeared with Gene Ammons at the Famous Ballroom,
'70. While working at the Royal Roost the Earl Wilson Trio, w/Charles
Covington, Chester Thompson, Earl backed such names as Gene Ammons, Johnny
Hartman, Rufus Harley, Also, Mr. Ernie Andrews. Currently leading the
group Earl Wilson & Phase One
BILL BYRD -
HAMMOND B 3 ORGAN
Bill started at a late age playing the Hammond organ. Played his first
gig with late tenor sax man George Muldrow, (brother of organist Cornell
Muldrow). In the early `60's, he started his own group, Bill Byrd Trio,
with Arnold Sterling and Johnny Polite, '64-'69. Toured with Sonny Stitt.
Played with Rufus Harley and Grant Green at the Famous Ballroom during
the Left Bank Jazz Society's jazz series in the `70's.
HAROLD ADAMS -TENOR
SAXOPHONE
Mr. Adams had his first contact with the tenor sax at the age of 9. Played
his first professional gig with the Imperials at the age of 15, '57-'60.
Started at Morgan College, Sept. '60. Played with Jerome Gruggs, '64.
Started the Soul Brother's with Webster Lewis, Willie Barber, Mack Rucks,
and Judd Watkins. Luther Ingram, Third World Revolution, D.C., and Winfield
Parker,'72-75. In '75, the Moon August Band w/organist Greg Hatza. Currently
appears with various groups in the area.
BRADLEY COLLINS
-TENOR SAXOPHONE
Better known as `Brad', has performed in the Baltimore area since the
age of 13. He was a student in saxophone improvisation by the late great
Mickey Fields while performing with organist Billy `Hump' Dixon & The Congregation. While attending Towson State, he performed w/ Clark
Terry, Stan Kenton, Phil Woods, Bill Watrous, and Slide Hampton. He has
performed with Rhapsody, Johnny Polite, Nitro, Moonlight, Main Course
and Odyssey. He currently appears with both the Bobby Ward Trio and Jumpstreet.
Brad holds a B.A. degree in music education and has been employed by the
Carroll County Public Schools since 1983, where he served as Band Director
at South Carroll High School for 12 years. Currently teaches instrumental
music at Linton Springs and William Winchester Elementary Schools
ARNOLD STERLING
-ALTO SAXOPHONE
Arnold began playing the alto at the age of 13. Attended Carver High-Towson,
His first gig was at the Twin Pines Night Club at 17. Toured w/Jackie
Wilson, '58-'60. Returned to Baltimore and joined the Bill Byrd Trio and
played at Steve's Cocktail Lounge in east Balto. Arnold toured
w/ organist Jimmy McGriff, '81-'84. Traveled to Rio with Sonny Stitt (his
idol), '86. Later that year he worked with the late organist, Don Patterson
and Percy Smith. Arnold is currently appearing in and around the Baltimore
- Wash. Area with various groups.
VANCE JAMES - DRUMS
Started his interest in the drums in elementary school at the age of 9.
First professional gig at age 13 with the Tracey McCleary Band at the
Royal Theater, early `50's. Worked the Baltimore Street strip joins with
Jimmy Harrell, Jimmy Elliot, and Joe Blair at the Bandbox, (replacing
his teacher the late Purnell Rice and often drummer Joe Adams. Record
sessions -late `50's`60's. Also with The Three B's and a Honey. Played
in carnival bands and toured and recorded with Sir Walter Jackson. His
resume includes such names as Damita Jo, Arthur Connelly, From ' 79-'
89 he has worked with Jimmy McGriff, Hank Crawford, Fat Head Newman, Art
Farmer, Dr. Lonnie Liston Smith, Curtis Fuller, Sissy Houston. Played
with many local groups around the Baltimore-Wash area. Currently appears
with Earl Wilson & Phase One.
GEORGE SPICKA -PIANO
Follow this link for an interesting interview with George.