Featured Artist Series - Richard Walker

Richard Walker..  Altadena/Pasadena native..and Our Baritone Sax and Flute Player…for the Outrageous8…

When one first meets Rich Walker…you meet a mild mannered …funny guy…and as you get to know him…you’ll find that that’s really who is. 

Born and raised in Altadena…Ca…Glenrose street…to be specific…near Farnsworth park… Both Grandparents moved Altadena…from ancestors who emigrated from Ireland during the potato famine. 

His Mom and Dad met on the front steps of a church on Lake ave…in Altadena…A mission style church called St. Elizabeths …and of course Rich attended that church as a kid… He and his 9 siblings went to elementary school in Sierra Madre St Ritas school… raised Catholic in a very Irish family.. 1961 found them back in Altadena…Elliot Junior High on Lake street…Rich was number 3 of 9 in the birth order ..

I was interested to ask Rich…how did he get into Music?   He didn’t have the opportunity to get into his music as a kid.  But in 1970… he listened to  Ian Anderson playing the flute…and Rich promptly bought a flute at the Rose Bowl swap meet! Started playing the flute at parties by memorizing Jethro Tull tunes.

Looking for more musical inspiration, and being born and raised in Los Angeles, he and his buddies went down to” Sherry’s” club in Hollywood and heard James Moody…who played be bop on the flute….which introduced Rich to more flute styles and  Jazz and he totally was inspired by James’ playing.

After graduating high school, Rich went up to Humboldt for college…and I quote him when I say …what’d you do at Humboldt, Rich? ….”I was a a hippy playin flute in the Redwoods”……Rich realized, at some point in the Redwoods…that he had developed   some bad habits on the flute that he loved playing so much.

So, he started taking lessons and got a book on flute technique…Sheridan Stokes…had a diagram of your embouchure….arching your fingers ect…at that point…decided to start learning how to read music… and wanted to improve his technique.

After living a bit of a double life…of much jazz playing and studying Botany/environmental sciences.. at Humboldt. Rich then graduated in Resource Planning Interpretation and made his way back down to Pasadena.

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He a job as a Landscape designer at a big grower at but  wanted to up his game and went  back to school at  CSUN to get a Masters in Environmental planning ; ironically, everybody on his work crew ,were  musicians..which connected him back in the LA music scene. 

Rich kept playing  as he went back to school to Cal Poly Pomona and got a degree in landscape architecture… and the gal  that he studied  with introduced him to Anna, his wife..…and they’ve been together…since that time…in 1991

In 1983 , Rich started  playing alto in the Michigan Avenue jazz Ensemble….in Pasadena…eventually switching over to Bari he bought a Bari from Safford Chamberlain…who played tenor in the group.  What a TRULY small world it its…that OUR arranger and trombone player for THE OUTRAGEOUS8….Harry Smallenburg also played vibes in the Michigan Ave group!  Can you believe that?

Because Rich is so talented and a GREAT Bari player…he got invited to play in some Big Bands , and then played with THE DOWNBEAT EXPRESS…the leader of the group…was a salesman for Saxes…and sold Rich his current Bari…which is an Antigua Winds…Bari and just has a GREAT sound an deep low tone.  For 15 years or more Rich played in bands and then started playing with the Thursday night band…at the Pasadena American Legion..which is where…Rich and Ron and a LOT of other people who play in the band as subs…met!  

We are so lucky to have such a talented Bari and Flute player, and just a genuinely good guy.  Rich, we could NOT do it without you….thank you so much for being an integral part of  THE OUTRAGEOUS8…and to Anna  and of course, Giselle, the cutest pooch ever. 

Written by Angela O’Neill

Featured Artist Series - Michael Rosen

When one first meets Michael Rosen,  there is this WALL of energy and positivity …that just EMANATES from him.    After having been in a band with him for a number of years,  I can genuinely say…He LOVES his work.  

To say that he is a Renaissance man…is really an understatement.  He plays Drums, Harmonica, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards and Sings…records, engineers, mixes…and just as a little side hustle…is a published photographer.  His parents, both originally from the Ukraine.. emigrated to Montreal… on the heels of the ‘Pogrom, Jewish genocide.  Dinah Steinberg and Moe Rosen…met and were married…in a place where they were safe and could raise a family…Once settled, Moe got into the clothes business.   The Rosen kids grew up in an nice upper middle class neighborhood….but interestingly, there were no other musicians in Michael’s family, except him.

 One afternoon when Michael was 13 years old, Michael’s brother Ira came home with 1 and a half drumsticks…and turned on the radio and started drumming out a beat on the arm of a chair.  Michael was FASCINATED by how much fun that looked like.  Soon after, he found his way into percussion in high school concert band… and at 13 into a  neighbor’s band (who he is STILL best friends with, 56 years later). One day, Michael just walked down the street and knocked on the door and said…”I heard you’ve got a band together…do you need a drummer?” They called themselves ‘THE WEEDS” (having nothing to do with Pot, ironically) and played The Beach Boys and Beatles…at the local frat house parties, by 16 years old they were the hottest  band in town!

This began Michael’s much varied interest in different styles of music.  He can play rock and roll …he also plays classical percussion and dips into the blues ...which he got into years go…while still in Montreal.  Seeking more gigs,  prompted a quick stop in Toronto, which wasn’t QUITE warm enough… and then eventually to Los Angeles to seek his fortune…with about 600 bucks in his pocket.   

I get the impression that the Los Angeles music scene, never had a chance against Michael Rosen’s endless enthusiasm for playing, writing music and recording.  He played in a lot of rock and roll and New Wave bands…at Madame Wong's and the Troubadour , just to name a few.  Along the way he continued to Mix and engineer for various artists…including recording and playing for quite a few big bands.  Starting around 1988 or so…Michael played and recorded with the big bands of Joe May, and Ernie Marchain , Woody James, Kevin L. Hiatt, and Bob Couto…to this day he still plays with quite a few of those bands!  Jazz and Big band drumming…is a really specialty area…and luckily for The Outrageous8…he really grooves in those styles.

Around about 2004, Michael found himself planning a trip to Europe and Israel and eventually Paris. I quote him when I say…he got out of the train in Paris…and exclaimed…I LOVE IT HERE. 

A couple of weeks of jazz drumming in the local places in Paris…and a two year turn as vocalist and guitar player for an American jazz group there…about bring us up to where I encountered Michael, playing for an 18 piece big band..  It’s an unusual thing, subbing as a female vocalist with an 18 piece big band.

A sure 50 percent of the people resent (this includes men and women) would be very happy if the band ONLY played instrumentals…everyone else is on the fence.  

Not Michael…a big smile and all around comments of encouragement  are sown as Michael finishes a rehearsal or gig.  That same incredibly positive attitude and unbelievable storehouse of energy is always evident with Michael.

Because he LOVES his job.  

Interview and article by Angela O’Neill

Easter 2020 from us to you!

Hey outrageous8'ers....easter comes but once a year, so we wanted to share some easter cheer....to brighten your day... 

This is a fun video our marketing gal put together with some of the guys in the band...if you haven't seen it...have a looksie...there's a wiked solo by Sam Morgan in there too...also hear from Harry Smallenburg, Rich Walker, Ron Cyer, Michael Rosen and Paul Litteral!  We love these guys!

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We recently launched our Featured Artist series, where we interview someone (from the band for now) about their career in music, how it started, their influences, highlights and generally anything interesting they want to share.

Paull Litteral was our first Featured Artist followed by Phil Romo and we're in the process of putting together Harry Smallenburg's article.  We will share those with you here (and on our website) and we hope you enjoy.

Click on the images below to go to the Featured Artist interview for Phil and Paul. Show them some love and click on their pics. 

It's part of our mission to lift people's spirit wherever we go and seeing you can't come to us right now, we're coming to you!  We're creating a video series from our 'Live at The Mixx' album (which is now available to purchase). The idea is that you listen and watch some inspiring uplifting images, or you can press play and cha cha or swing around the lounge or play while you make dinner, or just sit back, relax with a cuppa and enjoy. 

Here's our first one.  It's a cha cha and we played it for the dancers there at the time.  The whole album, as per the title, was recorded in a live environment at The Mixx in Pasadena.

This is 'Sunny'

We thank you for your continued support and we hope we've been able to brighten your day/night a little.  Come check us out on social media and say hi!  We'd love to hear from you.  Please feel free to share this email with others and invite them to join our mailing list.  Peace be with you and your loved ones.  Angela and the Outrageous8.  See you again soon! 

Featured Artist Series - Phil Romo Bass

Phil Romo Bass

Featured Artist Series, Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8

Phil Romo is a professional bassist, multi-instrumental music teacher and author from Hacienda Heights California. Phil studied music education at Cal State Fullerton and began teaching music professionally in 2002. Over the last fourteen years Phil has successfully taught hundreds of students musical principles on the piano, guitar, bass and drums. He is a highly popular and in demand teacher at Burbank Music Academy in Burbank California. 

Phil was born into a musical family with his father also a musician.  When asked if this is how Phil got into music, he agreed that it was kind of a process, with him growing up with the sound of saxophone in the house.

Then when he became interested in music, he started listening to his father’s music collection.  He said his father always had ‘pretty hip stuff, like Frank Zappa records, The Flock, Humble Pie – music that other twelve-year-old kids weren’t listening to. 

He saw a picture of Jimmy Hendrix from his Smash Hits album and thought at first that Jimmy was a rapper! However, after listening to the album, Phil says this is what made him want to play the guitar.  Thus began his musical journey and subsequent guitar lessons.  From there his inspirations took him to Metallica and playing drums in the marching band at school, so he could get into the jazz band.  An opening came up in the jazz band for bass, so Phil jumped on it and started on bass.  As Phil says ‘two less strings’ but he realized quickly that he had to learn to read bass clef!

The bass seemed to be a good fit for Phil and he continued to develop his craft through the end of school.  He found a great teacher in the band arranger, Gilbert Adams and really cherished the years of band he played.  Senior year, Phil was progressing with his playing and after being told by his band leader Mr Adams that he was one of the best to go through the program, he decided to continue with his studies and enrolled to get his teaching certification.  Phil still teaches today and you can see on his website www.philromo.com that he gives lessons by Skype as well!

Phil has toured internationally and recorded three albums with original pop-rock band Intercept from 2004 to 2012. In 2006 Phil met and became a student of bass legend Louis "Thunder-Thumbs" Johnson. Phil took lessons from Louis and started the Black Dragon Bass Academy with Louis in 2007. After Louis Johnson passed away in 2015, Phil took it upon himself to write about the teachings that Louis taught him in his upcoming book, "The Secret Scrolls of Funk" out soon.

Article by Kathryn Hopkins

Featured Artist Series - Paul Litteral AKA Hollywood Paul

Paul Litteral was born and raised in Western Kentucky and by the fifth grade he knew that he was going to play the trumpet.  After high school, he wanted to play in the Naval School of Music, so he auditioned, was accepted, and then enlisted in the Navy.  After some time in Virginia, he was invited to join the band at the duty station in New York City and, when the Navy consolidated its bands at the War College in Rhode Island, he moved there. Having completed his four year tour of duty, Paul left the Navy and returned to New York.

In New York, Paul gained experience and began to build his career, playing in Broadway hits such as The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, A Chorus Line and Chess.  In 1978, Paul and saxophonist Arno Hecht founded the well-known group called The Uptown Horns. As their visibility increased, the band was recruited for rock and roll gigs and played many of New York’s most famous clubs.  Paul and the Uptown Horns went on their first rock and roll tour with the J. Geils Band in 1981 and that led to many other opportunities including engagements with The Rolling Stones, Robert Plant, Tom Waits, Joe Cocker, James Brown, Pat Benatar, and Ray Charles. The band lists recording credits on over 150 albums including James Brown's Grammy Award winning “Living in America” and tracks for Joe Cocker, Albert Collins, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Palmer, Lou Reed and REM.

Paul remained based in New York City for about thirty years, but eventually felt that he was ready for a change of scenery. The producers from the group Unwrapped, who  were signed to Hidden Records (Michael  Jordan’s Label), contacted Paul to see if he would be interested in  coming to Los Angeles to work on their new record and do some touring. The relationship led to doing three more records together and Paul deciding to permanently relocate to LA.

In addition to continuing to play music, he began writing and found critical success with Hoboken to Hollywood, which earned him the 2011 Ovation award for Musical Direction. Paul was also awarded Best Musical Direction by Stage Scene LA for Louis & Keely: ‘Live’ at the Sahara, which had a record run, playing to sold out audiences at the Geffen Playhouse. His work in Los Angeles earned him the nickname “Hollywood Paul”.

Currently, Paul is playing trumpet and flugelhorn with Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8. Angela founded the band in 2016 and Paul is one of the original members.  He plays a Maxx II trumpet designed by Charles Colin and manufactured by Kanstul Company.  When he wants a darker, lower tone, he switches over to flugelhorn, a perfect choice for ballads and medium tempo tunes.  His flugelhorn is a Custom Z from Yamaha. Even though he toured much of the world while playing with the Uptown Horns, he still enjoys travel and particularly wants to spend time in Italy, Spain and Ireland.  When taking a break from playing music and writing, he enjoys freshwater fishing, primarily as a catch and release fisherman.  Asked about favorite foods, Paul’s tastes are eclectic—he likes Asian and Indian cuisine but also loves a great steak.

Catch Paul in concert with Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8 for an evening of great music.

Written by Catherine O’Brien

Outrageous8 Event of the Year! CD Release Party at The Mixx October 5

All year me and da boyz have been rehearsing religiously every week, honing our skills and working on new arrangements so that every show we introduce new songs. It keeps us on our toes and keeps it interesting for our devoted supporters.

This is a very special event for us as we partner with The Mixx Pasadena, and release our CD titled ‘Live at The Mixx’.

Please save the date!

It’s a no cover event and we will have CD’s available to purchase.

Remember, 1 CD is equal to approx 400 hours of streaming, in terms of return to the artists. We hope you can join us and continue to support live music.

Call The Mixx to reserve your table (626) 500-0021 or your can reserve online through their website here.

We hope to see you there!  

Angela and the Outrageous8 

Come and get lei'd with the Outrageous8! Saturday May 25! Myrtle Tree Wine Bar, Monrovia

Upcoming events, fun stuff, reviews and prizes!

Hello Outrageous8'ers!  A quick update to let you know about a few things coming up!  Don't worry, we'll keep it brief.

This week! Saturday May 25 we're back at Myrtle Tree Wine Bar in Monrovia.  NO COVER but we do need you to reserve online or call (626) 386 5024.  We promise this is going to be a fun night.  Click HERE to reserve online.  Wear your best Hawaiian / Resort wear outfit and you could win a prize!  Everyone attending will also 'get Lei'd' ......  !!  Complimentary Lei's handed out upon arrival.  It's vacation time...join us as we travel the world through music.

Get Lei’d and win!

Wear your best Hawaiian or Resort wear this Saturday and you could win a prize! Everyone gets a Lei!

Vacation Time!

See you this Saturday at Myrtle Tree Cafe and Wine Bar in the heart of Monrovia! Call to reserve!

In our next blog, we’ll reveal an exciting radio airplay session for Angela and the Outrageous8, as well as a glowing review for her CD ‘ For Your Listening Pleasure’ out now and available to purchase online at www.angelamaeoneill.com.

Stay tune for more exciting stuff!

Subscribe to have delivered to your inbox.

Vacation Time with Angela O'Neill and the Outrageous8

May 25 we’re back at the Myrtle Tree Cafe in Monrovia.

It’s that time of the year when everyone is starting to talk about and plan their vacations so we thought we should do a show that is all about travelling and visiting family. and friends.

So while everyone is planning their vacations, come and dream about them with us, through music.

It’s going to be a little sentimental, with trips to New York, and ocean voyages and trips to the sea and fun times in London and Paris and a lot fun spots in Europe!!

So you see, we’ll be jet setting around the world from Myrtle Tree Cafe.

We hope you’ll come travel and dream with us and enjoy some of the fine food and wines.

This is a no cover event, but we do ask that you reserve. We want to make sure you get a good seat!

Click here to go to our event and reserve your seat.

Angela and the Outrageous8!

Live on Sleepless in Study City + Special Guest Announcements!

Hi Everyone!

In this issue:

• Valentine’s Day

• Sleepless in Studio City - Dr Debzz live interview with Angela

• Valentine’s day show Friday Feb 15 - Reserve your seat! Get your tickets here

Valentine’s Day: Sending out the love to everyone on this special day and hoping you all get to experience some love in its many facets, be it a lover, family, friends, pets….there are many different types of love, so we hope you can share it around today and every day.

Sleepless in Studio City: We’ve been sharing the love with Dr Debzz and her American Hearts radio show Sleepless in Studio City, where Angela was recently interviewed live.

Here’s what Dr Debzz said about Angela and the Outrageous8. Click here to listen to the live interview.

Featured Artist:
Angela O’Neill, talented vocalist and band leader for the Outrageous8 (an eight piece little big band), in a live phone interview, candidly reveals the meaning of music in her life, advice for aspiring artists, what she feels is the key to finding and keeping love, and much much more.

Angela performs George and Ira Gershwin's prestigious tune, S'Wonderful, accompanied by accomplished musicians each renowned in their own right: Harry Smallenburg, arranger/trombone; Sam Morgan, tenor/musical director; Ron Cyger, alto/soprano sax; Richard Walker, baritone/flute; Paul Litteral, trumpet; Michael Rosen, drums/recording engineer/producer; Gary Lenk, bass; Dan West, arranger/keyboards; Al Timss, vocals/sound and light engineer.

Catch Angela and the Outrageous8 LIVE in a special Valentine's Day show on Friday, February 15th, at the VFW Hall, 1006 W. Magnolia, Burbank. To save a table as opposed to sitting at the bar, get tix at www.angelamaeoneill.com. Listeners can receive a free download of her ‘Live at the VFW’ digital album at www.angelamaeoneill.com/about/liveatthevfw

Check out Dr Debzz on facebook at Sleepless in Studio City!

Valentine’s Day show: We hope you’ll join us this Friday Feb 15th at the Burbank VFW for our special Valentine’s Day show ‘Music for Lovers’ with special guest appearances.

We also welcome Alexa and her husband, the instagram competition winners!

Don’t forget to follow us on social media!

DrDebzz Call-in Advice Talk Show "Sleepless in Studio City" Airs Nightly Sun-Fri 9pm PT / midnight ET with new episodes Sat 9pm & midnight PT / midnight & 3am ET at AmericanHeartsRadio.com.

Yes it's based on the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan classic rom-com "Sleepless in Seattle."

Celebrated columnist, lauded life coach, skilled family mediator, DrDebzz offers heartfelt help, inspiration, positivity, a nurturing spirit, and transformative tools.

DrDebzz has been deemed “The new relationship GURU…a West Coast Dr. Laura and East Coast Carrie Bradshaw!” Fans describe her as a “soulful gifted fun impressive” radio personality; with a “captive confident soothing melodious and simply lovely voice;” an “alluring way of telling her-story;” so "spiritually alive and giving LOVE to humanity.”

Phone Life Coaching Sessions are available 24/7. Set up a Complimentary Consultation at 818-753-8898; allthatdezz.webs.com; or sleeplessinstudiocity@gmail.com

Friday Feb 15 - Valentine’s Day Show at the Burbank VFW.

Special Guests: Judy Barat - renowned Los Angeles poet, Antonio Saviour - great cousin of Nat King Cole, Kathryn Hopkins - LA based singer/songwriter from downunder.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Angela and the Outrageous8

Season of Swing

On December 14th, 2018 Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8 hosted their Holiday Show at their home base in Burbank, California.

Our thanks to Greg Simay of MyBurbank for his review of our Preview Night below. Greg and his wife were our guests at our preview night, where we invited a few special guests to come and be the first to see our Holiday Show.

MAKING THE SEASON SWING THIS FRIDAY

“Angela O’Neill and The Outrageous 8 will make VFW Ship 8310 swing and sing this Friday, December 14, at 8 p.m.  As revealed by their Wednesday night rehearsal, they’ll be greeting the season with classic holiday tunes and perennial American songbook favorites, all set to the rhythms of rejoicing.  Arranger Harry Smallenburg has made even the most familiar Christmas chestnuts as crunchy as fresh fallen snow.

Along with the solo turns, band leader and mezzo chanteuse O’Neill will keep our feet tapping as will noted singer Al Timss , who’ll be sharing the mike with her.  

People familiar with the LA music scene already know that The Outrageous 8 is outrageously talented, given the A-level roster:

Richard Walker – baritone sax, flute

Ron Cyger – alto sax, clarinet

Sam Morgan – tenor sax

Harry Smallenburg – trombone, vibes

“Hollywood” Paul Litteral – trumpet

Gary Leng – bass

Hank Mehren – keyboard

Michael Rosen - drums

Friday night’s audience can look forward to being outrageously entertained.

Major kudos go to O’Neill for promoting and putting together a fantastic band, as well as producing the shows celebrating the tunes that have stood the test of time.

$20 at the door.  VFW Ship 8310 is at 1006 W. Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank, a few blocks west of Victory Blvd.  For more information, visit www.angelamaeoneill.com or call 818.606.2420.

Special Guest - Nat King Cole's great cousin to join us Jan 18!

Reserve online here. Tickets are $20 payable at the door on the night, but we do need you to reserve ahead.

Click here to see a little of Antonio at rehearsal on our instagram page.

We hope to see you at the Gardenia this Friday Jan 18. Thank you for supporting live music.

The Outrageous8.

We are super excited to announce that Antonio Saviour, great cousin to Nat King Cole is joining us for a performance at our show this Friday January 18 at the Gardenia Supper Club in West Hollywood.

Antonio has a silky smooth voice and when you hear him sing, you can hear his family roots coming through. He does sound like his great uncle Nat King Cole.

Come and hear Antonio and meet him at this intimate venue and hear his stories about how the family would gather around the piano in song. He’ll also be doing a duet with New Zealand jazz singer Kathryn Hopkins.