Members

The band was formed in February 1996, and currently consists of six members. They are:

Andre Ferreri (@)
Guitars...Andre’s unique guitar talents have been in high demand throughout the southeast for the past 30 years. His passion is writing and recording technically challenging Jazz-Rock that is fun to play, and fun for the listener. Over the past decade, his compositions have appeared on several national television shows, movies, and commercials for both radio and TV. Well known as a first-call session artist, Andre’s credits include a long list of famous artists’ albums.
Carlton Jackson (@)
Percussion...Innovation, energy and pure heart characterize Carlton’s playing. He was introduced to, and fell in love with Latin percussion instruments, in particular the congas, at an early age. After some years of practice, and tutelage from his beloved uncle Tio, Carlton has performed many musical styles with different bands for over 35 years. His major influences include Potato Valdez, Ray Berretta, & Mongo Santamaria. A dynamic live performer, Carlton is a highlight of any Brubaker performance.
Eddie Ritch (@)
Keyboards...The music career of Eddie is long, varied and continues to evolve. From his first days of learning the piano, to the present day, his keyboard artistry has captivated audiences. Eddie has performed many musical styles over the last 35 years including pop, rock, and jazz. During his career, he has toured with various acts over much of North America and Europe. He counts some of his influences as... Keith Jarrett, Larry Young, Keith Emerson, Jan Hammer, & Herbie Hancock.
Gray Fallin (@)
Drums and Percussion...Gray has performed with various music groups throughout the mid-atlantic area for over 30 years. Over his career, he has demonstrated the ability of playing many different styles including jazz, blues, fusion, rock and progressive rock. His drumming influences include such varied players as Steve Gadd, Bill Bruford, Peter Erskine, Neil Peart, Stewart Copeland, & Manu Katche. In addition to his drumming, Gray has been integral to the producing and engineering of all of The Brubaker CD releases. The latest Brubaker CD "Triple Bypass", was recorded at his studio, Woodleaf Studios.
Joe Gminder (@)
Bass Guitars...Joe is best described as a consummate musician. From his formal training at Elon College on piano and viola, french horn and classical guitar at Emmanuel College, and his 35 years musical experience with various bands and ensembles, there are not many musical styles (or instruments!) that Joe has not mastered. His major influences on guitar and bass include Steve Morse, Alan Holdsworth, Jaco Pastorius and Adam Nitti.
Rick Almond
Soprano, Alto, and Tenor Saxophones... Besides being an original "Brubaker", Rick is one of the most respected go to musicians in the area. He has played in different musical configurations as varied as Pink Floyd tribute bands, to stage production musicals. A graduate of the Pfeiffer University School of Music with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and Music Education, Rick has over 30 years of performance experience. His influences on sax include, but not limited to, Tom Scott and David Sanborn.
Brubaker Alumni
Some info on previous members of The Brubakers and some special guest performers
Alumni - Mark Holland
Keyboards...A great songwriter and musical collaborator, Mark was intrumental in The Brubakers initial CD project. It was his composing collaboration with Alex that the 1st Brubaker CD (The Time Has Come) was based on. His influences are varied and include Jazz, Rock, Gospel and Country.
Alumni - Roger Kohrs
Bass Guitars...An extremely versatile musician, Roger has played professionally for over 35 years. During his career (which has included studio and jingle work), he has played with numerous bands, with a couple of examples being The Classics 4 and Billy Bob Thorton and the Boxmasters. He is currently touring with Unknown Hinson. Roger counts as his major influences...his Father/guitarist Roger Sr., Jaco Pastorius, & Django Reinhardt.
Alumni - Alex Bost
Guitars...A co-founding member of The Brubakers along with Mark Holland and current Brubakers Carlton, Gray, Joe, and Rick. Alex, along with Mark Holland, provided the initial spark that created The Brubakers. Alex has performed Rock, Top 40, and Jazz for over the 35 years. Major influences include Carlos Santana, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenhour, Robben Ford, & Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Alumni - Robert Fernandez
Bass Guitars and Vocals... A thirty eight year veteran bassist , Robert is a musician with Latin, Funk and Jazz chops. Influences include legends Jack Bruce, Jaco Pastorious,and Chuck Rainey.
Special Guest - Mark Jennings
Bass Guitars...When the band has needed a "fill in" bassist, Mark has came to our rescue. He has been a friend and fellow band member of most of the groups members for many years. Mark, Gray and Joe were bandmates in several groups that have played in and around the Charlotte area. Mark’s influences on bass cover a wide range and include among others.. fusionists Stu Hamm and Stanley Clarke, funk master Mark King, prog.rock greats Chris Squire and Geddy Lee, and pop/rock legends Sting and Paul McCartney.
Special Guest - Lonnie Carpenter
Vocals...Lonnie is a great vocalist with a wide range of infuences. He has played and toured with too many bands to mention! But currently, Lonnie is a member of the classic rock band Mid-Life Crisis, which he helped form and establish several years ago. Every now and again, The Brubakers play a cover tune gig. And when we do, Lonnie is our go to guy for lead vocals.