Mark started playing trumpet in 1973. He has performed with Billy Nicks, The Drifters, The Platters, Bobby Vinton and on a cruise ship, and his education includes IUSB Jazz Ensemble, The Jazz Firm, Jazz Assemblage, Bloom School of Jazz. Mark is now happily divorced from his former band, The Whistle Pigs.
Steve Krojniewski (Krojo):
Since picking up the sticks at the age of 13, drumming has been a mainstay of Steve's life, working steadily in projects such as The Mushroomhead Experience and Ali Baba's Tahini. He received his training from the Eddie Knight Drum School from 1992-1998 (and also from studying Rush's "A Show Of Hands"). His influences are Neil Peart, Billy Cobham, Elvin Jones and His Father.
Chris Olivier:
Born into the rhythm of New Orleans, Chris is an innovative horn player with an old soul and has been playing saxophone for 23 years. His music-based roots lay a heavy influence on the band, seeing light in covers like “Big Chief”. As Chris says, "The music is gonna do what it does."
Justin Ross:
Justin was raised in the South Side of Chicago, and began playing guitar 10 years ago. He attended Culver Academies for Military School during his formative years, and continued his education at Berklee College of Music, in Boston, and most recently attended Bloom School of Jazz in Chicago. His main influences, are George Benson, Pat Martino, Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass, but firmly believes that everyone in Half-Pint Jones has helped him to improve his playing vastly during their collaboration.
Jayson Sites:
Jayson is a Chicago native, now living in Southwest Michigan. A self-taught musician, he's been playing for over 20 years… rooted as a bassist. His playing radiates inspiration from George Porter Jr., Jaco, Jonesy, Aston 'family man' Barrett, Zappa, and numerous others.
*Joining Half-Pint Jones is their amazing sound swami, Steve Pierce.
In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, saxophonist Chris Olivier found himself uprooted from New Orleans and relocated to Northern Indiana. He soon realized his need to share his New Orleans musical roots with the South Bend area and actively pursued finding the right blend of musicians; quickly discovered in Mark Gamble (trumpet), Steve Krojniewski (drums), Justin Ross (guitar & vocals), and Jayson Sites (bass).
Half-Pint Jones recently finished recording their first album, entitled “Trilogy of Patches and Olaf”, which will be released in mid-July. The songs in this album have merged into a new sound for the group, due to the diverse musical influences that each and every member bring to the table.
“I feel the album is unique because of all the experiences we, as individuals, have had,” adds drummer Steve Krojniewski. “From marriage, to fatherhood, to losing parents, to fleeing home, to growing up and letting our true selves out—everything that has lead us to this point in our lives, has made Trilogy the incredible record it has become.”
Half-Pint Jones firmly stands by the statement that they do not fit into any one category of music—and that’s perfectly fine with them. Their music is a mixture of so many things; jam band, jazz, latin, reggae, rock, New Orleans funk. What brings it all together are the feel-good rhythms, lyrics with a message, unconventional horn lines and incredible story-telling solos.
For some more info on the band, check out our EPK (electronic press kit), at Sonicbids.
If you feel like spending your money on something that will enrich your life with nothing but pure pleasure, click on the link to buy our first album "Trilogy of Patches and Olaf", and let the love begin.
Hey .. I love the new song ..I mean I know you have done it before a some shows ..but it sounds good and I want a cd when ur done..lol see ya @ Harrison
Hope this isn't overkill but I need someone to teach me how to send a blog with poster up.Hope you all can make it.Ohh In event of rain it will move to floor below the roof
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Although I don't get to Chi-town very much, I do have lots of peeps that reside there, and after enjoying the show at Bowlys the other night I'm sure they would do whatever it took to help promote the band. Send me some materials and I will enrich everyones lives.
You know we're huge supporters of you guys...ya'll are SICK! Sarah and I are going to be your new street crew in chi-town- we do not want another intimate show, tho clearly we thoroughly enjoyed it. so did our moms. But ya, there are at least a million other chicagoans waiting to be jones-ers. we'll be helping you find them. I appreciate the offer for replacing lost items but that's not necessary. I can't believe it is stuck up in the ceiling. I'm going to try to get it back from them...plus I want at least 2 more of those bracelets since it was so fun to jingle about. I'm just sad- sarah's mom had just given it to me last night :( so your only fault in that whole debacle was you were sooooooo good that I over-applauded and it flew off my hand and never came down...see that? you guys are so talented that you somehow managed to defy gravity ;) go ahead and add that to your list of achievements...WORD!!
