Rick McDuffie – bass, vocals
Rick started playing guitar in 1966, and added electric bass a few years later. High school years saw him in a succession of rock bands with names like The Phantoms, Argus, Damascus and Wyndegal. Upon graduation from high school, he began a long tenure on bass with the Wilmington jazz/dance quartet, Pendulum. He was a college music major (voice) and anchored the Campbell University Jazz Ensemble on bass.
In the Raleigh area, Rick has played with The Rockits, The Debbie Elam Band, TJQ, Mister Mustard, and the Rick McDuffie Trio. He has appeared on the concert bill with acts like The Charlie Daniels Band, The Kentucky Headhunters and Exile.
Doug Carter - guitar
From early on, Doug has had an interest in recording and playing music. He acquired his first tape recorder at the age of 10. He began guitar lessons shortly thereafter.
As a guitarist, he began playing semi-professionally as soon as he could gain entry into the local New York/New Jersey night clubs. Early bands covered the Stones, Doors, Jeff Beck, Hendrix, Cream, etc. Later, more R&B and funk. Over the years, Doug has lived and played in the New York metro area; South Florida; Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Seattle, WA and now Raleigh, NC. While in Boston, he attended The Berklee College of Music, where he learned jazz theory and majored in arranging for large ensemble. Doug has worked with notable session players including members of Tower Of Power and the James Brown Band.
Doug currently plays and teaches locally in addition to operating Dark River Productions, a recording/music services facility located south of Raleigh.
David Bentlage - drums
Dave hails from Upstate NY, just below the Finger Lakes Region.
He's played drums since his feet could reach the pedals on his Dad's jazz drum kit (which he still plays on!) and has played in a variety of bands in Raleigh since moving here in 1992 (Jazz, Funk, Pop, etc.....), One of the highlights of his career was playing a benefit concert with jam-band master guitarist Steve Kimock.
Dave is influenced heavily by Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, Miles Davis, and Allan Holdsworth (Yes, all non-drummers!) as well as his idols, Tony Williams, Buddy Rich, Jimmy Cobb, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Steve Smith.
