Patty Albigese-Robbins
Songstress, Vocals, Acoustic Guitars, Tambourines
Patty began Singing with John and Lou (circa '69) in response to their retort...."well sister, if you think you're so hot, let's hear how you would sing the damn thing!!!!"
John Tyler
Vocals, Electric, Acoustic, LAP Steel, Slide Guitars
Pianist Lou Simmons and John Tyler began performing in 1969 under the name Light Brigade, winning both the Atlanta and Georgia State Battle of the Bands, and started singing with Patty, forming the Rock Mountain Band in 1974. These three performers would tour with that group over much of the USA, opening for the James Gang, Flo & Eddie, David Bromberg, Roy Buchanan, and Leon Redbone, among many others. John would later tour with The Grass Roots, as well. Rock Mountain continued until 1982, when the group splintered after releasing several singles and the Rock Mountain album on Target Records
Lou Simmons
Vocals, Piano, Synth, B3
Pianist Lou Simmons and John Tyler began performing in 1969 under the name Light Brigade, winning both the Atlanta and Georgia State Battle of the Bands, and started singing with Patty, forming the Rock Mountain Band in 1974. These three performers would tour with that group over much of the USA, opening for the James Gang, Flo & Eddie, David Bromberg, Roy Buchanan, and Leon Redbone, among many others. Rock Mountain continued until 1982, when the group splintered after releasing several singles and the Rock Mountain album on Target Records
Greg Lathrop
Vocals, Mojo Harps, Guidance Module
Greg Lathrop plays harmonicas and percussion, and is featured on the recent Bubba Sparxxx CD, the latest in a list of studio appearances. His Harmonica work can also be heard all though the hit movie "Without a Paddle" released in 2005.
Mike Howell
Vocals, Bass Guitars
Mike Howell has played in many bands in the N.E. Atlanta area since 1968 and is an original member of the Spies. He was with Roger Wilson Band for 8 years sharing the stage with the likes of Johnny van Zandt Johnny and Edgar Winter, David Alan Coe, and many more all over the Southeast. Wanting to playing in studio and closer to home he started playing with John and Lou and the Spies were formed from different studio projects, coming back to the Spies during the release of "Groove Factory" and has worked with the Spies exclusively since.
Larry Strong
Drums, Acoustic Percussion and Electronic Percussion, Background Vocals
Larry is originally from the Midwest and has been playing the drums since 1976.
He has toured and played throughout Europe and all over the United States with various bands as an independent drummer and percussionist while providing vocal support for nearly 30 youthful years.
Larry joined the Spies of Life in April of 2004 with a very determined musical prowess while continually concentrating on being an innovative student of drumming…selectively he has created an “in-the-pocket” style of performing and is a great addition to SOL.
Jim Tyler
Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Jim Tyler plays electric, acoustic and 12 string guitars. He learned guitar on brother John Tyler's Fender Electric 12-string during the early 70's. Jim played in several local bands in the Atlanta area from 1977 on and joined the Spies in 2003. He enjoys building electric guitars, tube amplifiers and sports cars when not jamming with SOL...
The Spies Of Life are probably the best band you've never heard of. They are extraordinary musicians who play a kind of music that can only be described as "American". It's not just rock, Blues, Folk, Jazz or Country but rather a mixture of all these styles and more. In addition to their instrumental prowess, this group is also a band of singers with all seven members contributing vocals. In fact, the band's vocals have always been one of it's stronger points. It is what sets them apart from everyone else.
Damnit! We were in Atlanta this weekend to see Butch Walker. If I had known you were playing on Saturday, I wouldn't have spent the day at Lenox. Add your dates to a bulletin so fools like me don't miss you.
Hey Spies! It's been such a long time. After all these years, John still has that velvet voice. Hope you are all well. The next time in time I'm in ATL I'll check to see if you are playing. If you ever come up to NC, stop and see me.
Patty Albigese-Robbins
Songstress, Vocals, Acoustic Guitars, Tambourines
Patty began Singing with John and Lou (circa '69) in response to their retort...."well sister, if you think you're so hot, let's hear how you would sing the damn thing!!!!"
John Tyler
Vocals, Electric, Acoustic, LAP Steel, Slide Guitars
Pianist Lou Simmons and John Tyler began performing in 1969 under the name Light Brigade, winning both the Atlanta and Georgia State Battle of the Bands, and started singing with Patty, forming the Rock Mountain Band in 1974. These three performers would tour with that group over much of the USA, opening for the James Gang, Flo & Eddie, David Bromberg, Roy Buchanan, and Leon Redbone, among many others. John would later tour with The Grass Roots, as well. Rock Mountain continued until 1982, when the group splintered after releasing several singles and the Rock Mountain album on Target Records
Lou Simmons
Vocals, Piano, Synth, B3
Pianist Lou Simmons and John Tyler began performing in 1969 under the name Light Brigade, winning both the Atlanta and Georgia State Battle of the Bands, and started singing with Patty, forming the Rock Mountain Band in 1974. These three performers would tour with that group over much of the USA, opening for the James Gang, Flo & Eddie, David Bromberg, Roy Buchanan, and Leon Redbone, among many others. Rock Mountain continued until 1982, when the group splintered after releasing several singles and the Rock Mountain album on Target Records
Greg Lathrop
Vocals, Mojo Harps, Guidance Module
Greg Lathrop plays harmonicas and percussion, and is featured on the recent Bubba Sparxxx CD, the latest in a list of studio appearances. His Harmonica work can also be heard all though the hit movie "Without a Paddle" released in 2005.
Mike Howell
Vocals, Bass Guitars
Mike Howell has played in many bands in the N.E. Atlanta area since 1968 and is an original member of the Spies. He was with Roger Wilson Band for 8 years sharing the stage with the likes of Johnny van Zandt Johnny and Edgar Winter, David Alan Coe, and many more all over the Southeast. Wanting to playing in studio and closer to home he started playing with John and Lou and the Spies were formed from different studio projects, coming back to the Spies during the release of "Groove Factory" and has worked with the Spies exclusively since.
Larry Strong
Drums, Acoustic Percussion and Electronic Percussion, Background Vocals
Larry is originally from the Midwest and has been playing the drums since 1976.
He has toured and played throughout Europe and all over the United States with various bands as an independent drummer and percussionist while providing vocal support for nearly 30 youthful years.
Larry joined the Spies of Life in April of 2004 with a very determined musical prowess while continually concentrating on being an innovative student of drumming…selectively he has created an “in-the-pocket” style of performing and is a great addition to SOL.
Jim Tyler
Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Jim Tyler plays electric, acoustic and 12 string guitars. He learned guitar on brother John Tyler's Fender Electric 12-string during the early 70's. Jim played in several local bands in the Atlanta area from 1977 on and joined the Spies in 2003. He enjoys building electric guitars, tube amplifiers and sports cars when not jamming with SOL...
