Mario Lacasse -- Guitar
George Chilly Lilly -- Drums & Vocals
Bobby Freeman -- Hammond B3 & Vocals
Bill Rabon -- Bass & Vocals
Influences
Muddy Waters, Groove Holmes, Nina Simone, Littlefeat, Ray Charles, Tower of Power, Steve Jordan, Herbie Hancock, Jeff Beck, Bobby B Keyes (guitar in Boston), Count Basie, Neville Brothers, Meters, Trombone Shorty, Derek Trucks Band, Mark Knopfler, Maxwell, Prince, Me'shell Ndege'ocello, Oscar Peterson, Randy Crawford & Joe Sample, Terrance Simien, Zachary Richard, Kal David, Brian Setzer, Bobby Blue Bland
Mario LaCasse / Guitar
Born in Montréal Canada, Mario moved to Florida at an early age. As were many teenagers in south Florida, he was exposed to southern rock. While still in high school, Mario became a member of Misbehavin, a band that was led by the song writing of base player John Floor whose influences of Texas country, blues and rock became the staples of a developing guitar style. Very early on in the band it became obvious that the desire and talent was there. That he not only comfortably played these styles but played them with an energy and emotion that was undeniable.
Today, after over 30 years of playing from south Florida to Texas and back, from the rocking blues of Misbehavin to the jazz & fusion of the Fight band, Mario is now the one that inspires and influences guitarists who see him play.
Known for his ability to play the right note at the right time with the right feel, Mario can capture your soul whether it be a barrage of notes and feedback or a solitary single note.
That undeniable charisma in his playing has led to comments from his pears as being THE REAL DEAL and a SOUTH FLORIDA GUITAR MONSTER while being one of the most respected and liked guitar players in our area.
George Lilly / Lead Vocals / Drums
George began his career as a professional Drummer in the Boston area performing and working at the age of fifteen. Upon arriving in Florida in 1990 he soon began working with members of the Coral Reefers as well as appearing with Mr. Buffet.
Since, he has been traveling between South Florida and the Boston area where he performs regularly with formally signed CBS recording artists Duke & the Drivers, who frequently share billing with nationally renowned acts such as Tower of Power, Kal David etc…
Infused with the God given gift to keep perfect time and the dedication of a master of his craft, George will make everything he plays sound so true and unpretentious that it will make you feel like it is the only way it should be. Add to that his personality and the seasoned professionalism he possesses make him the unquestioned nucleus of any stage.
Bobby Freeman / Lead Vocals / Hammond Organ
Raised in a musical family in Central New York, Bobby has been playing the Hammond organ for so long that it has become almost impossible to refer to Bobby without saying “Hammond player”.
Even as the seasoned musician he is, coxing the influences of Jimmy Smith and Groove Holmes, Bobby still gets nervous before every show as if he is a teenager lusting for the excitement of his first date. That feeling is was what keeps every performance young, fresh and exciting.
Possessing the ability to squeeze every nuance and emotion as if he were a guitar player squeezing the string harder to get that little extra out of a note, the ability to take you to the comfort of a simpler time not so long ago, or the youthful energy of the teenager still in him that will make you feel like it was the first time. It’s no wonder Bobby has been the first call on every ones list.
Bill Rabon / Lead Vocals / Bass
Bill has been playing the bass professionally since the age of 18 years old. Bill has seen?an extensive career in the music business. His years of experience have?involved road tours throughout the US and Canada, playing alongside famous?recording artists/entertainers, as well as performing in night clubs, club?dates and recording studio work. ??Bill entered college at the age of 29 in Daytona Beach, Florida on a full music?scholarship. He continued his undergrad studies at Florida-Atlantic?University, receiving his BFA in Jazz Performance.??After years of living on the road, performing in exciting places like?Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles, and his hometown, New Orleans, Bill?settled in South Florida, where he continues to perform professionally?playing night clubs, private parties, and working arranging/recording in the?digital recording studio he built in his home.??Bill’s soulful vocals and in-the-groove bass playing talents have continued to?make him one of the areas most sought after musicians. Bill is grateful that?he has been able to make a living doing what he so deeply loves, playing?music.
The Mario LaCasse Band's Friend Space (Randomized)
Just Want to let you know Myron, Bob and Clark will be playing at the Main Street Station tonight at 9:00. Look at the myspace page for directions and phone number. Hope to see you there.
Congrats on making the cover of the June edition of Hot House Florida as Featured Artists! Looking forward to Clematis by Night being YOUR night! Charlie
Hey Mario, Thanks very much for the hook up! The new band sounded great @ The Bamboo Room a couple of weeks ago. Loved the combination of music styles and vocal variety the guys bring to the group. Not to mention of course, the great playing by everyone! Look forward to seeing the band again soon. All the best, RIT J/TC BLUE
Sincere thanks for your kind friendship... I'm very proud to know you and by far you are among the very best guitarists I've ever heard on this planet and more than likely beyond our shinning star system...!!
