The Alessi Band, with Al Alessi on lead vocals, guitar and harmonica, also includes John Scherer on saxophone, Steve Sonntag on trumpet, flugelhorn and vocals, Otis Rogers on bass and vocals, versatile Peter Miles on guitar and vocals, and Sean McLoughlin on drums and vocals, plus the lovely Kelly Hall on vocals and percussion. The versatility and professionalism of the group makes every style authentic, from jazz standards to soul, blues, classic rhythm and blues, reggae, and pop.
Al and his band have performed at multiple high-profile events such as the VISA Corporation party at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia; the 1999 Nokia Sugar Bowl party in New Orleans, and the IBM party for the 1999 Ryder Cup. They have played at private corporate parties for other Fortune 500 corporations such as CVS, Quad Graphics, and Liberty Mutual Insurance, and for Governor Pataki's New Year's Celebration, as well as for over 400 wedding couples in the northeast United States.
Al himself has appeared in three European television shows singing jazz standards to a viewing audience in the millions. He has performed his tribute to Roy Orbison to audiences as large as four thousand. Al has also played resorts in the Caribbean, as well as being for years a mainstay of the vibrant music scene at Vermont ski resorts such as Killington, where he was recognized as one of America's top après-ski entertainers by Snow Country Magazine. His most recent CD was favorably reviewed in the national Jazz Review magazine, and Al received honors from Billboard Magazine in its annual Songwriters Competition.
Al has worked for over 10 years with the extraordinary horn players John Scherer and Steve Sonntag. Steve is a 13 year veteran with the Alessi Band, as well as currently being a member of the Amherst Jazz Orchestra and the Jeff Holmes Big Band. He also leads his own small ensemble whenever and where ever possible. He has performed with Nancy Wilson, Hubert Laws, Urbie Green, Buddy DeFranco, Helen O’Connell, John Abercrombie, Peter Erskine, Yusef Lateef, John Fedchock, Ernie Watts, Rufus Reid, Bobby Rydell, Levon Helm, ‘Big Joe’ Burrell, The Coasters, The Temptations, and Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians. He was a staff musician for Norwegian Cruise Lines and worked with many entertainers including Carol Channing, Florence Henderson and Jim Nabors. Steve holds a degree in Jazz Studies from The Ohio State University (GO BUCKS!!) and has taught at Westfield State College. He currently teaches at the University of Massachusetts. John Scherer is just the finest soul and R&B horn man in northern New England, and his driving sax solos have sent many a shiver down many a back, for both guests and his band mates. Combined with the younger rhythm section of Peter Miles, Sean McLoughlin and Otis Rogers, which also adds strong lead and harmony vocals, and the fine vocal presence of Kelly Hall, The Alessi Band has authenticity, power and smoothness over an incredibly wide range of material.
Peter Miles is known for his extraordinarily wide vocal range and a clean, vivid guitar style. He's had the privilege to work together with Emmy-Lou Harris, Sean Colvin, Will Ackerman, Ritchey Havens, Livingston Taylor and others. When he’s not performing with the Alessi Band, Miles can be found playing funky Rock and Blues with “The Miles Trio” or in Solo-acoustic shows with his Froggy Bottom guitar all around southern New England.
Recent addition Kelly Hall began her musical career performing jazz, pop and rock throughout Maine. She has performed at Bryant Park in New York and in Nashville, where she received high praise from former ASCAP VP Merlin Littlefield for her song-writing talent and her captivating stage presence. Her versatility as a singer and performer sets her apart and is a great new presence for the Alessi band.
Sean McLoughlin is a phenomenal driving drummer with outstanding vocals, perfect timing and a fine ear. He plays in a number of local Brattleboro bands, being much in demand, when he is not performing with the Alessi Band, and he is a sound engineer for a local sound studio.
Otis Rogers, who joined the Alessi Band on New Years Eve 2006, has been playing bass for 20 years. He has performed in a wide range of styles on electric and upright, playing everything from rock and roll to jazz to classical. He has a bachelor's degree in music from Marlboro College with a focus on jazz bass, and is currently the bass teacher at Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, Massachusetts. His extensive musical knowledge, vocal abilities, and solid sense of time make him a perfect fit in the Alessi Band rhythm section.
Whether for a wedding reception, corporate function, alumni event, anniversary, or holiday parties, The Alessi Band provides two important ingredients. Foremost, they are top-notch musicians capable of a wide variety of styles, linking generations with ease. Secondly, Al is a consummate performer, entertainer and Master of Ceremonies, with over 3500 engagements to his credit, able to 'read' a crowd, connect with an audience, and move everyone towards the evening's ultimate goal: A Great Party and, if it's a wedding, Eternal Love!