• Phil Marsh – Guitar, Vocals, Band Leader
• Kevin Gillespie – Bass
• Jon Wert – Drums
• Paul Lesinski – Keyboards
• James Bates – Male Vocalist
• Jennifer Pepper – Female Vocals
• Mark Dievendorf – Trombone
• Jeff Baird – Tenor Sax
• Charlie Royce – Bari and Alto Sax
• Mike Truszkowski – Trumpet
• Paul Andre – Soundman and Background Vocals

BIOGRAPHY

The Hip Pocket delivers slammin’ soul and R & B music the hard way, with uncompromising musicianship. There’s no guessing at the meticulously crafted horn arrangements with intricate vocal harmonies from their debut CD The Hip Pocket.

The Hip Pocket has been entertaining for over fifteen years opening for acts like The Temptations, The Four Tops, Patti Labelle, Blue Oyster Cult, Steppenwolf and Don Rickles. The group has performed at countless festivals and corporate events.

Phil Marsh, the band leader, attended The Guitar Institute of Technology after studying music in college and is currently the Professor of Jazz Guitar at Grand Valley State University while focusing his abilities on the groups arrangements as band leader.

James Bates has been there since the bands conception. He has earned his definitive reputation as a male vocalist with the very best groups in Western Michigan for over 25 years. He has the admirable ability to develop a rapport with the audience with unmistakable style.

Jennifer Pepper draws her experience from dance and singing. Her excitement and enthusiasm drive the group to new levels of performance.

Kevin Gillespie has performed throughout the U.S. creating a demand for his abilities.   A devote follower of the Jaco order, he lays it down on bass like no other.

Jon Wert, drummer, graduated with a jazz performance degree from Western Michigan University. Taste, style and exceptional ability are his endearing trademarks.

Paul Lesinski fills out the keyboards with funky organ to lush string parts. Paul has developed the reputation of being one of the most sought after keyboard players in West Michigan.

Mark Dievendorf started playing trombone at age eight and never quite. He attained a music Ed degree from Western Michigan, went on to earn a masters at Grand Valley State University. He has toured the country as a Yamaha clinician and played in countless group before joining The Hip Pocket.

Mike Truzskowski has earned the nickname iron Mike, affectionately stolen from Tower of Power’s trumpet play Mike Bogart. He has a music degree from Central Michigan University and has chops that don’t quit.

Jeff Baird, retired Air Force, plays the smooth, funky and melodically infectious tenor sax. When not playing with The Hip Pocket he plays with the Temptations. ‘Nough said.

Charlie Royce cranks out the lower edge of the horn section on bari sax. You don’t find many bari sax players out there and even fewer who can hang playing Tower of Power’s Doc Kupka bari parts.

The group would not be complete without Paul Andre the soundman.  Not only keeping the wireless gear and sound thumpin’ he also fill out vocal harmonies when needed.