Rockin Hill Band Member Bios

• Mark Munson

  

  Retired chiropractor, currently musician and woodworking artist.

  Music background: Rock groups in the 60’s, North Dakota, Major in Music 1975, Rock groups 1973-75, Bemidji, Big band group 80’s and 90’s. Retired 2000, reformed original 60’s rock and roll group in 2006. Formed the P.A. Rockers in Port Aransas, Texas, a 50’-60’s rock and roll group. Still performing weekly from January-April in Port Aransas, Texas. Formed the Rockin’ Hill Gang in 2013 in Brainerd. Guitar, Vocals, Drums, Keyboard.

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• Adam Rees

  

  Lead Guitar - Jamming with talented players is one of my greatest joys over the past 35 years. I started out in my late teens playing rock and blues being influenced by artists such as Santana, BB King and Duane Allman. In my twenties my taste expanded to include jazz artists like Joe Pass, Pat Metheny, Jeff Beck, and Mike Stern. While I am not classically trained, I had the honor of seeing Andres Segovia at Boston Symphony Hall just before he passed on. I have incorporated acoustic nylon and steel string guitars with my main axe, a G & L stratocaster style electric, to vary tonal textures. I only use tube amps for the electrics and prefer minimal effects letting the guitar and amp dominate my tone. … See More pictures

• Jim Hanson

  

  Keyboards and Vocals - Bio to follow.. … See More pictures

• Joe Sullivan

  

  Keyboards and Saxophones - I've played piano and saxophone since I was 8 years old, and have been in a wide variety of jazz and rock bands, everything from classic jazz, to 70's rock, to jam bands, to acoustic. I love music and can't imagine it not being a part of my life. … See More pictures

• Tom Ortmeier

  

  Bass - Married father of 2 (one drummer, one vocalist), practicing pathologist, and owner/captain of a 27ft masthead sloop cruiser.

  Music background: I cut my chops on classic 70s rock, fusion, contemporary jazz of the 80s, and all-era prog rock. Eclectic tastes. Majorly influenced by Rush, Yes, Pat Metheney, Chick Corea, Jeff Lorber, Jethro Tull, and Zeppelin. Recently into Pearl Jam and all Daptone Records artists. Gear: MIM Fender Jazz, Rickenbacker 4003, 1980 G&L L-1000 fretless (my first great bass) with custom mods by Dean C in Maple Grove. Ampeg SVT cl with 8x10 fridge, Hartke 2x10 combo. … See More pictures

• John Jambor

  

  Percussion and Vocals - Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, I got my first drum set at the age of 15. Soon, I found myself playing with several South Bend groups including a local favorite, "Low Rent". As a 4 piece group we often played seven nights a week - hits from groups such as Chicago, Santana, Clapton and a variety of blues artists. Later, l spent 15 years playing with the group "Michiana." Moving to Minnesota for career and lifestyle brought new opportunities to play with several area musicians. I can also be found drumming and singing with area praise teams. Most recently, I'm finding myself blessed to play a variety of music with extremely talented musicians. " An evening with them is well spent." … See More pictures

• Jim Cervin

  

  Hammond Organ - Jim was asked to sit in on our CD recording session since Jim Hanson was in Texas for the winter. Mr. Cervin did an outstanding job providing just the right amount of that great Hammond organ sound that really rounded out the sound we were looking for on the CD tracks. I hope we can talk him into sitting in again some other time! … See More pictures

• Mike Owen

  

  Drums and percussion - Software engineer by day, and sometimes night! Married father of two, grandfather of two. Interests include flying small planes, sailing, robotics and inventing things.

  Music background: Played in North Dakota rock groups in the 70’s. Picked up a little country style drumming while playing in J.J. Huhta band. Drummer for contemporary music band at Lord Of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter, MN. Gear: Yamaha & Roland V-drums, Ludwig acoustic with Zildjian cymbals etc...

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