MIKE BRUCE (bass) — Although he is one of the younger members of the band, bass player Mike Bruce has 30 years of varied experience under his belt. Mike joined the group in 1992 and is the rhythm section leader. He started out playing in a group called "Kato and the Hornets" when he was 16. "I was the token white in an all-black group," Mike said. After that Mike played with several other local groups, then joined the Army, and when discharged he went to college studying computers. In the mid-1970's he went on the road with a show band and went back to school to get his degree in electrical engineering. Mike has also played with a bagpipe band, and with the touring bands of Jimmy Dorsey, Dick Jurgens and Sammy Kaye, as well as the Ink Spots and Four Aces. He has performed with a bluegrass band, country group and a Greek Band. He was playing in Illinois when fellow Big Band musician Jack Tartar invited him to come play with the Gateway City Big Band in 1992. "I like the structure and discipline this band requires," Mike said. He adds that the other groups did not require him to read music like the Big Band does. Mike's varied experiences add a deep dimension to his music and the band truly appreciates his skill. |
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