Band
History
The Smokin' Section, based in
Tucson, Arizona, was founded by Joe "Nelly" Delauro
(Drums/Vocals) and Gary Roberts (Bass/Vocals) on New Year's
Day, January 1, 2004. Larry Hauer (Guitar/Vocals)
joined The Smoking Section in June of 2004. In May 2007,
Randy Prentice has taken on the guitar duties for the band. Our
success has been growing exponentially ever since we began. Come to
a gig and hear why!
Music and
Venues
The Smokin'
Section provide the highest quality funky, jazzy, bluesy, soulful
dance music for any occasion. The Smokin' Section quickly
established itself as a premier dance/listening band in the
Southwest area in a very short time. The Smokin' Section boast
steady, repeat bookings where ever they perform. They are booked
almost a year in advance in many locations.
The Smokin' Section perform, and have
performed at locations such as: Westward Look Resort (Lookout
Bar and Grille), Ventana Canyon Resort (Cascade Lounge), Casino of
the Sun, Stadium Grill, Risky Business, Famous Sam's, Montgomery's
Grill (Vail, Az) DoubleTree Hotel (Javelina Cantina), Sakura,
Benihana, Old Pueblo Grill, Frog and Firkin, Casino Del
Sol, Acacia at St. Philips, Weddings, Street Fairs, County
Fairs, Festivals, private parties and many other venues. Just
ask!
See our Event Calendar to view a
monthly calendar for our upcoming gig schedule. To view flyers for
special upcoming gigs check out our "Feature Gigs
"page.
Private Parties, Weddings,
Corporate Events and more
The Smokin'
Section are expert performers for private parties, weddings,
corporate and holiday events as well. Don't hesitate to
contact us! The Smokin' Section can take a typical party/event and
make it into a memory to last forever! Call or email for first
choice of availability. Remember, The Early Bird gets "The Smoking
Section!" Isn't that how the saying goes?
Band Member Bio's:
Joe "Nelly"
Delauro - Drums/Vocals
  
Joe has
been a performing musician for 40 years, has played and recorded
with a plethora of artists on both a local and national
level. Some of the nationally known artists he has performed
with are; Michael Martin Murphey (Wildfire), Jerry Jeff
Walker (Mr. Bojangles), David
Bromberg (renowned guitarist and session player
for Bob Dylan), Chris Daniels and The Kings with Al Kooper
(founder of Blood, Sweat & Tears), to name a few.
After residing around the Denver/Boulder Colorado
area for nearly thirty years, Joe "Nelly" now resides in
Tucson, AZ., and is the founder, drummer and vocal
director for the The Smoking Section. In addition to being
the ultimate groove drummer according to Gary Roberts, Smokin'
Section bass player, Joe has a voice that has been compared to
Michael McDonald (Doobie Brothers), Donald Fagen and Walter
Becker (Steely Dan) and Hall And Oates to name a few. Joe is one of
the few drummers you'll ever hear perform with a voice that
is laden with such rich texture, control, finesse, and
heart and soul. Joe is a must-see, must-listen! He is the
virtual *Engine Room* of The Smokin' Section Band. We don't call him
"Nelly" for nothin'! Whoooah Nelly! You just can't hold this
race horse back!
**************************************************************************
Gary
Roberts -
Bass/Vocals
  
Gary has been
performing since he was 15 years old. He majored in music theory and
performance throughout his college years on electric bass guitar and
stand-up bass. He cut his musical teeth as first bass chair in a
36-piece jazz band directed by Grant Wolf and Don Bothwell (from
Stan Kenton's Orchestra). Over the years, Gary has played and toured
professionally in a number of Funk/Jazz/Fusion/Rock/Pop/Top 40 and
Blues bands. Gary's bass inspirations are drawn from players like;
Jaco Pastorius, James Jamerson, Verdine White, Chris Squire, Kim
Stone, Jimmy Haslip, Victor Wooten, Brian Bromberg, Marcus Miller
and Stanley Clark to name a few. Gary lives for the Groove and nails
it to the floor!
Gary met Joe "Nelly" Delauro at a Local
Blues jam and together they co-founded The Smokin' Section in
January 2004. Gary also
performs front-man, soundman, WebMaster and
Newsletter Editor duties for the band. What a guy! Remember
those amusing anecdotes and attempts at levity that make you
wince when you read the "Smoke Signals" Email newsletter?
That's all Gary. Be Afraid. Very Afraid. Gary also prides
himself on his accomplishments with his second instrument;
... The Tip Jar! Feel free to Tip the band, Just don't Tip us Over!
<grins>
Gary is also an admitted "gear head" and loves to
talk shop, basses, bass amps, vintage gear, hi-end basses and more.
Check out Gary's page for more.
***************************************************************************
Randy
"Ice" Prentice -
Guitar/Vocals
 
Photo Courtesy of Az Daily
Star
Photo Courtesy of Jack
Dykinga
"Live" In Douglas, Az
Randy's guitar talent is legendary on the local
Tucson Scene. He has played with some of the finest, and most
respected bands in Tucson for over two decades! Randy
brings a level of musicianship to the Smoking Section that is
unsurpassed. Randy is also an admitted "tone snob" and demands the
best sounds from his Fender Strat, Vox AC30/AC10 and Marshall
amps.
**************************************************************************
Bookings: Call
Joe "Nelly" at (520) 400-2872 for rates and
availability. | 
