Meet the band
Andrea Chard Tursi
Lead Vocals
Andrea Chard Tursi, a vocalist, resides in Somers Point, New Jersey. Born into a highly musical family, she has been performing as a vocalist in jazz, rock, classical, and liturgical music settings since childhood. Andrea’s natural ear for harmony drove her to seek out opportunities where she can perform not only lead vocals but harmonization, too. Andrea gets her inspiration from a wide variety of music genres, especially musical groups who sing three- and four-part harmonies, such as the Eagles, Beach Boys, Manhattan Transfer, and classic R & B, and she has a special appreciation for contemporary choral composer John Rutter. Andrea is currently performing with Dr. T. and the Crowd Pleasers in the southern and central New Jersey areas, and she volunteers monthly at the Glassboro VFW performing with other local musicians to raise money for veteran services.
Tom Angello
Drummer
Tom Angello is an accomplished jazz and rock drummer, band leader, and world-class musician. Tom Angello has performed throughout the tri-state area and Europe for many years. Tom has been performing with many local and regional top jazz and rock artists. He currently produces and performs and leads the All Star Jazz Series of South Jersey, which has received rave reviews from jazz critics.
JETT BLAQ
Lead Vocals
JETT BLAQ has performed for former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Former Mayor of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania’s Former Governor, Ed Rendell.
JETT BLAQ has released a dance CD titled “Y Don’t Cha” and a gospel CD titled “Healing and the Feeling”.
JETT BLAQ was performing with the Red Alert Band when they were awarded Best Band in the Wilmington, DE area.
Gary Triplo
Piano
Gary Triplo (Dr. T. Ph.D.) began his music career at 10 years old with the accordion. “The accordion, a challenging instrument for the left hand, has played a fundamental role in the development of my left hand, since I play the bass lines both in jazz and pop music.”
Gary then added the piano, studying with Frank Stagnitta, renowned jazz pianist who worked with Chet Baker, Jimmy Heath, Eddie Lopez and others. Upon purchasing a Hammond B3 organ, Gary began a career of playing both jazz and pop music.
Eventually, Gary purchased a Korg Kronos, which he plays exclusively in Dr. T. and the Crowd Pleasers. “The Korg has an incredible selection of bass sounds, funk, slap, Fender fretless, upright, etc. as well as over 2,000 sounds for the right hand. This allows me to create a “wall of sound” not possible with other keyboards.
The Crowd Pleasers live up to their title with a vast array of music, from the 60’s up until present day.
Robert Budesa
Guitarist
Robert Budesa is an extraordinary Guitarist, Vocalist, and Composer. He has performed and recorded with Jazz legends Jimmy Heath, Georgie Young, Billy Paul, Papa John DeFrancesco, Bootsy Barnes, Larry Mckenna, and Bobby Durham. He is one of the most versatile guitarists on the music scene being fluent in Jazz, Blues Rock, Classical R&B, and Soul. Robert has been featured on NPR Radio’s “American Routes” and has been a regular with the Philly Pops Orchestra.
Video clips
Sound Clips
Higher Ground
Get Ready
Heat Wave
Hit me with your best shot
Hot Stuff
Cake By the Ocean
about the band
Dr. T. and the Crowd Pleasers is a five piece group consisting of two female vocalists, a guitar player, a drummer and Dr. T. on the Korg Kronos keyboard. The band plays songs from the 60’s up until the present.
There are many genres in which the band can play: soul, funk, blues, classic rock, country rock, country and jazz. Our one vocalist Andrea covers the classic rock, country and country rock and blues, and our other vocalist Deborah covers the soul, funk and blues aspect. Robert, the guitar player, covers primarily classic rock.
Every member of the band has at least 35 years of musical experience and a very solid jazz and popular music background. Dr. T. and his group perform in both clubs and private events.
We are a very entertaining and musically adept ensemble, one that never fails to please the crowd.
