Biography

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Contact:

Russian River Records
PO Box516
Talmage CA 95481

Ken Ingels
ingels1151@gmail.com
(707) 367-1853

Brand New Classic Rock!

A mainstay on the Northern California music scene since 1994, II BIG has been through various personnel changes over the years, but the original vision of founder and drummer Ken Ingels has never wavered—these guys come to rock!

Whether they’re playing a smoky little bar in their hometown of Ukiah or before 5,000 opening for legendary rockers in the outdoor theatre of Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa in Kelseyville, the dynamic fivesome puts on a show worthy of their status as regional legends. Over the course of hundreds of gigs, II BIG has opened for a veritable who’s who of classic rock: Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult, Loverboy, Grand Funk Railroad, Joe Walsh, REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent, Jeff Healy, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Styx.

The vibe was more AC/DC and Van Halen-like in the early days with the original members, but since the Hansen Brothers, singer and guitarist Aubrey and keyboardist, guitarist and co-lead vocalist Tom, joined in the early 2000s, II BIG has drawn crowds from miles around to hear a sound that Aubrey calls “Brand New Classic Rock.” The band is huge on the festival, fair and rodeo circuit, playing everywhere from the Bay Area to Reno and Eureka, where they recently played the Live at the Boardwalk series.

“Although our audience seems to be made up of people of all ages, we’re most popular with those folks who grew up with the sounds of classic Eagles, Bob Seger and ZZ Top,” says Ingels. “When we play live, we mix in some covers with our originals, anything from Jim Croce to Eddie Money and Marshall Tucker, but whatever we’re doing, Aubrey puts a boogie on everything he plays. We’re always out there having a blast.”

Each of the five current members of brings the passion and perfectionism of the other work in their lives to the incredible band chemistry. The Hansen Brothers are both stalwarts in the construction business, Aubrey a concrete foreman and Tom a sheetrock texture finisher. Guitarist and vocalist Vince Knight is a grocery store owner and entrepreneur, while bassist Roger Vance is a full time musician who worked with Eddie Money for over 12 years. Ingels runs a vineyard business and also works with some of the region’s top musicians at his Russian River Studios; he formed the label Russian River Records in 1994 with David Raitt, brother of legendary singer Bonnie Raitt.

“Each individual member of is truly an artist in his own right,” says Ingels. “Their other specialties in life tie in perfectly with the artistry they bring to the band. But music is truly our sanctuary, and when we’re not out playing, we’re enjoying the creative energy we create in the studio. It’s just very enjoyable hanging out with these guys. When we say it’s ‘Brand New Classic Rock,’ essentially it’s about carrying forward the rich legacy of that classic sound everyone knows and loves.”

Aubrey Hansen stands up front with his solid guitar playing and soulful vocals that can bring tears to your eyes, as well as make you get up and dance—transferring the heart of any tune right to the listener's soul.

Tom Hansen, keyboards/vocals, has performed since he was 15. He adds years of professional talent and emotional feeling to the sound of II BIG.

Ken Ingels' drumming provides a solid rhythmic foundation for II BIG's sound with a style reminiscent of John Bonham. Drummers of this caliber are one in a million!

Vince Knight, rhythm guitar/vocals, has performed for many years. His guitar playing talent provides a solid rhythmic foundation for II BIG and his harmony singing adds the full vocal sound to the band.

Roger Vance brings 35 years experience on both electric and upright bass to the II BIG sound. He's played with dozens of big name musicians, touring extensvely through the US, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean...and is here to take any listener on a very good ride.

Guest Musicians:

Tony Saunders - bass
Allen Sudduth - guitar
Mike Emerson - organ, keyboards
Jillienn Hansen - background vocals, Wooden Ships
Alfreda Lyons Campbell - background vocals
Ben Sudduth - cello, Face in the Glass
Jamie Hawkins - strings, Face in the Glass
Philip Gallo - piano, Face in the Glass

Produced By Tony Saunders
Recorded and Mixed by Timin Murray and Tony Saunders
Recorded and Mixed at Russian River Studios Ukiah, Ca
Additional recording at Philip Rosco Gallo Productions SF, CA
Face in the Glass Remixed by Philip Gallo and Tony Saunders
Mastered by Brian Gardner
Face in the Glass re-mastered by Philip Gallo

all songs © copyright 2007, all rights reserved

jacket design by Via Keller at www.psycherotica.com
cover idea by II Big
photography by Debbie Escaip, In Focus Photos

1. Thunder Road 4:37 - Tom Hansen Russian River Studio and Vineyard Publishing BMI
2. Katrina 3:28 - Aubrey Hansen, Alfreda Lyons-Campbell, Tony Saunders Russian River Studio and Vineyard Publishing BMI La Porte Avenue Music BMI Freda's Publishing Company BMI
3. Wooden Ships 5:17 - David Crosby, Paul Kanter, Stephen Stills Gold Hill music BMI Icebag Corp BMI Stay Straight Music BMI
4. Face in the Glass 4:24 - Tom Hansen Russian River Studio and Vineyard Publishing BMI
5. Mountain Girl 2:49 - Aubrey Hansen, Tom Hansen, Ken Ingels Russian River Studio and Vineyard Publishing BMI
6. Hey Girl 4:03 - Aubrey Hansen, Tom Hansen, Ken Ingels Russian River Studio and Vineyard Publishing BMI
7. Vegas 4:24 - Aubrey Hansen Russian River Studio and Vineyard Publishing BMI
8. Buzzard Luck 3:15 - Tom Hansen Russian River Studio and Vineyard Publishing BMI
9. Pack of Wolves 4:44 - Aubrey Hansen, Tom Hansen, Ken Ingels Russian River Studio and Vineyard Publishing BMI
10. II BIG 3:24 - Aubrey Hansen Russian River Studio and Vineyard Publishing BMI

Tony Saunders appears courtesy of About Records Produced By Tony Saunders

Be sure and check out the complete II Big discography in the column to the left!