Biography

II Big is on Russian River Records
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Contact:

Russian River Records
PO Box516
Talmage CA 95481

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


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 foursome 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 once guitarists and lead singers Aubrey Hansen and Indiana Slim joined, 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 four current members brings the passion and perfectionism of the other work in their lives to the incredible band chemistry. A stalwart in the construction business, Aubrey Hansen works as a concrete foreman. Derek Soderquist adds driving bass lines to give the rhythm section a solid kick in the lower end. Indiana Slim has played guitar alongside countless musical legends in his full-time professional career. Ken 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.

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.

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!

Derek Soderquist is the "silent Sam" of II BIG. Besides his well-well placed bass licks, his smooth harmonies balance the powerful vocals and help bring the lyrics of each number to the forefront.

Indiana Slim snagged his guitar snake oil juice directly from his cousin, Lonnie Mack. Fully accomplished in many musical styles from rock & roll, rock-a-billy, country and blues, he has rocked with such classic performers from Jerry Lee Lewis and Bo Diddley to Billy Idol and countless Blues Legends. He has grooved alongside numerous top bands including the Allman Brothers, the Outlaws, the Doobie Brothers, Leon Russell, and Johnny Winter.

Git Up and Go credits:

Lead & Backup Vocals: Aubrey Hansen, Indiana Slim, Tom Hansen
Guitars: Indiana Slim, Aubrey Hansen, Allen Sudduth, Tom Hansen
Bass: Derek Soderquist,
* Bass: Tony Saunders on “Waitin' on the River” “One by One” “Fire in the Hole”
Drums: Ken Ingels
Keyboards: Mike Emerson, Tom Hansen
Backup Vocals: Steve Barbieri, Margo LeDuc, Paulina Logan

Produced by Allen Sudduth & II Big
Associate Producer: Tony Saunders
Executive Producer: Ken Ingels
Recorded by Timin Murray
Mixed by Timin Murray & Allen Sudduth
Additional engineering: Jason D’Ottavio
Assistant engineering: Lincoln Andrews
design by Via Keller at www.psycherotica.com

Songwriting Credits:

Git Up & Go (Indiana Slim)
Gnawbone (Indiana Slim)
One By One* (Tom Hansen)
Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em (Indiana Slim)
Lonely (Aubrey Hansen)
Auburn Hair (Tom Hansen)
Road Man (Kaffinetti, Hutchinson, Byrom, Walker) 1997 Waitin’ On The River* (Tom Hansen)
Fire In The Hole* (Indiana Slim)
Blue Panther (Indiana Slim)
all songs © BMI, all rights reserved

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