Primary Instrument: Band/ensemble/orchestra
Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings are a real 1920's and 30's style dance orchestra playing the original arrangements of the famous bands of the Jazz Age. Hearing the Rhythm Kings is like being transported to another time and place.
Composed of Michigan's finest musicians, the Rhythm Kings are one of few bands in the country that can truly claim to be the tops in their class. They have a devoted following of music lovers and dancers who line up every Sunday afternoon to hear and enjoy this wonderful music presented in the Rhythm King's unique fashion.
Far more than a footnote in history, the music performed by the Rhythm Kings is varied, exciting, beautiful and energetic. Early jazz masters Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, King Oliver, Benny Moten, Fletcher Henderson, as well as the lesser-known avant garde musicians of the period, especially reedman/composer/arranger “Fud” Livingston.
Grammy-nominated bandleader James Dapogny is the pianist and musical director of the group, bringing his knowledge, expertise and enormous music library. Sousaphonist and band manager Chris Smith is one of Michigan's leading brass players, and gives the Rhythm Kings authenticity and powerful drive with his buoyant bass sound. Other band members are stars in their own right, having toured nationally and internationally.
The band's current personnel is as follows: Paul Finkbeiner- trumpet Ingrid Racine- trumpet Gene Bartley- trombone Andrew Bishop- alto sax, clarinet Mike Jones- alto sax, clarinet Tom Bogardus- tenor sax, clarinet Steve Fentriss- drums, percussion Rod McDonald- guitar, banjo James Dapogny- piano, music director Chris Smith- tuba, band manager.
