The Neverland Express

 


 

Mark Alexander Piano, Kayboards, Vocals
Steve Buslowe Bass Guitar, Vocals & Music Director
John Miceli Drums
Patti Russo Vocals
Kasim Sulton Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals
Pat Thrall Lead Guitar, Vocals
 
MARK ALEXANDER

Mark is one of the most respected and versatile musicans in the industry today! After recieving his degree in clasical piano from Syracuse University, he moved to New York City and quickly established himself with a number of well known bands and artists as diverse as Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul, Joe Cocker, Melisa Morgan, Nona Hendrix and Curtis Stigers recent debut tour which included 3 sold out shows at Wembley Staduim in London, featuring Eric Clapton, Elton John and Bonnie Raitt. Mark was also involved in the the remake of Nick Lowe´s recording of "Peace, Love and Understanding" for Whitney Houstons´s multi-platinum album, "The Bodyguard". In addition, he had the pleasure of recording with one of the greatest singers of our time, Darlene Love, on "Nobody Wants to Be Alone on Christmas", which was written for the box office hit "Home alone II". And among his many talents, Mark has produced and arranged theme songs for serveral feature films.
In 1989, Mark met Meat Loaf in a restaurant located in Manhattans´s Upper West Side. "We spoke for about 30 seconds, and as he was leaving, Meat Loaf turned towards me. shook my hand, and hired me right from the spot" Meat´s last words that day were, "See you on the tour bus!" He said this without hearing me play one solid note!" One week later, they embarked on a 2-1/2 year tour, playing over 300 shows in North America and Europe.

STEVE BUSLOWE

Steve Buslowe was one of those American kids who saw the beatles and the Rolling Stones on the "Ed Sullivan Show" and felt the earth move.
He picked up a bass guitar and, after long nights of practicing in mom´s basement, his band had their first number one local hit when he was age 16.
From there he played with various local bands, including one whose lead singer was an equally young Michael Bolton. He finally decided that there were enough mathematicians in the world and after graduating college he concentrated on his bass playing.
He joined Meat Loaf when the first touring band was formed in 1977 and became musical director in 1988.
In addition of 16 years touring worldwide with Meat, he has performed with such bands as Bonny Tylor and Flo & Eddie. As a New Yourk session player, Steve´s studio credits include numberr one hits with Bonnie Tylor and Air Supply,and recordings with Barbara Streisand, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Paul Stanley (of KISS) and Blackjack (Michael Bolton), among others. He has also played on commercials and soundtracks, such as "Street of Fire".
Steve can be heared on most Meat Loaf albums since Dead Ringer, including Midnight at the Lost and Found, Live at Webley, Hits out of Hell and, of course, Bat out of Hell II. He also played on Jim Steinman´s solo albums, Bad for Good and Pandora´s Box.
On the rare occasions when he can be found without a bass guitar around his neck, Steve is usually in his garden,trying to persuade his four dogs not to dig up the plants.

 

JOHN MICELI

Before joining Meat Loaf, John toured with Blue Oyster Cult on their 20th Anniversary 1990 National Tour, and with Marchello, on their 1989-90 National Debut Tour.
As the first band ever to record a video at MTV Studios, Marchello´s "First Love" premiered oh Headbanger´s Ball and went on the reach No. 7 on Dial-MTV. Their debut album, "Destiny" (CBS Associated) was hailed by Rock Magazine as a "definite winner, strongly supported by the efforts of John Miceli on drums".
Touted by New York Newsday as one of rock´s hardest hitting drummers, John´s musical accomplishments have been regogniced by the industry with endorsements for Zildjian Cymbals, Tana Drums and Vic Firth drumsticks.
John was also featured in an international print ad campaign for SONY cassete tapes, which appeared in Rolling Stone, People, Spin, Circus and US Magazine.
When he´s not touring, John teaches at the Long Island Drum Center, and has published two drum instrucion books featuring his unique double-bass style, Lead switch and Sticking In the Foot.


PATRICIA RUSSO

The newest member of the Neverland Express, Patricia das had a multi-facted career in music.
Although a relative newcomer to the "big scene", her versatility of styles as well as her ability to sing in other languages has kept her busy in demo and jingle work both here and abroad.
As a songwriter, she´s co-written and performed on a solo project, released in Japan to critical acclaim.
She´s also been fortunate enough to have worked with the likes of Nile Rodger and Dick Clark Productions.


KASIM SULTON

Between 1976 and 1986, Kasim Sulton co-wrote and produced nine Utopia albums. He was the sole composer and vocalist on their only Top 30 single, "Set Me Free", from the album Adventures In Utopia. His compositions and distinctive voice were increasingly featured througout Utopia`s albums and live performances.
Sulton´s first solo album, Kasim, was released on EMI in 1982. A successful solo tour on the east and west coasts followed.
In 1987 Sulton released Lights On, a collaborative album with drummer Thommy Price, on CBS Associated Records. Two videos were produced to accompany the LP; one of which was featured in the movie, The Allnighter.
As a session bassist and singer, Sulton has performed on numberous albums, most notably Meat Loaf`s Bat out of Hell, Rick Derringer`s Guitars and Woman, and Patti Smith`s Dream of Life. Sulton has appeared on albums by Jim Steinman, Tom Robinson, The Indigo Girls, Steve Stevens, Ronnie Spector, Johnny Hates Jazz, Shawn Cassidy, Steve Hillage and the Roadie soundtrack.
After Utopia`s final album, Trivia (1986), Sulton briefly played with Cheap Trick before joining Patty Smyth on her world tour. He can be seen in her video for Downtown Train.
In 1988 Sulton hooked up with Joan Jett, touring the world with the Blackhearts. He has sung and played bass on three on Jett`s LP`s including the platinum-selling "Up Your Alley". He appears in six videos including the Grammy nominated "I Hate Myself For Loving You".
Most recently, Sulton began touring with Hall & Oate, playing the up-right bass for the Unplugged Tour. This critically acclaimed tour recieved worldwide network and cable television coverage.


PAT THRALL

Guitarist Pat Thrall has long been known for his versatility and his track record reflect this.
In the 70`s Pat recorded with Steve Winwood and with his own band Automatic Man which in 1991 was voted one of the Best 20 Albums of All Time by the Los Angeles Times. That was followed by three albums with the Pat Traver`s Band, including the hit single, "Boom, Boom". Thrall was then voted "Best New Guitarist" by the readers of Guitar Player Magazine.
Thrall teamed up with ex-Deep Purple bass player and singer Glenn Hughes and in 1982 released "Hughes/Thrall" on Epic Records.
It`s influence is hailed by bands such as Whitesnake and guitarist Gary Moore.
The rest of the 80`s found Thrall playing with, among others, artists Sly & Robbie, Jack Bruce, and Littele Steven. In 1987 he wrote, produced and performed on the soundtrack to the film Dragnet `87, including a video with Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks.
In 1989 Thrall performed on Tina Turner`s multi-platium "Foreign Affair", including the signature guitar riff on the top ten single "The Best". The following three years he toured and recorded with Meat Loaf, Asia, and Curtis Stigers. He aslso performed on the soundtrack to the films The Bodyguard with Curtis Stigers and Home Alone II with Little Steven and members of the E Street Band.

 

Text / pics from tourbook "Back out of Hell II"


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