Meet The Band
Bios & Info About the members
“We start our lives with blues . . . with music. It’s our first language. It’s the rhythm of the womb. It’s your mama’s heartbeat inside your head.”
Steve “Doc” Tucci
songwriter, guitar, vocals
Doc credits his New York City upbringing for his soulful urban performing and writing roots. When he migrated to Florida he was deeply affected by the Southern Rock style. Steve, shortly after his move, partnered with Bud Snyder (Production Manager for The Allman Brothers Band) forming Telstar Recording Studio in Sarasota. Several years ago Dangerous Dan Toler and Tucci created the Toler Tucci Band recording on the Hideaway Music label. Following Dan’s passing Larry McCray stepped in and recorded the Olivia CD with the Tucci Band. Now come “The Tucci Project” which will continue the musical journey blending rock, blues and funk. The band members are all veterans and have played and written professionally for years.
Al Owen
songwriter, guitar, vocals
Al started playing his first guitar in 4th grade in Kansas. His father was a missionary and allowed Al to play only Christian music, so he played with the church to begin with. He writes original music and has been writing since his youth. Rick Derringer sang some of his songs. He has played with so many wonderful artists such as: Bain Beakley, Toler/Tucci Band, Dickie Betts, Larry Crane (from John Mellencamp), Bruce Waible (bass guitar Gregg Allman Band), Pat MacDonald (drummer for Charlie Daniels Band), just to name a few. He was with Soul Purpose, an original Reggae band. He co-wrote the show for Decades Rewind in Studio G where he is now producing. He and Steve are writing new music together for The Tucci Project.
Mike Tucci
drummer
Mike Tucci keeps the beat! He started playing seriously in 2005. Played with Danny Toler for 3-4 years. Mike has had the honor of playing with many notable musicians. Mike has a very full life: music, children, sales rep, Firefighter/EMT volunteer, USPTA tennis professional, avid fisherman, and SWAT challenges. He is excited to be part of The Tucci Project!
Don Richards
keyboard, vocals, songwriter
Don Richards started playing when he was 5 with piano lessons. He played professionally at 23 in a jazz band in Palm Beach County (Clay Cropper and the Maxima Show Band). Don left music for a long time and worked construction and then became a police officer. After 30 years he decided (on a whim) to buy a keyboard and played around with it until he got really good. Don was back in the music business! He’s been with Steve Tucci for 16 years and is looking forward to the new adventure!
Gregg Voorhees
bass, vocals
Gregg started playing string bass at 10 years old and played for the Chicago Youth Symphony in high school where he grew up. He played in a band at 13 with older guys and helped start a soul band called The Human Race. He moved down to Florida in the late 70’s and knew Dan Toler; played together with him in the Gregg Allman Band. Gregg plays with many musicians in this area. He started playing with Tucci just recently and is looking forward to touring with The Tucci Project.
Chaz Trippy
percussion
Chaz started playing in 1977 and was fortunate to study Congas for 3 years under the late Ramon Lopez. He played with the Gregg Allman Band from 1981-89. He’s been playing with Gumbo Boogie here in Sarasota for 23 years and sits in on all kinds of bands around the Suncoast. He’s played with Steve Tucci off and on for 7 years and is excited to help with The Tucci Project.
Larry McCray
vocals, guitar, songwriter
Larry got started in his late 20’s balancing work and playing gigs when he could until 1988 when he went full time with the music. He was the first to sign with Virgin Records’ PointBlank label. Larry has played with B.B. King, Freddie King, and Albert King. He has recorded 8 albums and has won the Orville H. Gibson Male Blues Guitarist of the Year award. Even though he comes from the Blues he also loves Rock and Roll. He will play with The Tucci Project as an alternate.
