Sometimes called the greatest cover band in the history of music, the musicians
that back up Al are perfectionists in the fields. They're ability to
reproduce every note of the original artists they parody without ever seeing
the original sheet music is impressive on its own. However, these guys go
farther than just that. Steve Jay and Jim West have solo albums that only
hint at their full range of skills. Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz has had many
other side projects with other bands as well. The band has been together
since the early 80s and Ruben Valtierra joined in the early 90s. Each
member is a distiguished gentelman on their own, but when their forces combine
on stage or in the studio, it's an experience you won't soon forget.
STEVE JAY- Bass guitar and background vocals
Steve was born on January 26. He played in several bands before meeting up
with Al. In the book entitled "The Authorized Al" he let the readers know
that if he could trade places with anyone, he would pick the person in front of
him in the check out line. Read the
Spotlight: the Band section from the Midnight Star for some deep
insights. Steve currently is developing a solo career that you can follow
at www.StephenJay.com.
JON "BERMUDA" SCHWARTZ- Drums and percussion
Jon was born on August 18 and first met Al when they were both on the
Dr. Demento show on September 14, 1980. Al had brought the music to his new
song which was a parody of Queen's "Another Bites the Dust" entitled "Another
One Rides the Bus". Jon agreed to pound on Al's accordion case during the
song and he has been Al's drummer ever since. You've read this far, why not
see what's in Jon's section of Spotlight: the Band from
the Midnight Star. Today, in addition to drumming for Al, Bermuda maintains
the official web page for Al.
RUBEN VALTIERRA- Keyboards
Ruben is the newest member to band and while he has been a contribution since
1992, I don't have much information on him except that his birthday is on
December 26th. He's just as wacky-zany as the
rest of the guys. His addition to the
Spotlight: the Band again from the Midnight
Star can certainly not be overlooked.
JIM WEST- Guitars, banjo, mandolin, and background vocals
Jim was born just a week before Christmas "the year that birth was optional"
and played in a couple bands with Steve before hitching up with Al. His
favorite food is Rat-on-a-stick, or at least that's what he told the authors
of "The Authorized Al". His contributions to the Midnight Star
Spotlight: the Band have been most insightful.