How We Got Together The horn section, Chuck Dalton, Jon Phillips and Phil King all felt there was a shortage of quality full-sounding horn bands in the Southeast area. They set about to hand pick a group of top players that all had the same mindset, talent and dedication.
17 SOUTH - Band Members
Chuck Dalton, co-leader and veteran Las Vegas Trumpeter, has performed for over 100 famous entertainers including Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Cher, Josh Groban, LeAnn Rimes, The Four Tops, The Temptations and many others.
Phil King, co-leader Trombonist has also performed with many top performers including Bob Hope, Doc Severinsen, Darius Rucker (Hootie & the Blowfish), The Dells and has toured with Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
Jon Phillips, saxophone and vocals, is a top regional talent having played with Little Anthony & The Imperials, Marshall Tucker, Darius Rucker, Para Ti and many more famous groups.
Fernando Rivas, keyboards, is one of the top pianists in both the Charleston and Miami areas, where he has performed with many top Latin bands. Fernando has won both Grammy and Emmy awards for his composition and playing on Sesame Street. He currently composes and produces the sound track for the Disney Channel's "Handy Manny" show.
Dudley Birch, lead singer,a very gifted vocalist from Barbados West Indies, has appeared on television and has had a Top Ten CD on the Rythm-n-Beach circuit. He has appeared in numerous productions in the Charleston area including the annual Spoleto Festival and Christmas Special. His vocal versatility and quality are 2nd to none and 17 SOUTH is very proud to have Dudley on board.
Mike Suggs, guitar, was an original member of Cameo recording artists The Dardendelles. Mike was also a regular member of Xanadu and popular Beach group The Rivieras (Beach Music Hall of Fame). Mike can "get down on it."
Tommy Garrett, drummer has played along side The Four Tops and was a member of the group Shanon & the 9th Row for over 15 yrs. He has played with numerous popular groups in the Charleston area.
Brian Reed, bassist, has played with many of the greats including Bob Hope and has toured with many Broadway musicals including "Cats" & "Chicago." Brian is a regular Piccolo Spoleto musician and is adept at both pop & jazz.