the hollywood allstars

Biography

The Hollywood Allstars are a dynamic supergroup formed by Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and keyboardist Steve Gaspár, who envisioned a band that would celebrate and preserve the classic 'Horn Band – Hammond Organ' sound. Based in the United States, the group brings together elite musicians who have performed and recorded with some of the most legendary names in rock, soul, and R&B, including The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Blood Sweat & Tears, Tower of Power, and The Blues Brothers. Their performances are known for energetic arrangements that blend original material with iconic songs from the 1960s through the 1980s, as well as contemporary classics.

The band's lineup features Steve Gaspár on Hammond organ and piano, guitarist Andy Abel, drummer Lee Finkelstein (of The Original Blues Brothers Band), and vocalist Tommy Bowes (former lead singer of Tower of Power and Blood Sweat & Tears). Other notable members include vocalist Chevy Chevis, who has sung with Beyoncé, Madonna, Ariana Grande, Adele, and Jennifer Lopez, and the Uptown Horns, a renowned horn section. Their debut EP, 'Field of Grace,' showcases both their original songwriting and their reverence for the rich traditions of American rock and R&B. The Hollywood Allstars' live shows are celebrated for their musicianship, high-energy performances, and the unique chemistry of seasoned artists coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

The band has become known for its ability to bridge generations of music lovers, offering a 'chronological journey' through the history of rock and soul while introducing new material that honors the genre's roots. Their commitment to the big band sound and live instrumentation has earned them a devoted following among fans of classic rock, R&B, and horn-driven music.

Fun Facts

  • Steve Gaspár, the band's founder, is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and has performed with legends like James Brown, B.B. King, and Edgar Winter.
  • Vocalist Chevy Chevis has sung backup for Beyoncé, Madonna, Ariana Grande, Adele, and Jennifer Lopez.
  • Drummer Lee Finkelstein is also a member of The Original Blues Brothers Band and has worked with jazz guitarist John Tropea.
  • The band’s live shows often feature unique arrangements of classic songs alongside their originals, taking audiences on a musical journey from the Woodstock era to modern hits.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • James Brown - Steve Gaspár performed with James Brown, whose style and showmanship influenced the band's approach to live performance and arrangements. (Live performances) [Prior to founding The Hollywood Allstars]
  • B.B. King - Steve Gaspár played with B.B. King, drawing inspiration from his blues legacy. (Live performances) [Prior to founding The Hollywood Allstars]

Key Collaborators

  • Andy Abel - Guitarist and co-producer of the band's EP, also chief recording and mastering engineer. (Field of Grace (EP)) [2010s–present]
  • Lee Finkelstein - Drummer, also a member of The Original Blues Brothers Band. (Live performances, Field of Grace (EP)) [2010s–present]
  • Tommy Bowes - Lead vocalist, formerly with Tower of Power and Blood Sweat & Tears. (Field of Grace (EP), live shows) [2010s–present]
  • Chevy Chevis - Vocalist, background singer for major pop and R&B artists. (Live performances) [2010s–present]
  • The Uptown Horns - Horn section performing with the band. (Live performances) [2010s–present]

Artists Influenced

  • Regional horn bands and tribute acts - The Hollywood Allstars' commitment to live horn-driven music has inspired local and regional acts to keep the big band sound alive. (Live performances, tribute shows) [2010s–present]

Connection Network

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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
The 1980s 2005 Album
Hard Hitting Blues from Memphis 2000-01-01 Album
Hard Hitting Blues From Memphis 1987-01-01 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Long Way From Home (Memphis Blues Bands And Singers: The 1980's)
  2. Mary Jo (Memphis Blues Bands And Singers: The 1980's)
  3. When The Saints Go Marching In (Memphis Blues Bands And Singers: The 1980's)
  4. Dirty Work Going On (Memphis Blues Bands And Singers: The 1980's)
  5. Long Way from Home (Memphis Blues Bands and Singers: The 1980s)
  6. Mary Jo (Memphis Blues Bands and Singers: The 1980s)
  7. When the Saints Go Marching In (Memphis Blues Bands and Singers: The 1980s)
  8. Dirty Work Going On (Memphis Blues Bands and Singers: The 1980s)
  9. Making A Change (Hard Hitting Blues From Memphis)
  10. I'm Tore Down (Hard Hitting Blues From Memphis)

References

  1. thehollywoodallstars.net
  2. fanbasemusicmag.com
  3. 27east.com
  4. dekoentertainment.com

Heard on WWOZ

the hollywood allstars has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Nov 3, 202514:01ben wilson shufflefrom hard hitting blues from memphisBlues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe