The Band Started with Only Two
Leon Peek and Steve Horn have lived and played music in Denton longer than many of its musicians have been on this Earth. Both Leon and Steve have played with a number of young and old musicians and have experienced a wide variety of styles sharing many friends in common.
Attending gatherings over the years, playing in sessions with a list of regulars, forming and reforming bands, Leon and Steve have held positions with bands such as The New Potatoes, Swat the Flea and Tuberville. Both are members in other bands and sit in on occasion with a variety of groups in the area.
Leon and Steve shared so many stages together that their identity as a single unit emerged and demanded a name. They came up with a few names that nobody could ever seem to remember. The solution was to come up with a name that nobody could pronounce.
Many ask, “How does such a small band make such a big sound?” Steve does most of the melody. Leon does most of the rhythm. Each fills in the other’s gaps. In truth, it’s really only a reasonably big sound. There is a limit to the output of any ensemble, although for some it’s not much of an issue. The first rule we follow is avoiding doing it all, all of the time. This wears out the listener as well as the band and only raises the bar to a high plateau of boredom. The second rule is discreet use of the volume knob and a touch of reverb. A “talent” knob also helps if you can find it.
The obvious need for talent came with the addition of the following members:
Maristella Feustle joined Oui Bis in 2008.
Steve Prouty joined in 2009.
George Merritt joined in 2011.
Allison Kami joined in 2013.
Oui Bis has enjoyed the support of others, players who have joined with us from time to time. Here is a list of other kindly supporters of the Oui Bis cause:
- Andy Cooper
- Thad Bonduris
- Bach Norwood
- Don Tinker
- Allison Hicks
- Albert Alfonso