BIOS
LU
I've been singing since I was a child. I studied for 5 years with Karen Rassler of the University Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale and I am continuing my vocal training under the guidance of Carol Caselle. Carol, a former theatrical and pop singer has a Masters Degree in Voice from the University of Miami and currently teaches voice at the New World School of the Arts, Barry University and Florida Memorial University.
I have been playing piano since I was ten and I also play keyboards to supplement the Combo's sound.
Until 2001, I was solely devoted to my work as a Cantor with my Catholic Church, during which time I performed with many internationally renowned musicians, including members of the Florida Philharmonic and world-class chamber musicians.
In 2004, I won a singing competition on Majic 102.7 FM. I won a car and the opportunity to open for Frankie Valli in Miami. My first professional gig was negotiated at the final round of the contest when a group that heard me on one of the radio promotions hired me to sing for their annual banquet. Since then I’ve been performing as a self-contained act, I've been singing with a Big Band, and as part of a duo.
I've opened for Frankie Valli, I've been on the same bill with The Duprees, Joey Dee and the Starlighters, Gianni Russo, and Frankie Avalon, and I've also sung with Johnny Contardo of Sha Na Na.
This is how I got here: click here
ROBERT STEINBACK
Though I have devoted my professional career to journalism -- my 24 years with the Miami Herald included 12 years as a Metro columnist in Miami and four years as an Editorial columnist on the Opinions page -- singing has always been my passion. It started with my singing along with the radio and phonograph into an enormous 3M-Wollensak reel-to-reel tape recorder as a youngster on Long Island years ago. I've spent much of the last 15 years in hot pursuit of any open microphone I could find.
Lu and I first crossed paths several years ago, and we've sung together on a number of occasions since then. I would jump at every opportunity -- beyond her crystalline voice, Lu is the rare sort of gifted music theorist and stylist who injects dazzling creative energy into any song, no matter how many times you've heard it before and how well you thought you knew it.
During a performance at the Jazziz Bistro at the Seminole Hard Rock Cafe complex in Hollywood a few months ago, Lu invited me up on stage to sing a song with her band. Our collaboration has continued since, and now I'm both thrilled and honored to be singing alongside Lu and the fantastic musicians who accompany her.
I wrote my last column for the Herald in autumn 2006, and took a buyout from the newspaper in June 2008. While I expect my writing career to continue in some capacity, my primary plan now is to seize this opportunity to sing and grow with the Lu White Combo.
NEETA RANCOURT
I learned guitar at the age of 7 and began singing in church at 12. I have toured nationally for the Cartoon Network with Family Time providing children’s music for “parent and child” events. I was a vocalist in, Sounds of the Son, a Contemporary Christian Band and have performed in venues which included Mile High Stadium. I have worked with Tony in Sound Expressions, a local Contemporary Band. In addition to the Lu White Combo, I work as a music minister at a local church, as well as with the reknowned event band, Rhythm Desire.
DAVE MURI
I have loved music and performing since I was 10 years old. In 4th grade I started clarinet then in 8th grade guitar and piano. In 10th grade in Maryland I started playing bass guitar in a Chicago style band called "River". Throughout college I continued to study music and participated in various community and college orchestras as well as an easy listening group called "Genre". In the 90's I played bass in a local Florida group called "Simply Together" and guitar in a Christian Rock band called "Sounds of the Son". I've been a member of music ministries playing various instruments for the past 37 years. Today I still play clarinet, guitar, bass guitar (and recently flute), in my church's music ministry.
TONY RAO
I am a vocalist, musician, trumpeter, keyboardist, arranger, and music director. My musical career began at 12 singing Italian songs on stage in New Jersey. I then studied music theory, voice and trumpet. I was awarded a full college scholarship in music.
I have performed at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Bank Atlantic Center, Mile High Stadium, the Ritz Carlton and the Signature Grand. I have toured with the Gold Coast Opera Company. I have worked with a number of bands including the Lyn Moore Jazz Quartet, the Mark Turnbull Jazz Trio, Simply Together, Anawim, Sound Expressions, The Swingers Big Band, Stan Winters Big Band and Sounds of the Son. I have had leading roles in “West Side Story,” “Godspell,” “Guys and Dolls” and a cameo role in “Grease.”
In addition to working with Lu, I am a musical director for two local churches and I also work with international recording artist, Gabe Amato and his band, Rhythm Desire.
JIMI B
I was born in Manhattan and grew up in Brooklyn. I started playing drums after I first heard the Beatles – I was in the 4th grade ( I think). I enjoyed the local battle of the bands between all of the garage bands in the area. It gave you bragging rights and gigs at Friday night dances. I continued to develop my technique for playing drums and exposed myself to various styles of music.
I did some touring in the US, played cruises in Florida and generally have had a blast!
In 1980 I moved to Florida with my wife Eileen and have loved every minute of living here. What’s not to love- Warm sun., beautiful beaches, gorgeous ocean!
I became involved in the music ministry of my church, and have been doing it for quite some time now. I have met so many excellent musicians during my tenure there, which in fact is how I met Lu.
I feel very lucky to be associated with the Lu White Combo – playing the music of the 50’s & 60’s just gives you a warm, happy feeling and I love to see the joy and happiness on the faces of the people we play for.
I also play piano and guitar – anything to do with music and I am there.
I thank God for giving me something in my life that I am so passionate about- it makes my spirit soar!
