Common Time R&B Band
“Common Time” is an exciting 5-piece Rhythm and Blues Dance and Show band that plays with lots of feeling and is sure to move your soul!
The band name, “Common Time", is a fitting tribute to the driving R&B time signature, which is also part of their logo. Common Time is a 4/4 beat that R&B lovers will recognize, and “Common Time” does so well! Dance, sing along or just enjoy the show!
BAND MEMBERS
GARY GRAY
Lead Vocals
Gary became interested in music at the age of ten when walking down the street in his Neighborhood he saw a group of people playing on the back porch of a guitar player’s house. He asked if he could sing a song with them and the rest is history; they went on to form the group “The Fascinations” and performed all around St. Louis and Illinois. The band played every weekend until Gary finished High School, performing as opening act for many well-known musicians and in many clubs around St Louis and Gaslight Square.
During the mid-seventies, Gary became interested in theater performance at Washington University. In 1975, he moved to Chicago and got involved with Radio and Television Broadcasting. Gary has done many Films, TV shows, and Stage Plays, and performed in numerous nightclubs in Chicago until moving back to St. Louis in 1994. He also performed with Tenor Sax Player John Sherwin in 2003. Gary says it’s great to be back performing again with a group of dedicated and talented Musicians such as “Common Time!”
Howard Harris
Bass Guitar & Vocals
Yes, I really lucked out this time and a good band needed a bassist. Robert Becker, (keyboards) sent me a email saying, their bass player was leaving the band and moving to Florida, would you be interested in replacing him, and was I doing anything presently. My reply to him was , WHEN ? It did not take more than a couple of songs for everything to click, and we all looked at each other and we all said Yes, this will work . It is a pleasure to play music with five other professionals.
Some other professional musicians I have performed with include : Tony Orlando & Dawn -
The David Surkamp Band (Pavlov's Dog) - Dare-A-Licks - Red Flat - Rumours STL - Skywork - Group Therapy - Onyx Green - Charlie Faege - and Tricky Dogs -
Come give us a listen, and we hope you enjoy hearing the music as much as we enjoy making it .
Keyboard and Vocals
Mark Sacco
Mark began studying piano at the St. Louis Institute of Music in Clayton at the age of 10, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for music.
When in High School, he was referred to the working wedding reception band, “The Night Riders”. Later, the band changed their name, after new management, to “Brother Quick”.
After High School, Mark and his brother Steve played on Channel 9 with the Jim Manley Big Band.
With four younger brothers, he and his two oldest younger brothers, Steve and Scott, created a new band called “The Sacco Brothers Band”.
When Mark's family moved to O'Fallon, MO, he discovered he was able to start helping with church music. Later, becoming an ensemble director and eventually a Music Coordinator. One of the church groups he was part of formed a Praise and Worship band called “PrAz”. Mark continues to play and fill in for various churches around the St. Charles County area.
Mark is grateful to take over the keyboard responsibilities with this talented band after Robert relocated out of town.
DENNIS CLOW
Lead and Rhythm Guitar
Dennis began playing Alto Saxophone in the fifth grade and continued through his first year of college.
In the 70’s, Dennis worked with KBK Earth City Sound Studios playing guitar for one of their Nashville artists and doing studio work. He later played the metro east bar scene with a local band Lightnin’, and the Ramada Inn Circuit from Mississippi to Michigan with Disco/Soul bank P.B. Huff.
He has played wedding receptions across the entire metro area, worked with a country band, and given guitar lessons.
Most recently he has been studying piano and Jazz guitar.
Dennis is very excited to be playing with "Common Time" and hopes you all come out and share in the love and enjoyment of live music from some of the best musicians in St Louis!
BOB BALES
Drums, Percussion, and Vocals
Bob has been playing drums since grade
school. Through high school he played in several garage bands, and in his twenties played local night spots with St. Louis blues artist Marcel Strong. He continued his career with a local Country Band as well as a Christian Band, traveling the bi-state area playing Christian Contemporary Gospel and Contemporary Christian Rock Music. Bob furthered his studies at Drum Headquarters learning how to read charts as well as learning to play Jazz music. His favorite style of music continues to be Rhythm and Blues of the 60's and 70's. He is honored to be a part of “Common Time!”