PHILLY HEART AND SOUL
Meet The Band...
Sam first formed Philly Heart and Soul in 2010 after several years away from music. As Lead Guitarist, Sam brings a wide range of influences to the band, such as; Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix , Carlos Santana, Wes Montgomery, also influenced by Larry Carlton, Larry Coryell, Jack Zucker and Robert Conti.
After first picking up a guitar at age 12, Sam played in various bands in and around Philadelphia for many years and brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to the group. Sam has owned many different guitars over the years but he keeps coming back to his Custom Shop Nash Stratocaster, occasionally playing the 2008 Fender American Standard, both guitars will give that classic R&B vibe that Philly Heart and Soul is known for.
Sam Primavera
Although he studied classical piano from the age of eight, Johnny found his niche as a lead singer not long after playing his first gig at age twelve. After thirteen years of fronting and complimenting various bands in the Philadelphia area, Johnny also left music for a while to concentrate on other life needs.
In 2010 he heard once again from his long time friend and musical partner Sam Primavera and the two teamed up to begin what is turning out to be one of the hottest "do it all" entertainment sensations, Philly Heart and Soul. John brings the vocal talents of Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Lenny Williams, and many more to life with a broad vocal talent and range.
Johnny
Morrone
Derrick
Love
Derrick started playing bass in his teens, was influenced by his cousin Barry who was playing guitar in Church, Derrick found that he had a knack for playing the bass, some would call him a natural.
Derrick played with a number of Philadelphia bands through the years including the Taney Street Crew, As One, Apex, Time Out and Big Shout Out to Flight Crew Band.
Felicia
Felder
Born in San Antonio Texas, Felicia was born into a musical family. From as early as 5 years old Felicia has sung in choirs, musical productions, church events and plays. At the age of ten she started vocal lessons as well as attending acting school and modeling classes. At eleven she auditioned for a major music production company in Texas called Showbiz Kids. There she performed in productions such as Oliver, Annie, The Peanuts, The Sound of Music and many more. By high school Felicia was doing solo performances around the city as well as duo performances with her sister.
In college Felicia performed with local bands in Alabama and Georgia, recorded songs with local artist and sang in the Tuskegee University choir.
Since college Felicia as recorded with several major artist, sang background vocals for major artist in the Tri-State area and well as been lead singer in several bands.
In 2005 Felicia formed her own Management company, JNST MANAGEMENT, where she manages many Tri- state artists, manages musical productions and assist artist with artist development.
Louis “Lou” Beeks is one of the most in-demand keyboard players in the Tri-State area and his accomplished and versatile style adds so much to the sound of Philly Heart and Soul. A true veteran of the local music scene, Lou is noted for his professionalism and preparation.
Lou began taking piano lessons as a teenager and is now a well-rounded keyboardist. Lou has played with many of the area’s top dance bands including Exclusive Soul, Black Frost, and the Infinity band. Lou’s style has been influenced by many keyboardists, among them Herbie Hancock and Ramsey Lewis. Lou loves playing with Philly Heart and Soul and the feeling is mutual.
Lou
Beeks
Dom joined Philly Heart & Soul in 2016. A veteran of the Philly music scene, Dom provides a solid foundation for the Philly Heart & Soul rhythm section and helps drive the band through the wide variety of musical styles they play. Dom also enjoys contributing background vocals on many of the band's tight harmonies.
Drawing inspiration from scores of rock, funk, and jazz drummers as diverse as Ringo to Zigaboo to Buddy Rich and just too many to mention; Dom considers them all influences to his playing today.
Dom
Durbano
Dwayne
Williams
The youngest member of the band,Dwayne began playing clarinet at the age of fourteen but switched to saxophone at age sixteen. It was at this time that he began his formal education, enrolling at the Clef Club, and being tutored by the areas best saxophonists. By the age of seventeen, Dwayne started to gig regularly.
His main influences are Tower of Power, Gerry Mulligan and Michael Brecker. Dwayne has already established himself as one of the youngest top up and coming players in the Philadelphia area. Philly Heart and Soul are just so excited to have such a young and talented individual as part of the band.
Mark
Edmonds
Mark Edmonds began playing the trumpet professionally at the age of 17 when in 1975 he joined the WildFire band based in Philadelphia. As a member of WildFire, Mark got the opportunity to be on shows with such acts as Sister Sledge, the Trammps, B.T. Express, and Fat Larry's Band, to name a few. Since then he has played with some of Philly's top bands, including Don't Call Me Francis, Midnight Hour, and Big Ric and the Rollers. He has also played trumpet for the Drifters, the Blue Notes, and the Delphonics.
In addition, Mark has played with some of Philly's best wedding bands, including the Contagious Party Band. A true veteran of the Delaware Valley's music scene, Mark is noted for his beautiful tone and clean, crisp style and is still going strong after forty-plus years in the music business.
Frank
Taggert
Frank started playing the trombone at the age of thirteen when he enrolled at the esteemed Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. By the time he entered high school, Frank was playing first chair in the Overbrook Music Magnet program. After two years in Temple University's music program, Frank embarked on a world wide tour with Phillys own Stylistics.
Upon completing a four year stint with the Stylistics, Frank returned to the Philadelphia area to spend more time with his family. Since then, he has played with some of Phillys top party bands including Contagious,Corner Boys, Company and Rheel Menn just to name a few. Frank has been influenced by Jimmy Pankow of Chicago, Al Grey, JJ Johnson and Fred Wesley formerly with James Brown. Franks big sound adds to supply the bottom for the powerful Philly Heart and Soul horn section.
Allie D, educator, mother and wife by day, but when the sun goes down and the mic is plugged in the music comes alive. Allie is a veteran to the music scene having played with many bands in the tristate area for the past decade. Before singing in with Philly Heart and Soul, Allie has played with The Jersey Girls, Back At It, Twisted Charm and Shorty Long And The Jersey Horns.
Allie attended Montclair State University obtaining a bachelors degree in Theater and Dance and Early Childhood Education. She has her masters degree in Teaching and is currently working on an Adminstration certification from Arkansas State University. She has amazing family support for her music and her husband Dave and baby girl Dahlia are her biggest fans. This Jersey girl at heart is proud to begin a new musical journey as a member of Philly Heart and Soul.
ALLIE
"D"
