Artist description 10 Piece Power House Band, 3 Peice Horn Section, Sybling Harmonies Right on Vocals

Music Style ska, new wave, and r&b classics.

Musical Influences English Beat -- The Specials -- Bob Marley -- Sam Cooke -- Stevie Wonder -- Van Morrison -- Heatwave -- Jimmy Cliff -- Latin and R&B Artists

Similar Artists Mighty Mighty Bosstones -- Hep Cats -- 3rd Wave Ska Bands with R&B Roots

Artist History The Confidentials were founded in Lincoln NE sometime during the mid 80's by college students who loved ska, new wave, and r&b classics. Guitarist Paul Durant the founding father of the group played mainly for friends. Soon they became known as an underground band in the Lincoln scene. In early October 1985 Steve Spurgeon, while taking a friend to a Confidential practice, landed the singing job while waiting for the other singer to show up. The band began to play more and finally got their first bar gig. In January 1986 Steve phones up brother Stan and asks him to replace him in The Confidentials while he is on the road playing baseball with the University. Stan makes the best of the opportunity and when Steve returns they agree to join forces. The band has played consistently since then.The group quickly became popular in both the Lincoln and Omaha scene and released a self -titled cassette in 1987 that became quite popular on campus. The early members were known for their togetherness. They would walk upon the stage in single file with everyone wearing The Confidentials dress code consisting of black suit, white shirt, white socks, and black shoes. On stage it was uncontrolled chaos that included every band member.In May of 1988 after a failed attempt to relocate, the band parted ways. The Spurgeon brothers, after a summer of thinking which direction to go, decided to regroup. After an attempt to pull the old band back together failed, the brothers went looking for musicians to put together a whole new band. One of the musicians who landed a job at this time is current guitarist James Eddy. The band was quickly welcomed back on the scene with great enthusiasm. In late 1990, the Confidentials released their second self-titled cassette, which featured 10 original songs.After several great write ups, critic choices and hot live shows; the band was ready to shop their material. The band did not fare well when being shopped to the music industry, but locally things were good. The band had also started to break other markets in the mid-west including Kansas City MO, Ames IA, Denver CO and Breckenridge CO.While the later versions of the Confidentials did not have the energy of the original members, the music that was being created and played was a fuller more mature sound. The brothers at this time took it upon themselves to keep up the energy and look that the original band brought to the table. This brought them more out front.The Dynamic Duo or Soul Time Two The Screamer and The Creamer they became a strong front line together. By 1992, the band released "wake up call" a 5 song EP. Featuring "Wake up in the USA'. By now people were listening to different types of music. Grunge became popular. Rap, hip-hop, Ska, while never in the front seat became passe'. The band kept playing spirited shows and kept a positive attitude. Current members like Mike Gallegos (bass) and Doug Ramsey (keys) began playing in the early 90's.In 1995 little sister Sonji joined the band. With the addition Of Sonji, it gave the band an even stronger front line and presence. Current drummer Bill Nanson joined later that year.In 1996, the band finds that their brand of r&b/ska is rising in popularity and releases "Going to a Party with The Confidentials". This album released in late 1997 continues to sell quite well regionally. The band continues to play for enthusiastic audiences throughout the Midwest .The Confidentials were recently, July 1998, named as a semifinalist in MUSICIAN MAGAZINES best unsigned band contest.

Group Members Stan Spurgeon: VocalsSteve Spurgeon: Vocals/TromboneJames Eddy: GuitarJeff Smejkal: KeysMake Gallegoes: BassBill Nanson: DrumsDarren Pettit: Tenor SaxMichael Pujado: PercussionLeon Adams: PianoChris Acker: TronboneCUrtis P.: TrumpetDavely Polson: Sax,Sonji Spurgeon - vocals; Doug RamseyKeys

Instruments Vocals, Gutair, Keyboard, Drums, Bass, Trombone, Trumpet, Sax

Albums Going To A Party

Additional Info STAN &STEVE SPURGEON "CONFIDENTIAL"

Location Omaha, Nebraska - USA

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