The Band

Bruce Linde

Vocals, Bass

Slinky Thing frontman and lead vocalist/bassist Bruce Linde has worked with Rickie Lee Jones, Shawn Colvin, and Jai Uttal. He was thrilled and awestruck when he got to record an album in L.A with Steely Dan engineer Roger Nichols, who (teasingly) threatened to 'get Chuck in here to record your parts'. He has been in more recording studios than he can remember, and performed at venues ranging from local clubs to wineries to the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Karla Downey

Vocals, Percussion

Karla Downey is lead and back-up vocalist for Slinky Thing. She played drums and sang in the role of Roger Taylor for the Queen tribute, The Killer Queens; was the original drummer for Oakland's Prince tribute The Purple Ones; performed with Johnny Vegas and the High Rollers, Funky Little Shack, Dave’s Pattison’s Big Muddy; and in jazz vocal ensemble, Passatempo. She is also currently the drummer for Flock Of Seagirls - Ladies of the 80’s and vocalist for YES tribute, Shine Delirious.

Bill Sparks

Sax

Bill (not his real name) lives locally, used to have a day job, and plays in several bands. He's never owned a Steely Dan album and enjoys his anonymity. No photos please.

Brian Osborn

Guitar

Brian began playing guitar 40 years ago after trying piano and trombone... and ukelele! Inspired by players like Eric Clapton, Edward Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Alex Lifeson, Jeff Beck, Robben Ford, Eric Johnson, and Steve Lukather, Brian has performed, recorded, and written with various musicians and groups around the U.S. and Australia, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. To this day, Brian continues to love creating music with others.

Reid Whatley

Vocals, Drums

Reid Whatley was the original drummer for Slinky Thing and has returned now that he's paid his debt to society; the ankle bracelet does not seem to affect his playing. Reid has worked with Wrecking Crew alumni Hal Blaine and Steve Douglas, Peter Noone (Herman’s Hermits), and opened for George Jones. He has entertained consistently on Hornblower Cruises and Events in San Francisco since 1985, logging over 10,000 gigs and 100,000 miles sailing the SF Bay.

Neal Roston

Vocals, Keyboards

Neal began his musical explorations in Los Angeles at the age of five, on the piano. He started with classical piano but became increasingly influenced by rock n' roll and wanted to play like Elton John. Neal was also strongly influenced by jazz masters such as Keith Jarrett, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis and continues to hone his improvisational skills.

Barry Finnerty

Vocals, Guitar

Barry Finnerty is an American jazz guitarist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter, and arranger, known for his work touring and recording with Miles Davis, The Crusaders, and the Brecker Brothers. He has also worked with Hubert Laws, Billy Cobham, and Tower of Power, and became besties with Cookie Monster while conducting "C is for Cookie", for Sesame Street. We are thrilled to have him with us!

John Pritchard

Keyboards

John is a fabulous keyboardist who came to Slinky Thing from Nott The Hoople, a Mott The Hoople cover band. He handles arrangements and covers the many tasty keyboard touches that define the Steely Dan (and Slinky Thing!) sound.

Charlie & Jimi

Security

Charlie (think: Parker) and Jimi (think: Hendrix) handle security for the band, checking bags and instrument cases for drugs and/or treats. They also handle t-shirt sales.