Al has studied with many notable local teachers, such as Tom Billman, Kevin Soffera, Tony Nichols, and Gary Rissmiller since 1977. He has played with many bands throughout the Lehigh Valley and North Jersey since the early 80s.

Their genres included hard rock in bands such as Dr. Seuss and Rock Haven, the jazz sounds of the band Magic, the rockabilly country sounds of J.W. & the Honkey Tonk Buicks, and most recently (before joining up with Thom Palmer), Lehigh Valley's own Cross Cut Saw.

He has opened for Blues artist Michael Burkes and shared the stage with Kid Bangem, guitarist for the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Al was nominated in 2002 for "best drummer" at the Lehigh Valley music awards. Although he did not win, he claims it was great to be nominated by his respected peers.

He is a collector of vintage Gretsch, Ludwig, & Slingerland drums dating back to the 50's, many of which he uses professionally with The Thom Palmer band. (And, yes, he even has the "Gretsch" logo tattooed on his arm!!!). The strongest thing you'll see him ingest these days is a good cup of coffee, but he often reminds us that he once got high with Dr. Hook at DJ Bananas back in 1989.  When Al is not on a drum kit, you can usually find him behind the mixing board as he runs a live sound & light company, working for many local bands from NJ & PA as well as occasional national and regional acts, outdoor concerts, festivals & fairs.

Al's busy musical lifestyle does not leave too much time for other hobbies (except maybe taking a nap, which he claims he is quite good at...just ask Thom!!!) although that is just fine with him; drumming provides him with all the happiness one can handle.

Dana Gaynor is a lead/slide guitarist and entertainer par excellence. Well known among the best musicians in both the New York and San Francisco Bay areas, her work is respected internationally. The list of musicians she has performed with includes:

Vassar Clements, Dan Hicks,
John Cipollina (Quicksilver Messenger Service),
Keith and Donna Godcheaux (Grateful Dead),
Paul Smith (Bill Withers, Ike and Tina Turner),
Arkansas Larry Davis, Paul Oscher (Muddy Waters),
Deacon Jones and Jim Guyette (John Lee Hooker Band),
John Lee Hooker, Jackie Payne, Buddy Guy
Gary Smith, Don Preston (Leon Russell Band),
Buddy Miles, Tommy Castro, The Sheiks, The Ghosts,
Little John Chrisley, Killer in the Backseat,
Bobby Rondinelli (Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult)
Steve Kimock, Sarah Ayers, Donnie Meyers, Kerry Kearney, .

Studio credits include:  K&K studios - Staff musician for London records, session player at - Ultra-Sonic Studios, Kingdom Studios, Tewksberry Studios, The Record Plant, Rainbow Studios, Sound Doctor Studios, Star City Recording Studios.  I worked with a great many producers including: Robert Mersey (Jackie Wilson's Producer), K&K productions, Jeff Glixman (Producer of Kansas), and Don Cassales (The Rascals).

She has been a member of The Amazing Bluesmatics, The Blues Riders,  Killer in the Backseat, Explosive Joseph and a founding member the Boulevard Blues Band  ( for seven years the house band at JJ’s Blues Club, the biggest blues club in the S.F. Bay area at the time). She has appeared on the same bill with The Allman Brothers, Average White Band, Norton Buffalo, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, Roy Rogers, Vassar Clements, Link Wray,  Bad Finger, The Dinosaurs, Terry and the Pirates, and many, many others. Her exciting guitar work and irresistible smile make her an instantly accessible performer who is truly a joy to behold.

Dana Gaynor has written, produced and recorded five original CDs available on Euphoric Rebel Records which can be purchased from her website.