ABOUT THE CRITICS

The Critics offer both male and female lead singers, a sizzling horn section, and an "I can feel it in my toes" rhythm section ... a combination that is sure to bring any crowd to its feet! The Critics play a wide variety of styles; R&B, Rock n' Roll, Soul, Reggae, Oldies, Pop, Standards, you name it ... The Critics play it! And they bring energy, humor, and fun to every show!

In the past year, The Critics have played over 100 weddings and private parties ... all to rave reviews. (Click here to read a few testimonials.)

The Party Never Stops!

Even when The Critics take a short break, the party doesn't stop. We're happy to provide your party with taped music to be played when the band takes a break. We have our own party/dance mix that includs all your favorites.

The Critics Are:

		Jim DeMauro - Trumpet/ Valve Trombone & Background Vocals Jim DeMauro started playing trumpet at the early age of 8 years old. He started performing professionally at the age of 19 with Syracuse vocal legend Ronnie Leigh in his band Alliance. His career also includes freelancing for many years as a side man with many well known national artists and a great number of local and regional bands. Along with playing trumpet, percussion and singing background vocals, Jim books and co-manages the Critics with lead vocalists Michael Houston. Musical influences include trumpet greats Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie, vocalist extraordinaire Al Jarreau and funk groups Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power to name a few.. A graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s and Masters degrees in Music Education he is a music educator in the Phoenix Central School district. Jim gives special thanks to his father who always supported his trumpet playing and "dragged me to those Saturday afternoon trumpet lessons." Jim resides in Syracuse NY, with his two children Christopher & Alena.
		Michael Houston - Lead and Background Vocals A 15-year veteran of the Syracuse music scene. His credits include being a five time performer at the Syracuse Jazz festival, a seven time performer at the Syracuse Juneteenth festival, opening act for Frankie Beverly and Maze, The S.O.S. band, Morris Day and Time, Cabo Frio, The Soul Survivors featuring Cornell Dupree and Les Mc Cann. Michael’s influences include: Marvin Gaye, Donnie Hathaway, Luther Vandross, Jeffery Osborne, Peabo Bryson, George Benson and Al Jarreau.
		Anjela Lynn - Lead & Background Vocals Bio coming soon.
		Ken Satterfield - Bass Ken started as a musician at an early age, first playing piano, organ and keyboards. Being influenced by the Motown Sound, he later moved to the bass after being drawn to the low supporting groove it offered. Some of his main influences and inspirations have been Nathan East, Marcus Miller, Chuck Rainey, Verdine White, Will Lee, Melvin Lee Davis and many others. He has played with various artists in the Central NY area both as a band member and also as a freelance bass player. Some of the groups and artists Ken has played with include; The Brass Menagerie, The Cat’s Pajamas, The Cortini Brothers, The Custom Taylor Band, Mark Macri, Streetcorner, Southbound, Acoustic Soul, Andy Rudy, “Picture This”- Huey Lewis tribute band and The Critics.
		Jacquis aka "JJ" - Drums The youngest member of The Critics, Jaquis better know as "JJ" – has been playing the drums for nearly his entire life. Just 21 years old- "JJ" has been hittin’ the skins for 16 years. The Syracuse native comes to The Critics from the Gospel scene where he has worked w/many well know gospel groups both locally and at the national level. You will be amazed when you hear this young man lay down the groove for The Critics!!!!
		Jeff Houston - Lead Guitar & Vocals A perfoming guitar player since his teens, Jeff has been a mainstay of the Central New York R&B and Gospel music scene, being featured in such diverse groups as The Gospel Cherubims, Fresh Air, and the The J Project Band. And now he's excited to join his brother Mike full-time with The Critcs.
		Kimo Cortini - Keyboards & Vocals Bio coming soon.
		Don Williams - Saxophones Don comes from the Binghamton area, where he played clarinet in the Vestal High School band. He went to SUNY Fredonia, and resided in Binghamton, playing with several local rock and jazz bands. Don moved to Syracuse, NY in 1993, and almost immediately joined Little Georgie and the Shuffling Hungarians. He considers the highlight of his stint with them to be playing the Brugge Blues Festival in Brugge, Belgium. Don has also played with Syracuse bands Centerpiece and Prime Time, Utica-area band Classified, and many other local artists. His favorite artists and biggest influences include Edgar Winter, Earth Wind and Fire, and Tower of Power.

OK, Now We're Just Bragging!

In the past years, The Critics were featured at venues such as:

The Critics have played live at:

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