Bob Mervak

Bob Mervak has been an active member of the Detroit music community since 1997, and has worked with many of the musicians who embody its collective talent. He has worked with pianists Matt Michaels and Gary Schunk, bluesman Johnnie Bassett, Colton Weatherston, Chuck Brodsky, Grammy award-winner Tim Marks, Beth Stalker, Ben Sharkey, Liz Larin, and a host of others. He performs in various settings, has toured extensively, and is equally capable on stage and in the studio. He has led and developed the Bob Mervak Trio for 11 years and recently enjoyed working as a sideman for Brett Lucas and Thornetta Davis. Bob has been creative and artistic director of the St. Columban Concert Series in Birmingham, which showcases the finest talent in Detroit and beyond.

Takashi Iio

Bass

Takashi started out playing piano but switched to bass at fifteen when a group of friends needed a bass player. He progressed quickly and three years later he was selected to join the All-State High School Jazz Band which led to a full-talent scholarship to Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Takashi expanded his musicianship at Wayne State University to include the upright bass. He studied extensively with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s bassist Max Janowsky, Matt Michaels (arranger for Barbra Striesand) and Dan Pliskow (teacher of bass virtuoso Bob Hurst). He has shared the stage with such musical legends as Hank Jones, James Carter, Dwight Adams (trumpet player for Stevie Wonder), Steve Sigmund (music director for Ray Charles), Marcus Belgrave (Detroit trumpet legend), Mike Williams (lead trumpet player for the Count Basie Orchestra) and the late Mel Wanzo (trombone player for the Count Basie Orchestra).

He has also recorded with a host of other artists and groups, including Sony artist Sonia Lee, Bob Mervak, Damani Philips, Beth Stalker, Steve Wood, Joseph Hurst, Jelly Adams, Musica Mundi and many others. Some of his TV appearances include local News Channels in Detroit, Local LA News Channels, MSNBC with Mitch Albom, and the Ellen Degeneres Show.

His work with various groups incorporate several musical styles, ranging from Latin grooves, Motown, Country, Bluegrass, R&B, Blues and modern Top 40, to the more subdued and melodic sounds of Jazz and Classical.

Takashi was born in Chicago, IL, moved to California, Japan and spent most of his life in Detroit.

Adam James

Percussion

Adam James attended Michigan State University where he studied classical and hand percussion as well as drum set. He then went on to graduate Cum Laude from Wayne State University, earning a degree in Music Industry Management with an emphasis in musical performance.

Adam is known for his versatility, being a performer of everything from jazz and blues to rock-n-roll and musical theater. He has performed and/or recorded with Sony artist Sonia Lee, Frankie Ford, Stewart Francke, The Crystals, Kim Wilson, Lazy Lester, The Tokens, Doug Demming, Damani Phillips, Kroon, Bob Mervak, Beth Stalker, Tamara Bedricky and many others.

Adam has also been teaching private lessons and coaching drum lines since his junior year of high school and continues to have a ceaseless passion and commitment to music performance and education.