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| DIPLOMATS OF SOLID SOUND |
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| PROFILE |
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Move on up to the bandstand folks and get ready to behold the undeniable groove of the ambassadors of instrumental soul The Diplomats of Solid Sound. Tune into the hard stepping funky action of these dancefloor scientists.
Originally derived from the primordial ooze of Booker T and the MG's and the lounge surf of The Ventures the Diplomats armed with a handful of originals and a batch of choice covers played parties, opening slots, and small clubs.
Started in late 1998 as a side project for garage rockers The Bent Scepters Dustin Conner (bass), Doug Roberson (guitar), Jim Viner (drums), and original organist Pat White assembled the key components that would be used to attain the Diplomats trademark sound. A skintight rhythm section, simple but effective guitar figures and interstellar soulful organ.
After the demise of The Bent Scepters in Nov. of '99 the Diplomats tapped keyboardist extraordinare Nate "Count" Basinger to fill the organ void. A handful of rehearsals later the Diplomats found their sound had grown ten-fold. With the exceptional playing of the "Count" the Diplomats added to the potent mix elements of The Meters and James Brown funk, Blaxplotation soundscapes and classic blue note jazz groove.
Live sets include originals, classy standards, soul shouters, and laid back infectious grooves. They have shared the stage with acts like Southern Culture on the Skids, Jonathan Richman, The Delta 72, The Sadies, Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys, and The Woggles to name a few.
2006 INTRODUCES "THE DIPLOMETTES"
Shake a tail feather, baby! These three soul sistahs joined The Diplomats of Solid Sound in August 2006. Complete with dance moves, satisfying grooves and plenty o' sass, The Diplomettes are bringin' it up, gettin' down and keepin' soul alive. Look for their new album with the Diplomats, out soon!
Members include Sarah Cram, Kathy Ruestow and Abbie Sawyer, three Midwest girls who grew up singing.
"Three gifted soul sirens!"
-The Kansas City Star
RELATED BANDS
Fred Leslie's Missing Link
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DOUG ROBERSON
Joined Band: 1998
Role: electric guitar
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JIM VINER
Joined Band: 1998
Role: drums
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NATE BASINGER
Joined Band: 1999
Role: Hammond B3 organ
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DAVID BASINGER
Joined Band: 2005
Role: baritone saxophone
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EDDIE MCKINLEY
Joined Band: 2007
Role: tenor saxophone
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SARAH CRAM
Joined Band: 2006
Role: vocals
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KATHARINE RUESTOW
Joined Band: 2006
Role: vocals
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ABBIE SAWYER
Joined Band: 2006
Role: vocals
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| Former Members |
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DUSTIN CONNER
Years with Band: 1998-2005
Role: bass guitar
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PATRICK WHITE
Years with Band: 1998-99
Role: organ:hammond
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