Charlene Blay
(vocals) has performed for 20 years. Her musical career began at the age
of 16 performing with various groups in Owensboro, Kentucky and the
tri-state area. Charlene left Owensboro in 1985 and moved to
Minneapolis, Minnesota where she continued to perform. Charlene’s next
move was to Tokyo, Japan where she performed at various clubs for 10
years. She returned to the United States where she performed in San
Francisco during the late 1990’s, before returning to Owensboro.
Charlene was instrumental in the founding of Charlene Blay and the 2nd
Edition.
Greg
Franzman
(drums/percussion/concertina)
was
first introduced to drums while living in Germany. As an “army brat” he
accompanied his father, who was part of an entertainment unit (DCFA),
booking various acts for NCO clubs and special events on base. Greg's
exposure to American & European jazz at an early age made a lasting
impression. Upon returning to the United States and settling in
Louisville, Kentucky, Greg began playing the drums at age 13, and at age
14 toured throughout the eastern part of the United States. After 10
years of road work performing country, rock, blues and jazz, Greg moved
to Owensboro, Kentucky and studied with Chicago's legendary jazz
drummer, Billy Lowes. Greg has toured with Capitol recording artist
Phillip Mitchell, Nashville’s (Hee Haw) Buck Trent, and Epic recording
artist Tommy Cash. He also performed with jazz saxophonist Everett
Hoffman & jazz guitarist Jack Brengle.
Sheri Landisman
(piano) began playing piano at the age of 6 years old. She studied piano
at the Mannes School of Music and the Juilliard School of Music, both in
New York City. She also studied acting at the American Academy of
Dramatic Arts in NYC. Sheri attended Stephen’s College in Columbia,
Missouri, on a Dimitri Metropoulos music scholarship, Sheri has
performed at Carnegie Hall in New York, and toured Europe
including performances with jazz greats Joe Farrell and George Benson.
Roy Carter (tenor/alto saxophone) attended the University of
Evansville Music Department. After that Roy went on the road playing
with R & B bands in Las Vegas and San Francisco. He worked with
keyboardist
John Carswell (formerly of Rare Earth) in a jazz group performing in
various clubs in New York City. After returning to Evansville Roy
continued to work with area groups including Blues 4 U, Michael Gough
Group, as well as other notable groups. He has also performed with the
Drifters, the Coasters, the Diamonds, and Chuck Berry.
