Touch of Class Band

J.D. Hill

Leader / Vocals / Timbales / Trombone

J.D. Hill is the founder and leader of The Touch Of Class Band. He is a dynamic front man with many years of experience putting together high energy show bands. J.D. has formal training in voice, percussion, and trombone. He contributes to the group's vocal and musical arrangements and is responsible for the incredible choreography. J.D. is certainly the man who puts and keeps it all together.

Peggy Dove

Vocals

Peggy Dove comes from a musical family and has several years of formal training in piano and voice. Her musical influences are varied across genres and time periods, but they include strong female vocalists such as Joss Stone and Alicia Keys. With experience performing throughout northern California, Peggy's classy presence, unique tone, and piercing high notes make her a valuable member of the TOC family. Peggy wholeheartedly agrees with Ella Fitzgerald: "The only thing better than singing is more singing!"

Shanai “Panther” Nealy

Vocals

Shanai Nealy (aka Panther) is a native Californian, born in Stockton and raised in San Jose. She attributes her love of music to her father, Michael Nealy, who influenced her at an early age with his soulful R&B rhythm guitar playing and singing. She is also greatly influenced by her church choir and brings with her those melodic gospel sounds. You can't miss the effortless blend of her sultry alto voice, the finesse and extra "touch of class" that Shanai brings to TOC.

Jeff Miller

Guitar

Jeff Miller bring many years of experience into the TOC mix. Growing up in Oakland, Jeff was influenced by bands like Tower of Power, Santana, John Lee Hooker, and Sly and the Family Stone. Carlos Santana's advice is to "play with your own signature," and Jeff truly takes that to heart. Jeff combines many different styles in his solos, including jazz, fusion, blues and rock phrasing. He believes that in addition to playing strong rhythms, a guitar, like the bass, has to "lock in" with the drums and give strong support to the vocalists.

Andre Van Lewis

Bass/Vocals

Andre's musical influences started way back in the 70's with such players as Larry Graham, Stanley Clarke, Louis Johnson and Jaco Pastorius. Since then he has played with Motown's "Temptations" as well as other local greats that include Ms Taylor P. Collins, Jackie Payne, The Blues Hall of Fame entertainer Alvin Draper, J.C. Smith's Back to Back Blues Band, Billy Davis Blues Band, C.P. Love, and Tony Johns's Street Lucy Project. Andre has a very smooth, funky, solid style of playing that definitely adds to the show and excitement of The Touch Of Class Band. Andre is also the leader and bassist of his own smooth jazz group "Just-AzZ"

Bobby Foster

Percussion

With over thirty years of experience, Bobby Foster is one of TOC's seasoned veterans. His musical influences include Tower of Power, George Duke, and Harvey Mason. Bobby's heart-felt back beats and high energy style make him a sought after drummer on the circuit today and a welcome addition to the Touch of Class family.

Willie Kelley

Keyboard / Background Vocals

Willie Kelley is originally from the East Coast, but he grew up on the West Coast. In the early seventies, he was exposed to blues, rock, R&B, jazz, and funk, and he has over 25 years of experience playing in various bands throughout the Bay Area. Willie has opened for such acts as Bobby Brown and Ron Isley and has played with members of Tower of Power and The Temptations, just to name a few. Willie loves to play music that makes people want to dance and groove, and believes music is a part of our spirit and culture no matter where we come from.

Ray Espinoza

Saxophone

Ray Espinoza brings over 35 years of sax playing to The Touch Of Class Band. A master of both tenor and baritone sax, Ray has been a musical director and has professional recording experience. His flowing tone and crisp staccato provide a rich sound, and his on stage experience makes him a substantial addition to TOC.

Fred Hoot

Trumpet

Fred Hoot's musical roots go back to the late 60s and 70s in the Philadelphia area covering blues, jazz, big band, classical, funk, avant-garde, and whatever other musical taste excited his palate. After moving to California in the 80s, Fred went back to his blues and jazz roots and became a fixture at local jam sessions. He played with many bands, including several years with the Madalyn Rose Blues Band and opening for Elvin Bishop at J.J.'s Blues Club venues. During recent years, Fred could be found guest starring with several great artists, including Kaye Bohler and her Blues and Jazz Bands. Fred adds a screaming top end to the TOC horn line.

Kevin Marcyes

Trumpet/Vocals

Kevin Marcyes was born and raised in San Jose. He started playing soul music in '66, and he has played funk and soul music ever since. Although Kevin has been involved with extensive studio work over the years, he prefers live performances and has played with several Bay Area bands. His influences and favorite groups are Tower of Power, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Earth, Wind & Fire and all the hot horn bands of the 70s and 80s. Kevin contributes background vocal harmonies while he also adds to the high energy stage presence of TOC. Prior to joining the group, Kevin always said, "There's no way people can come see this band and not be excited by their performance!"

Jerry Benjamin

Guitar/Bass/Vocals

Jerry Benjamin brings over 30 years of experience to TOC. He is a phenomenal guitarist and a recorded songwriter. Jerry has shared his talent as an instructor, producing students who have scored number one hits, platinum albums, and AMA awards. Jerry's soulful, jazzy guitar is a tremendous asset to The Touch Of Class Band.

Gene Renolds

Sound Technician/Trumpet

Gene Reynolds had been playing trumpet for over 25 years. He comes from a family of musicians with a wide variety of musical talents. Gene has performed with various Bay Area bands since the 70's. His knowledge of R&B/funk and Jazz helps bring TOC to a new level of sound. Gene works closely with our sound personnel to ensure every performance starts on time.

Member Profiles

J.D. Hill

Leader / Vocals / Timbales / Trombone

Peggy Dove

Vocals

Shanai “Panther” Nealy

Vocals

Jeff Miller

Guitar

Andre Van Lewis

Bass/Vocals

Bobby Foster

Percussion

Willie Kelley

Keyboard / Background Vocals

Ray Espinoza

Saxophone

Fred Hoot

Trumpet

Kevin Marcyes

Trumpet/Vocals

Jerry Benjamin

Guitar/Bass/Vocals

Gene Renolds

Sound Technician/Trumpet