BALANCE ALLSTARS – BIO

The conditions were right for a new version of the Balance Allstars - right connections, right timing. Cincinnati singer/ songwriter Roger Yeardley, in addition to his solo and duo work, was playing bass part time in the Moxie Band with guitarist/ bassist Jim Lawson, when accomplished drummer/ songwriter Doug Perry called with an idea of playing together. Doug and Roger, friends from the local scene and both veterans of the High Street Rhythm Rockers blues band, had come close to playing together a couple of times. When the call came, Roger was doing duo work with folks like pedal steel player/ guitarist Jerry Hedge and Cammy award winning guitarist Steve Sigsbee, and thinking about the possibility of putting another band together. The phone call was the catalyst to bring all of these folks together, into a new version of the BALANCE ALLSTARS. Roger formed the first version of the band (named after his record label, Balance Productions) several years ago, with Cincinnati musicians like Chuck Davis (Circus of the Sun) and Benj Clarke (veteran local musician, now gigging in L.A.). The B.A. will have a core trio of Roger, Doug, and Jim, with folks like Jerry Hedge and Steve Sigsbee as a rotating 4^th player, and 5^th, 6^th, etc. players added for select gigs.

Doug Perry, known as the singing, songwriting drummer, led his own band (The Doug Perry Ensemble) for many years. He has played locally and regionally in many top name award winning bands. His music career has led him to perform on the same stage with Johnny Winter and Buddy Guy and has worked with Lonnie Mack's producer Jamie Webber. A great inspiration for Doug was meeting and talking at length with jazz great John McLaughlin on many occasions. Doug Perry has written and produced 4 CDs.

Jim Lawson spent much of the 80s playing guitar with No Brakes. He and his wife Donna got together in 1990 in Moxie & The Matchboys. In the 90s, he played drums with Eddie Cunningham and Prospect Hill, and string bass with the City Hall Renaissance Orchestra. Jim and Donna formed the Moxie Band and returned to music together in 2003.

Jerry Hedge is a multi-instrumentalist in demand in the Cincinnati area for his pedal steel and guitar playing abilities. Other projects include Kelly Thomas and Straw Boss.

Steve Sigsbee is a Cammy Award-winning guitarist who has played with many local acts, including Chris Collier, Hot Wax.

Roger Doug Jim Steve Jerry