Slick

Jim Slick’s (yes, his real last name) musical background in Pennsylvania and New Jersey is quite extensive. Jim has performed with some of the biggest local bands (in the Lehigh Valley and New Jersey) back in the 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s and has opened for bands such as Boston, Zebra, and Nazareth, just to name a few. His largest gig was with his last band, Zuka (ASi Music), at the Meadowlands in New Jersey playing to 27,000 plus fans!

Zuka was a major project for the last eight years. The bands originals have been played in rotation on over 160 radio stations on the East coast. They were featured in many national and international music magazines as well as had press coverage from folks like Bob Ludwig (who did the mastering on our last CD) in which he stated Jim’s lead work was the highlight of the CD. Many folks at WZZO in Allentown were/are fans of Zuka and they have featured us many times on that station. Zuka was their guest at Musikfest three years in a row with The Bearman sitting just off to Jim’s side of the stage (always stage left) .. he liked good lead work as well!

Jim has also done a ton of studio work for people as a hired lead guitarist, pianist, and even played accordion on a few songs! He's worked with pro studio musicians out of Nashville, NYC, and Philly over the years.

Jim was classically trained on piano starting at the ripe old age of five. His passion for music drove him to learn different instruments, accordion (yes, accordion) and needless to say, guitar. Jim was accepted into Berkley as a junior in high school, but never ended up there due to family conflict. Inspired back in the 70’s by Buck Dharma of Blue Oyster Cult and Rick Emmett of Triumph, Jim quickly learned the styles of both masters and was playing in local bands the age 16. A whole lot of years later, he is burning up the fret board better than ever! ...did I mention he plays accordion!

Jim’s style is probably described as a mix of Satriani meets Montrose meets Dharma meets Emmett meets Lifeson meets Petrucci …… well, you get the idea. He’s pulled a myriad of styles from dozens of players that he is a fan of and made a style quite his own. His passion for the instrument continues to grow and he has a sick array of guitars and amps (as well as a baby grand piano in his living room!).

Terry

Originally from Bucks County, Terry Byrne got her start at an early age in musical theatre.  By 1980 she joined Bandstand U.S.A. performing a wide range of genres like pop, hillbilly, country, ragtime and 50’s rock n’ roll at many different venues including the NJ shores, Lily Langtry’s in Valley Forge and a summer celebration at Penns Landing.  Through the 80's, she continued to balance her two passions (acting and singing) between many theatrical productions including work with The Repertory Theatre of Bucks County (which became the Bristol Riverside Theatre) and several rock n’ roll bands until she settled down to start a family.  In the 90’s, she began studying acting in NY and Philadelphia and landed work with tons of production companies in commercial, print, radio and film.  This included a lead role in an independent film called “My Own Confession”.  She also continued with music working on jingles with composer/producer, Lou deLise (who’s composed for the Philly Pops and recently with Patti Labelle on “The Gospel according to Patti Labelle” and “Burn” by Spin.)  And as a featured singer with Fred Hall Orchestra performing in PA, NJ and DE which included the March of Dimes Gala at the Dupont Hotel before moving to this area in 2004.  She is absolutely thrilled to be a part of Hydra and rock n’ roll once again!     

Vic

Vick's percussion background in Northeast Pennsylvania is almost legendary. Having performed with some of the areas most well known rock bands throughout the 80's, it was only a matter of time until this drummer took the stage once again!

Schooled personally by one of the most respected names in local music, the late Ray Carbe, Sr., Vick quickly took to the drums. Unfortunately (or fortunately for that matter) music theory, notes, charts and technical terms just put the budding rocker to sleep. Not until he quit structured lessons and began playing by ear did Vick start to shine, eventually growing to be one of the areas top drummers.

After paying his dues in a myriad of basement projects, he formed Valhalla in the early 80's with some of the areas finest up and coming musicians. The 5 piece hard rock band quickly gained a tremendous following and with the talent and energy of the band, made its permanent mark in the local music scene.

Having found his niche, in the hard rock/heavy metal scene Vick went on to form the even more successful and well known late 80's hair band, Dirty Tryxx. Without a doubt, this band ruled the regional music scene at the time and had a devout following of fans. Playing steadily throughout the NEPA club scene, it was with the success of Dirty Tryxx, that Vick firmly carved his place as one of the hottest drummers in the region.

Fans of this rocker, will be thrilled to know, that as one of the founding members of Monsters Of Rock, Vick has returned from a nearly decade long hiatus. Getting the itch in early 2004, Vick began searching for like minded musicians to put together what clearly the regions ultimate 80's tribute band ...Monsters of Rock! 

Having this much time into playing has brought this musician full circle back to a star position in Hydra.

John