ABOUT US
PHATBACK, EARL & ME! was originally created to commemorate the forming of bands at the now debunked Cafe Cordiale, where musicians gathered to spread their wings. As the band’s following continues to grow, they feel the importance to establish a unique, one of a kind identity. Featuring an all-star lineup of some of LA’s most respected musician-artists, the band is in constant evolution—fearlessly exploring new creative territory and delivering with precision and the right vibe every time.
"I WANTED TO PUT TOGETHER A BAND OF GREAT MUSICIANS PLAYING GREAT MUSIC." - HERMAN
SEAN HOLT
LEAD VOCALS
Sean is a singer/songwriter from Louisiana, and is Vice dean of Division of Contemporary Music at the university of southern california (usc).
He has performed with Carlos Santana, John Legend, Bruno Mars and Kenny Loggins.
GIA CIAMBOTTI
LEAD VOCALS
Gia first came to prominence in the late 1980s as a member of the band The Graces, with Charlotte Caffey and Meredith Brooks. She later joined Bruce Springsteen and the "Other Band" Tour. Since then she has worked as a session singer for artists such as Lucinda Williams, Natalie Cole, Chicago and others. Gia released her first solo album, Right As Rain. She is the daughter of bassist John Ciambotti.
DOUG PETTY
KEYBOARDS
pianist, arranger and composer living in Los Angeles. A top call session player, he has recorded and performed with Rihanna, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Enrique Iglesias, Tears for Fears, Roseanne Cash, Rufus Wainwright, Shawn Colvin, and the Backstreet Boys to name just a few. He has also been featured on the soundtracks of many successful movies scores including Call of the Wild, Moonrise Kingdom, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Happy Feet, Hancock, Horton Hears a Who, Mr. and Mrs. Smith and many others.
he was the musical director for recording artist and actress Katharine McPhee for over ten years.
He is currently the keyboard player with multi-platinum selling group, Tears For Fears.
JERVONNY COLLIER
BASS
JV Collier, Motown’s own. Born in Detroit, moved to Los Angeles and hit the ground running. He has worked with Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Pointer Sisters, The Temptations, the Emotions, Don Was to name a handful. He has been playing with Bruce Hornsby for the past 30 years.
JOHN SCHROEDER
GUITAR
John is based in Los Angeles, and works as a session player, composer and producer as well as being a Solo artist. He has worked with the legendary Frankie Valli, indie-rock band Pomplamoose, Steve Miller, RuPaul, and Marc Cohn. You will often see him in the house band on ABC's Dancing with the Stars and has released two solo guitar records as well as a multitude of music with longtime collaborator Ross Garren , sometimes as the Sheriffs of Schroedingham.
Bill 'Churchy' Churchville, a renown trumpet artist in the recording studios of Los Angeles and concert stages of the world, is in high demand as a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, composer and music producer for the television, film and music industries. He has performed with the legendary soul band, Tower of Power, Elton John, Al Green, Santana, Bruno Mars, Billy Joel, Joe Cocker, Sergio Mendes, Blood, Sweat & Tears. his precise, nuanced artistry has been featured in Hollywood's top films and television productions, as well as live performances with Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Bob Dylan, Prince, Tom Jones, Mavis Staples, Juanes, Jackson Brown and MANY others.
BILL CHURCHVILLE
TRUMPET
ED WYNNE
SAX / VOCALS
Born and raised in Oregon, and schooled in the night clubs of Los Angeles, Ed has made a living in the music business for more than 35 years. He has worked with The Doobie Bros., Boy George, Elton John, Al McKay, Keb’ Mo’, Paul Stanley, and has been featured in multiple television shows and movies.
JUSTIN KIRK
TROMBONE
Justin has toured or recorded with Snoop Dogg, Common, Joss Stone Steve miller, Korn, Booker T. Jones, Queen Latifah, Michael Buble, Gene Simmons, Jimmy Vaughn, and Faith Evans to name a few. He’s one powerhouse of a brass man, and has helped put the Phatback, Earl & Me! horn section into a class of their own.
HERMAN MATTHEWS
DRUMS / VOCALS
After some thirty plus years Herman Matthews has accomplished quite an impressive resume and has created a strong foundation for some of the industries finest. Kenny Loggins, Richard Marx, Tower Of Power, The Isley Bros., Kirk Whalum, George Duke, Bob James, Timothy B. Schmit, Tom Jones, Hugh Laurie, Greg Adams & East Bay Soul, Patty Austin, Chris Botti, James Ingram, Boney James, Steven Stills, Edger Winter, Luther Vandross, Celine Dion, Patty Austin, Sheryl Crow, “Baby Face” Edmonds, Robert Cray, Boz Scaggs, Chaka Khan, and CarolE King.
"Some people ask why a nine piece band? To cover all the parts!
I love female vocalistS, I love male vocalistS, I love a full rhythm section and I love horns…
that pretty much covers everything in a song."
- Herman
