A.J. Johnson and Why Not
A. J. Johnson and WHY NOT
Six seasoned musicians bring their many years of experience and love of music together in the band WHY NOT. The band performs an extensive variety of blues and rhythm & blues music, with a memorable presentation. With its wide dynamic range, powerful lead vocals, harmonies, and entertaining performance style, WHY NOT gets its audiences up and dancing. WHY NOT consists of six exciting performers, four of whom have performed together for more than 15 years, combining traditional blues instrumentation of guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and saxophone, with its lead singer’s rhythmic percussion playing.
Bryan Bos, the band’s outstanding saxophone player, was raised in Edmond, Oklahoma, and attended Edmond North High School. As you will see, Bryan adds some whimsy to his performance, by being the only local saxophone player, perhaps the only saxophone player, to play both tenor and alto sax at the same time. Bryan was voted as Oklahoma’s best saxophone player one year, and Bryan’s skills, expression, and entertaining style have continued to develop and flourish over the many years he has performed music. Bryan played for approximately 14 years with the region’s popular Brownston Blues Band, and now brings his talents to the forefront with WHY NOT. Bryan has performed at numerous festivals, and has opened shows for many famous Blues artists, including B.B. King, Albert King, Albert Collins, and Koko Taylor. Bryan has also used his good ear to run sound for Tony Bennett’s band. Bryan’s favorite musical moment, though, was when he received a hug from Ray Charles. As Bryan says: “We like to have fun.” You will also have fun, whenever you see WHY NOT perform.
A.J. Johnson, WHY NOT’s lead vocalist and percussionist, shares his exceptional talents with his fellow musicians and his audiences. With his obvious love of performing, solid rhythm, outstanding vocal range and control, and spellbinding, powerful vocals, A.J. gives of himself to his audience. Hailing from Oklahoma, A.J. has played and sung music for over twenty years, and when you hear him perform, you will hope that he continues to favor folks with his music for many more years to come. From soulful songs to foot stomping blues, A.J.’s talents emanate from the stage. A.J. says: “I like playing blues and having fun.” When you see and hear him perform, you’ll know he means what he says.
Al Garcia, WHY NOT’s dynamic, rhythmic drummer, is another stalwart on the Oklahoma blues scene. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Al has shared his musical talents with numerous audiences throughout his many years of performing. Al performed for years with three other members of WHY NOT, touring extensively in the region. They have combined their interests and talents again, in the band WHY NOT, much to their fans’ pleasure.
Floyd Parker, WHY NOT’s impassioned bass player, combines with Al to form the band’s solid rhythm section. Born in Los Angeles, Floyd has played all types of music throughout his many years of musical performances. With their many years of performing together, Floyd and Al have formed such a cohesive rhythm section that you would think they could read each other’s mind. Bryan, A.J., Al, and Floyd enjoyed their prior experiences performing together so much that they have come together again, inviting Freddy Lee Rice and Steve Murphy to assist in delighting their audiences. When you hear and see WHY NOT, you’ll know why these talented musicians have banded together.
Freddy Lee Rice, WHY NOT’s exciting guitar player and one of its fine vocalists, brings many years of interesting musical performance and experiences to WHY NOT. Enjoying and bringing enjoyment to crowds with his acoustic and electric guitar playing, and his spirited singing, Freddy Lee concentrates on electric guitar in WHY NOT to help electrify his audience. Born in Ohio, after playing music in Ohio, Arizona, and Hawaii, Freddy Lee joined the Oklahoma blues scene in 1998, and quickly began performing with musicians who had performed in this region for many years. Freddy Lee’s previous bands have played in clubs, on college campuses, at outdoor amphitheaters, and enjoyed warming up the audience for the legendary Muddy Waters. Freddy Lee wants you to know that “the blues will never die.”
Joe Intreri, WHY NOT’s captivating keyboard player. With over 30 years of performing music, Joe has played it all, from country & western to blues and rhythm & blues. He has delighted Oklahoma audiences for many years, and brings that joy to his band members as well. With his ability to work as one with his instrument, Joe entertains with subtle lines as well as powerful runs across the keys.
