Joe Oeser Vocals, Acoustic and Slide Guitar

Joe Oeser as a Singer-Songwriter possesses “a unique voice, both passionate and soulful” that can be heard in his songs and lyrics. Listening to Funk, Soul, Blues, R&B, with blends of Americana were strong influences. Joe formed who he is as a singer, songwriter and musician having been signed to several major record labels and releasing 5 independent albums; recording in studios from Chicago to California and even at Caribou Ranch in Colorado, all with talented record producers helping him along the way. The band has performed as an opening act for numerous esteemed artists performing at festivals and venues across the region.

During a year where COVID-19 shut down venues and recording studios, Joe went to work recording tracks in his home studio for his new release “Better Days.” The project was produced by Pablo G and myself, with co-production by John Macy, Colin Bricker and Loran Dorland, mixed and mastered at Mighty Fine Production in Denver. “Better Days” album is a unique approach to contemporary American rock and roots music. Available now at cup-a-jo-band.com/Denver and across digital platforms.

Richard Reeder Harmonica, Percussion and Vocals

Rick has been performing in Colorado since 1965. He has had the pleasure of performing and recording with many of Colorado’s performers, as well as several national performers. To name just a few, Paris Delane (Sonia Da Da), members of Colorado’s legendary Freddy-Henchi Band and Sugarloaf and Zephr, Jack Hadley, Jennifer Lane (a special thanks to her), Bill Payne (Little Feat), Larry Thompson (Dotsero and the Otis Taylor band), Bob Rebholz, Kenny Vaughan and several others. Last but certainly not least, his friends in Cup a Jo, who have toured, performed and recorded with some of the very best local and national players as well. He would like to thank them all for sharing their stages with him.

Mark Zarlengo Keyboards, Bass, Melodica, Trombone

Mark is well versed in all forms of music from classical, Jazz, Rock and Roll, R&B, Soul and Pop. Toured the world performing with an array of artists representing a multitude of different genres of music with such artists as Bob Hope, Bo Diddly, Trini Lopez, Rosemary Clooney, Brian Setzer, Level 42, Southern Pacific, The Platters and Kingston Trio. Performing in this current market with bands Jo-Mama, The Rockaholics, The Donnie Scott Project and well known Nashville singer/songwriter Verlon Thompson has provided a wealth of experience and appreciation of what it takes to captivate a live audience from large concert venues to small and intimate settings. Studio credits include commercials such as Coors Light Silver Bullet, Little Caesars Pizza and a number of other high profile products and bands. Performing with Cup-a-Jo is the culmination of a storied and rewarding friendship with the finest group of musicians and songwriters anywhere.

Ron Knowlton 6 and 12-string Guitar

Ron began playing at 16, and performed in the local music scene in Tampa, FL., in clubs and opening opposite the Blues Image. He later migrated to up-state New York and joined the local music scene there. The beautiful Rocky Mountains eventually called him to Colorado, where he quickly hooked up with local musicians, in bands such as Jo-Mama, the Rockaholics, Latitude, and his own Jazz-Fusion group, Research. His love of Jazz, Jazz-Fusion and Blues led him to study with the great Dale Bruning, Jazz guitarist and teacher. He has had the pleasure and good fortune of recording and performing with many of Colorado’s finest musicians and vocalists, as well as opening for some national acts, including Level 42, Brian Setzer, and Southern Pacific to name only a few. Music is Ron’s therapy. Being able to share it and perform with the Cup-a-Jo brotherhood is a wonderful and fulfilling experience.

Pablo G Bassist, Percussionist, Producer, Mixer

Pablo has been active in a variety of roles in the music industry for several decades. Primarily a bassist, he’s worked with a diverse group of musicians playing Jazz, Blues, Funk, Brazilian, Salsa, and other styles,supporting artists like Fred Wesley, Gregory Alan Isacov, DJ Logic, Claudio Slon,Spike Robinson, Joe Bonner, Manolo Badrena and many others at venues and festivals including: Jazz Aspen Snowmass, Telluride Jazz Fest,the Winter Park Jazz Fest, the Nice Jazz Fest , The Boulder Theater and the Fox. For many years he was a consultant in various capacities with record labels like Blue Note, Impulse,Columbia, Atlantic, ECM, GRP, and many others, working with famed producers like Tommy LiPuma, Joel Dorn, and Bob Belden. Pablo has lectured at the University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, the Denver School of the Arts and other educational institutions on Jazz history, production techniques and the music business. He is currently active as a player and producer in the Colorado area.