The Igniters are a Santa Rosa, California based rock band specializing in covering the hits from the 70’s and 80’s . Vocalist Ken Reese’s lead tenor voice is augmented by lush harmonies from the rest of the band. Everyone in the band can sing lead and harmony and they do spread around the lead vocals occasionally. The twin guitar attack of Kevin Klemenok and Gary Mobley and supportive keyboards from Kevin and Ken propel the top end of the Igniter’s sound, while the rhythm section of Ray Rasmussen on bass and Jim DeBaca on drums drives the bottom end. Together, they create a strong and articulate sound that keeps audiences engaged and keeps the dance floor hoppin’.
MEET THE IGNITERS..
KEN REESE- LEAD VOCALS, KEYBOARDS
Ken is a long time Sonoma County Vocalist, who has been in and out of the music scene since the late 80’s. A chance friendship with fellow band mate Gary Mobley, they began to forge a great musical sound. Ken’s vocal range can match that of the songs of Journey but can still belt out gravelly blues tunes.. Be prepared to have a rocking good time and be brought back to the music of your youth!
RAY RASMUSSEN - BASS, VOCALS
I couldn't help it. I had to get involved with music. From my earliest memories my parents always had music playing. Big Band, Standards, Musicals, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Harry Belafonte, etc. Then The Beatles came to the U.S. and we got the itch, so my Mom bought us kids a Sears Roebuck Silvertone acoustic guitar. My first electric guitar was a cheap no-name bass. I was influenced by by older brother who listened to FM “underground radio” that played stuff that was way different than what we heard on AM. I dove in. Between playing drums in the high school band, and playing guitar with friends and other bands, music became part of my life. I can't imagine not playing some sort of instrument. I'm excited to be part of the Igniters, and look forward to sharing the joy and power of live music with everyone.
GARY MOBLEY - RHYTHM AND LEAD GUITARS, VOCALS
I've been gitfiddlin in Sonoma County since 1989. Love, love LOVE Norcal ! My musical tastes are broad and each band I've been in I've met and played with other fine musicians who've helped shape me musically. Truly blessed to have worked with these people. Thanks to all of them. As far as gear goes, I dig strat and tele styled guitars and Fender and Marshall amps. Love to rock, love to croon. Looking forward to seeing you folks out there !
JIM DEBACA - DRUMS, VOCALS
As a drummer/musician I played in numerous bands thru the years, as well as many different styles of music. I'm excited to be with my fellow musicians in The Igniters. We have a lineup that works very well together and have the same goals. Doing classic rock, such as Van Halen, Journey, Aerosmith is some of my favorite music. I like to contribute not only to the rhythm section but like to add vocal harmonies as well. I think what attracts me to the classic rock is the high energy projected, and many of the rock ballads are very melodic with great harmonies.
Although I played drums for many years I look at being a musician and drummer as a journey, not a destination. I'm still learning my craft and learning from some of my favorite drummers such as Thomas Lang, Greg Bissonette, Akira Jimbo, Virgil Donati, Dennis Chambers and a whole lot more. With so many great drummers out there learning is only limited by the amount of desire and perserverance one has. I believe that to continue working in bands, I not only need to play the drums but continue to study the art of drumming. I hope to see you at some of our gigs.
Jim DeBaca
KEVIN KLEMENOK - LEAD AND RHYTHM GUITARS, KEYBOARDS
Kevin’s a long time fixture in the Sonoma County music scene. In addition to the fine lead guitar and keyboard playing he lends to The Igniters, Kevin is also the band director at Petaluma Jr. High and is also a guitar teacher at Tall Toad Music, also in Petaluma. Kevin rocks with the best of them !
