FUNKY JUNCTION BIOS
Bandleader, Vocalist Teddy B.
Funky Junction’s Bandleader, Vocalist Teddy B… Beyond the silky smooth vocals and soulful melodies lies a powerful story of resilience, strength, innovation and heart. Raised in West Philly, music has shaped Teddy’s world for over five decades. He doesn’t just sing, he tells musical stories to his audiences. Listen to his voice and remember why music should stir your soul and make you feel something. Teddy B. is a trailblazer who has toured the country many times over, graced the stage with countless musical greats, attained a Billboard Top 100 Hit, and through his own original songwriting, became a charted international recording artist. Teddy B. is well known throughout the Jersey Shore and beyond as a long time vocalist with the Sensational Soul Cruisers, but has decided to unleash the magic of exceptional music and unwavering originality and lead his own group of impeccable talent into their next musical journey.
Richard A Nichols
Guitarist. Vocals
From a childhood on a Howell, N.J. farm to a BA in Music from Berklee College, (with degree handed to him by Quincy Jones) to Kramer Guitars, where special guitars were crafted for rock icon Eddie Van Halen, to various production affiliations with both local and national artists, seasoned pro guitarist/ multi instrumentalist Rich Nichols’ incredible musical journey has been a life long pursuit. Rich picked up his first guitar at age 6 and never put it down. As a national and international touring veteran who also sings, his soulful vocals and guitar mastery electrify audiences. Rich brings his favorite ’58 Gibson ES 335 and a lifetime of musical passion to the Funky Junction Band. Rich believes “Music without your soul is worth nothing at all.”
Pha Roah
Guitarist. Vocals
Pha Roah is an accomplished Professional Guitarist, Music Producer and Songwriter. My styles of music are: Rock, Funk, New Age, Fusion, Jazz and Blues. My life’s passion has always been and will continue to be to bring joy, peace and happiness through my music, to the entire world. My professional career has enabled me to contribute to live performances of many internationally known artists. I have toured with various artists throughout the world.
Jimmy JJ Jackson
Drummer. Percussionist. Vocalist
For more than five decades, Jimmy “JJ” Jackson has been a driving force behind the beat – an unmistakable presence whose groove, power, and soul have carried him from national to international stages as an accomplished drummer. A Trenton, New Jersey native, JJ began playing and studying drums at age 12, inspired by Al Jackson Jr, Buddy Rich and many others. This set him on a lifelong path of dedication to his craft. Jimmy attended AT&T State University in North Carolina, and joined Frazell, a touring and recording band that released a few records and took their sound across the country. From there, JJ continued to carve out his place musically, performing with an impressive collection of cover and wedding bands, able to elevate the room with his impeccable timing and smooth baritone voice. Jimmy Jackson’s career is studded with standout moments and legendary collaborations. He has performed alongside funk royalty, trombonist Clifford Adams of Kool & the Gang, and legendary vocalist Felipe Rose from the iconic Village People at Asbury Park’s historic Wonder Bar. One of JJ’s standout musical chapters came with the internationally touring tribute production Kiss The Sky, honoring the music of Jimi Hendrix. JJ stepped into the role of musician Buddy Miles, channeling the Band Of Gypsys while sharing stages with a few of Hendrix’s iconic original collaborators – Billy Cox, Gerardo Velez and Juma Sultan. These performances linked JJ to a historic lineage few musicians ever experience. Today, Jimmy JJ Jackson brings all of his history, heart and talent to the powerhouse Funky Junction Band, continuing his journey of making music that moves people.
Dane Tedder
Keyboardist. Vocalist
Our youngest keyboardist Dane Tedder, already an accomplished musician and amazing singer with a soaring voice, also aspires to be a comedian. Dane brings such energy and passion to the group. Funky Junction Band is grateful to have him as part of our FJB family.
ANGEL CASADO
VOCALIST
There are singers who simply perform, and then there are entertainers who ignite a room. Angel Casado belongs to the latter. A vocal powerhouse known for his electrifying stage presence and soaring 1st tenor range, Angel has spent his career making audiences move. Now, he begins an exciting new chapter, bringing his high-energy talent to the Funky Junction Band.
Born in the rhythm of Manhattan and raised in the Bronx, Angel’s musical journey eventually led him to Jackson, NJ, where he planted his roots. His philosophy is simple: he loves all music, but if it makes people dance, it’s his favorite. This passion was ignited by legendary influences including Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, and the groove-heavy sounds of EWF.
Angel is no stranger to the spotlight. A seasoned veteran of the Tri-State music scene, he has toured the country extensively, gracing premiere venues from the Jersey Shore to the casinos of Atlantic City and Philadelphia. His versatility has allowed him to shine in a wide variety of musical landscapes: Rock & R’n’B Roots: Angel fronted Full Tilt, a driving classic rock band, and Funkyard, a rock/R&B fusion group that featured acclaimed bassist John Deservio (now of Black Label Society fame). The Wedding Circuit: As a key performer for the Stan Allen Entertainment Company, Angel honed his ability to read and rock a crowd, performing with top-tier ensembles like Main Attraction, Revelation, and the Topaz Orchestra. Perhaps most notably, Angel spent years as a beloved vocalist for the Sensational Soul Cruisers, where he built a dedicated fanbase and cemented his reputation as a premier entertainer.
Angel’s arrival at Funky Junction is more than just a new gig—it’s a reunion of musical brothers. He is beyond excited to share the stage once again with his former Soul Cruisers bandmate and close friend, the legendary vocalist and bandleader Teddy B. Together, they are set to blend their distinct voices into a rich tapestry of sound, rekindling a chemistry that fans have missed. Angel looks forward to the creative freedom that the Funky Junction Band offers, eager to dive into new songs and “make beautiful music” with a group that is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Get ready to dance, because with Angel Casado on the mic, the party has officially arrived.
Dave Rand
Keyboardist. Vocals
Born and bred in Philly, Dave Rand has been carving out his own music signature since the 4th grade, when he first sat down at a piano and discovered a lifelong affair with the keys, inspired early on by legends like Elton John and Billy Joel.
Armed with a music degree from Rutgers University, with a emphasis on advanced music theory, Dave became known for his impeccable keyboard skills and deep musical knowledge. Over the course of 45 years in the industry, he has built a reputation as a consummate pro – and triple threat as a keyboardist, pianist, and vocalist.
Dave’s career launched in the thriving world of local Philly bands with strong followings, eventually leading him to a wide range of celebrated tribute productions, including EWF and Tina Turner. His talent and professionalism soon caught the attention of national touring acts, earning him spots on the road with The Trammps, Blue Magic, and Ted Mills – the iconic tenor of soul.
Now, Dave brings his deep musical heritage, seasoned experience and unmatched feel for the groove to Funky Junction, adding fresh fire, smooth soul, rich musicality and electrifying funk to the band’s signature sound.