Best Kept Secret
Vocalist Michelle Hover started singing because she learned it got her better treatment than when she cried! She started out in church at the age of 3 and kept on through college. As a college student, Michelle led a gospel group called Amani Gospel Singers, and was a founding member of the a cappella R&B group, Essence. After college, Michelle fronted several short-lived cover bands in the Baltimore area: Big Mama Jama, a ska/funk cover band; Loose Change, a rock cover band; and several other one-gig wonders. Best Kept Secret is glad to share the stage with Michelle as her talent and humor keeps us all on our toes.
Keyboardist and backup vocalist Dan Long has been playing locally for over 25 years. A long time member of local favorites Montana Wildaxe, Dan has also played with acts such as Group Therapy and the Snap. He has led several original music ventures, and is often called in as a hired gun, both live and in the recording studio. Dan’s crisp piano and electric piano, smoking organ, and synthesizer textures lay down the harmonic foundation for Best Kept Secret. Dan's keyboard rig contains a Yamaha S90ES, Nord Electro, and Nord Lead 2.
Guitarist Chris Gordon is a seasoned pro, having
done everything from touring to studio work. Versatile in everything from
classical to country, shred guitar to jazz, Chris is a welcome addition to the
band. Chris has toured with Ted Neely (from the original Jesus Christ Superstar
movie), recorded with jazz great Arturo Sandoval, and shared the stage with Ian
Anderson of Jetho Tull, Pat Martino, and many other noted artists. He is a music
teacher and director at the School of Rock in Wilmington, DE. Chris has an
arsenal of guitars and amps and has been using an Ibanez 7 string and Fender
Stratocasters with the band.
Bassist Billy Eastridge has performed since his teen years in both local and regional bands. He’s best known for his stint with the band Shades of Blue in the 80’s and 90’s, which toured along with acts such as Alabama and Barbara Mandrell. Billy’s solid bottom end helps drive the thump and funk of the Best Kept Secret rhythm section. Billy plays an Ibanez 5 string bass thru a Hartke amp and SWR bass cabinet.
Drummer and backup vocalist Glenn Walker is a long time veteran of the area music scene. He has shared the stage with Dan for over 10 years in Montana Wildaxe. He was a member of local favorites Shakey Ground for many years, and cut his teeth on the club scene at the age of 18 with Skyband. Glenn has also been involved with several original music ventures, and actively participates in his church choir and worship band. Glenn’s solid beats are the backbone of the Best Kept Secret band. Glenn plays Yamaha recording series drums.