We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the band by providing you with something more than the usual resumes listing our performance histories.  Although we’re justifiably proud of Lisa’s many appearances with pros like Curtis Salgado and Eddie Mcgee (formerly with Tower of Power), and we think it’s infinitely cool that Keith has toured Spain with Mavis Staples and that Bruce and Doug opened for BB King in the Columbia Gorge recently, we believe that the passions that drive us are just as important as our 200 plus years of collective performance experience.  We know that our tremendous sound and our professionalism are important to you; we just think that the reasons we’re as good as we are, are equally significant. 

Lisa Tyack, Lead Vocals

Lisa grabs the essence of a song, and makes it her own.  Professionally trained, Lisa honed her craft on the West Coast and in Hawaii, in settings as varied as the Portland Rose Festival, The Bite, countless nightclubs, weddings, corporate affairs, and the Rose Garden, where she’s performed the National Anthem for the Trailblazers.  Versatile enough to shine at R&B, rock, swing, and jazzy standards, Lisa does it all with energy, heart, and soul. When asked about primary influences, Lisa cites Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Etta James, and the first time you see her light up a stage and fill a room with the sound that is so uniquely, fabulously “Lisa,” you know where her passion lies – it’s in her uncanny connection with the audience.

Bruce Svela, Drums, Vocals

Easily the most driving (and driven) drummer we know, Bruce provides the rock solid foundation any band needs, doing it with heat and style. Bruce was ten when he saw Buddy Rich play drums on TV, and he knew then what we know now – whatever else he is or does, Bruce is a drummer, first and foremost. From his first local band, the Telstars, in 1964, through Fringe Benefit (the house band) at the Crystal Ballroom, to opening for acts like The Grateful Dead, The Ullman Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, Eric Burden and The Animals, and Billy Preston, Bruce has consistently worked to sharpen his skills, which enabled him to play also with the likes of The Steve Miller Band and Tommy Roe. In 2009, seeking a truly professional environment in which to perform, Bruce co-founded One Brick Shy. He says being “the pulse of the band” when the music hits the groove is what he lives for, and that the excitement that’s generated within the audience provides a satisfaction that defies description.

Tim Woster, Lead Guitar, Vocals

Tim is gifted; it’s that simple.  His passion for the guitar began in the sixties, when he listened to “any group that was playing real guitar music.”  He started lessons, played a piece in recital for his third grade class, and hasn’t stopped learning, or performing, since.  Tim has opened for Willie Nelson, Bachman Turner Overdrive, and John Michael Montgomery, among others. His eclectic taste in music, from R&B, funk, and jazz to country and rock, combines with his experience to provide breadth, polish, and an enjoyment of his art that is almost tangible.  We asked Tim to tell us about the source of his enthusiasm, and he gave us this: I can only paraphrase Chet Atkins, who said, “I just love playing this ‘ol guitar.”  Tim says playing is challenging, provocative, expressive, and unlike anything else he has experienced in this life.

Keith Collins, Bass

Keith began playing when “Louie, Louie” was released and, with some friends from junior high school, formed The Nightraiders in Beaverton, Oregon (we like it that one other member of that first band is also part of One Brick Shy.)  He played gigs at the state fair, dances, and a local TV show, got a taste of love from the crowd, and was hooked.  Keith has performed in Europe with the Disciples of Song, and has also appeared with names as diverse as Jim Fischer, the Kansas City Rhythm Kings, and Mel Brown; an accomplished musician, Keith is also in demand as a session artist. (If we published his entire resume, we’d need a much bigger website.)  Keith owns eighteen bass guitars, and needs music like the rest of us need air; he comes alive in front of a crowd, and his pursuit of excellence is apparent in every performance.

Allyn Jackson, Saxophone

Allyn’s professional saxophone career began in 1978 when high school buddy Tim Woster invited him to join a popular band called Vegas.  Since then, Allyn has played with such notable Northwest bands as Midnight Blue, Ranch Dressing, The Kathy Walker Band, The Jumpers, and the Big Package Band.  Allyn is a veteran of literally thousands of gigs who is equally at home on alto, tenor, and baritone sax, playing jazz, swing, blues, rock – if you can name it, Allyn can play it.  With influences as diverse as Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Grover Washington, The Rolling Stones and Chris Botti, Allyn is determined to continue growing as a musician, and says that his greatest motivation is “the unequalled satisfaction of playing with other highly talented musicians, working together to produce a performance which is special, original, and appreciated.”

Doug Stroberger, Hammond B3 Organ, Keyboards

Doug, who believes that a guy can never have too many Hammond organs and Leslie speakers, got his start in the Nightraiders in 1963; he began by playing guitar, and switched to keyboards a year later when their manager said they needed an organ and Doug admitted to piano lessons as a kid. Playing steadily through school and college, Doug gained professional polish that was evident when he returned to the stage as a member of the Redcoats in 2002.  Gigs at fairs, casinos, and the Rose Festival led to his association with the Jimi Lund Band, and opening for BB King in 2008.  Wanting to continue to grow musically and professionally, Doug joined with Bruce to create One Brick Shy.  Ask Doug about the source of his passion, and he’ll tell you, “I just love my Hammond organ; I love the sound of it, and the feel of it.  I love to make music with it.”  Enough said.

Rick Gordon, Harmonica, Sound Engineer

Rick started out playing piano as a child, moved on to percussion in his high school big band and choir, and added guitar and harmonica shortly thereafter. He played in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area in the 70s before moving to Portland where, as a member of the Irish drinking band Darby O'Gill, Rick fell in love with refining and balancing the sound. Having experienced the "magic moments" on stage for which all musicians yearn, he strives to reproduce that experience for the audience. Rick’s musical tastes are eclectic, and he has worked with more acts than we can name, including Jim Fischer & Friends, Blues Broads, Paul DeLay and Duffy Bishop, Inner City, Robbie Laws, Franco Paletto, The University of Portland Choir, Novum Chamber Singers, Tony Coleman, Little Charlie and the Nightcats, The May Palmer Band, Papa Salty, Blackbyrd, and Her Ghost. Rick considers it a great privilege and joy to work with One Brick Shy; often referred to as "The Commissioner,” he is the owner of American Made Sound, a mobile recording and live sound production company, based in Milwaukie, Oregon (www.americanmadesound.com).