utw_bio

An energetic, high-caliber rock band, UnTamed World® has been a mainstay in Southern California for the past four decades. Playing covers from classic rock, R&B, funk, and top-40, as well as their own original material, UTW (as they are also known) has captivated audiences, old and young alike with their dynamic performances and superior musicianship. In addition to boasting one of the tightest rock 'n' roll rhythm sections around, this nine-piece band lays claim to one of the hottest horn sections in Southern California. Fans of such bands as Chicago, The Tubes, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Tower of Power, TOTO, and Steely Dan will appreciate UnTamed World®'s fresh approach. Keep an eye out for upcoming performances. UnTamed World® is one band you certainly will not want to miss.

Originally formed in 1969 as Spectrum by a number of El Segundo High School students, UnTamed World® is now in its 30th year of entertaining in Southern California. In 1970, feeling the influence of the horn-based bands Chicago, and Blood, Sweat & Tears, the band added a three-piece horn section comprised of Marc Pogue (trumpet), Ron Randall (sax), and Roc McNaughton (trombone), and the name of the band was changed to Goodness & Mercy. Within two years, Pogue and Randall left and were replaced by Lee Clements (trumpet) and Lynn Johnston (sax). In 1973, Clements and Johnston left the band and were replaced by Cliff Maddox (trumpet) and Jerry Scaggs (saxophone). From its inception through 1975, the group played its 1960's and 1970's rock 'n' roll for many El Segundo school dances and parties. In 1976, the band dropped the idea of a horn section, but McNaughton stayed on playing keyboards. Founding member Pat Kelly left the band later that year and was temporarily replaced by Bill Sotelo (bass). This format did not last long as Sotelo left the band and the quartet became a trio. From 1977 to 1982, the remaining members (Jim Bell on guitar and vocals, Mike Frio on drums and vocals, and Roc McNaughton on keyboards and vocals) played and sang for many more El Segundo dances, private parties and other functions. Some notable performances during this time included backing Anson Williams of Happy Days fame in the Old Towne Mall in Torrance, California (during its 1970's heyday), working as the warm-up band for the television series Mork & Mindy, and being one of two groups (the other being Les Brown and his Band of Renown) chosen to perform at the opening of the Hawthorne Mall in Hawthorne, California.

In the late 1970's, the phenomenon of disco drove the band to add that style of music to its rock 'n' roll repertoire. In 1978, the name of the band was changed to Vertigo, and in 1982, realizing the need for a true bass player, the band added Blake Hunter (bass and vocals) to its line-up. Throughout the 1980's and into the 1990's, the group played numerous functions in and around the El Segundo area, with a solid eclectic selection of classic rock, disco, R&B, techno, and other pop styles, including standards, ballads, swing, and jazz.

The metamorphosis of the band was nearly completed in July of 1992 when Hunter organized the addition of horns once again to the band with childhood friend Rimas Kaunas (trombones) and U.C. Irvine fraternity brother Paul Navidad (saxes and vocals). Navidad enlisted high school friends Ed Peffer (saxes) and Scott Pruzinsky (trumpet). In April of 1993, Sacramento native Anne Peter (vocals and percussion) was added to make the group complete, and Vertigo played the Orange County Fair the following year. At about this time, the band began its venture back into the realm of original material. In 1995, the band was chosen out of 450 audition groups to be the headlining local act for an eleven day run of the Los Angeles County Fair.

In May of 1996, Mike Frio left after 27 years of service, replaced by Tim Day and later by Nick Scarmack (drums). Within a week of Frio's departure, Scott Pruzinsky left, replaced by Kansas native Scott Strecker (trumpet and flugelhorn). After this surprise turnover, the band changed its name (for the final time, they promise) due to the overabundance of groups in the Los Angeles area named Vertigo. Because of the band's desire to record original material, legal problems would have arisen by retaining the name Vertigo. After much discussion, it was decided that the band be renamed UnTamed World®. The band soon took action to register the name UnTamed World® to avoid any future problems with retaining the band's name.

Over these past 30 years, from Spectrum to Goodness & Mercy to Vertigo, to UnTamed World®, the group has survived on talent, musicianship, and word of mouth. Founding member Jim Bell has seen it all, with grey-bearded Roc McNaughton not far behind. Today's edition of the band is its strongest line-up yet and is sure to please its audience with its bread-and-butter styles of classic rock and R&B with horns, maintaining a taste of each musical style encountered from 1968 to the present, and tossing in a country tune every now-and-then. UTW, as they call themselves, looks forward to the future, and in particular, to the release of their first album in 2007.

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In addition to their own original material, UnTamed World® plays covers from Classic Rock, R&B, Funk, and Top 40. The band is available for club dates, concerts, corporate events, weddings, and other special occasions. This nine-piece band has four pumping horns, powerful vocals, and lots of energy. UTW prides itself on quality musicianship and entertainment, far from your average band. UTW will turn your event into an absolute success!