The Open Hearts Band

click on each musician's head for pictures

All seven members of Open Hearts bring uniquely individual talents and experiences to the group's overall sound. Together they create a broad range of musical styles and sounds in support of John Reese's musical vision. The following is a brief introduction into the background of each musician.

John Reese — Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, & Harmonica. John brings 10 years of live and ensemble performance experience to the band. He is a prolific songwriter with a large catalog of original tunes.

Bradley D. Cox — Drums & Percussion. Brad has been educated in drums, percussion, and music theory at the college level. Over the last 28 years, Brad has played with local groups in styles ranging from symphonic, marching and big band to new age, top 40 and contemporary folk rock.

Mal Tornay — Congas, Bongos, Percussion & Background Vocals. San Franciso born with over 30 years of performing experience, Mal is the most recent addition to the band. He's been with the Shed Your Blues band for the past 14 years. "I live to play and play to live. I open my heart and feel joy."

Bobby Lee — Pedal Steel, Marimba. Bobby has been well-known in Northern California's country music community for many years. In Open Hearts, he takes his pedal steel guitar beyond it's traditional country roots into rock, folk and new age music.

Ken Braziel — Bass, Acoustic Guitar and Background Vocals. Ken has played bass and guitar for 15 years in styles such as blues, classic rock, country, progressive jazz, modern folk and Americana. Ken is building on his extensive vocal training with the band.

Gregg Tilles — Lead Guitar. East coast born guitarist Gregg Tilles has been playing guitar for nearly 3 decades. Gregg's influences include guitarists Ritchie Blackmore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Jeff Beck and Van Halen, but he doesn't seem to sound like any of them. "I grew up in an area rich with musical diversity from Bluegrass, Country and hard rock to Classical. My main goal is to always play from the heart and to try to find the right place to play the right thing at the most appropriate moment."

Nancy Freitas — Acoustic Guitar, Vocals and Percussion. Nancy brings years of experience as a solo performer to the band. Her beautiful voice blends perfectly with John's to create the band's unique vocal sound.