One Step Ahead | Biographies

Giovanni Morant (vocals & trumpet) Morant's soulful voice, extraordinary showmanship, and unique trumpet stylings add another dimension to One Step Ahead's exciting sound. Morant, whose resume includes a Top-10 hit in Germany, has arranged songs for and/or performed with the Back Street Boys, N'Sync, and many other international acts. A gifted vocalist and trumpet player, Morant honed his musical skills by touring extensively throughout Europe and by studying music at Boston University. Morant's boundless energy and versatility are important factors in transforming every wedding reception into a sizzling event.

Christy Bluhm (female vocalist) is a study of vocal versatility. In a typical One Step Ahead performance you will hear her sing romantic ballads, classic Motown hits, jazz standards, disco favorites, and the top-40 rock that everybody loves. Bluhm's lifelong dedication to music has earned her many impressive accolades. Vice President Al Gore hired her to perform at an important political event in 1995. A year later, Bluhm penned music that landed on CMJ's "Top 30 Play List" of college radio stations. Soon after receiving a performance scholarship to Berklee College of Music, Bluhm starred in a "Tribute to Gershwin Concert," which featured vocalist Donna MacElroy, vibraphone player Gary Burton, and a 36-piece all -star faculty orchestra. Bluhm has performed with Dianne Reeves, David Foster, Shirley Horn, and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, among other notable artists. Bluhm's elegant demeanor, remarkable musicianship, and scintillating vocals are important elements in making every event feel like a musical gala.

Dave LeBleu (band leader, bass player, & vocals) is a graduate of Berklee College of Music. LeBleu, who brings years of experience as an electric and acoustic bass player to every live situation, is in great demand. LeBleu has performed with numerous recording artists including The Coasters, Herman's Hermits, and The Drifters, among others. LeBleu performed with Gloria Loring (#1 hit "Friends and Lovers") and opened for Tony Bennett. LeBleu performs with The Dave Whitney band and other Boston area jazz groups, and was the featured bassist on an album by The Chris Powers Orchestra. LeBleu also is a member of The Concord Orchestra, a symphonic group that features world class performers.

Roger Whittlesey (keyboards & vocals) continues his family legacy as a versatile musician who has performed on drums and keyboards. Whittlesey’s strong vocals allow him to authentically cover songs from Dave Matthews to Sting to Don Henley to Harry Connick, Jr. Whittlesey, a member of One Step Ahead since 1992, also performs as a solo pianist/vocalist in Boston area restaurants, and during cocktail hours at wedding receptions. Whittlesey’s strong keyboard work and vocals are key ingredients to the One Step Ahead sound.

Joe Laquidara (vocals & guitar) by day sits behind the recording console at his Oak Grove Recording Studio, where he produces and records music for commercials, motion pictures, and national acts. He is never far from his guitar, however, as he works often as a session player in studios throughout New England. Laquidara, who plays several instrument professionally, has recorded and performed with the band Boston, Blood Sweat and Tears, The Blue Notes, and hundreds of other performers and musicians. In addition, Laquidara earned a platinum record for his songwriting on Boston's "Walk On" album. Gifted with a soaring tenor voice, Laquidara can effortlessly sing songs by artists like Chicago, Bryan Adams, and Paul McCartney, and his high harmonies sit nicely above the signature One Step Ahead wall of background vocals. Laquidara's spirited presence, redoubtable musicianship, and ability to perform a huge catalog of songs are important elements in making One Step Ahead such a versatile band.

Mike Reilly (drums), a recent graduate of the illustrious Berklee College of Music, where he attended on a scholarship, has played drums professionally for over ten years. Reilly is a member of Modern Drummer Magazine's Reader Advisory Board, and he works regularly as a studio drummer for jazz, rock, commercial, vocal, ska, and folk acts. Reilly's diverse performance experiences and fine drumming skills make him a valuable member of One Step Ahead and a sought-after percussion teacher around New England. While Reilly's primary responsibility is to lay down the rhythms that make the guests rush toward the dance floor, he also helps to augment One Step Ahead's sound by singing background vocals.

Ed Harlow (sax & vocals) is a graduate of the University of North Texas Music program and The New England Conservatory of Music Masters program. Harlow’s vast performing resume includes artists such as The Glenn Miller Band, Artie Shaw Big Band, Nelson Riddle Orchestra, and the White Heat Swing Band. Harlow has also worked with The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Platters, and many others. Harlow has performed for The Ringling Bros. Circus, Red Skelton, and Jerry Vale as well as his own jazz combo, Nuage, which recently released its first cd. Technical brilliance, burning solos, and savvy musicianship are just some of the reasons Harlow's sax playing is in such high demand.