BAND BIOS |
Jim "Cisco" Franciscus - Lead Vocalist
One of the key elements of the Shot O’ Soul sound, lead vocalist/frontman Jim Franciscus’ bluesy vocals take the blues to another place during the band’s performances. Cisco is an entertaining, energetic performer who loves to make Shot O' Soul audiences feel they are onstage with the band. His vocal prowess not only gets the attention of audience members, his insistence that they join the party with him keeps them entertained and encourages them to be a part of every Shot O' Soul show!
He loves everything about being onstage and it shows in his performances. A veteran of the Pittsburgh music scene for more than a decade, Jim fronted popular blues/rock band Sonic Blues before forming Shot O' Soul along with current band mates Denny Bank and Lee Baumann in 2008.
Jim cut his teeth while performing with Sonic Blues on some of the area’s best stages. He credits his Shot O' Soul band mates with helping him discover traditional and contemporary blues artists like Tommy Castro, BB King, Buddy Guy and others who have influenced his vocal style. Shot O' Soul’s mix of classic and original blues and R&B songs is ideally suited to Cisco’s vocal abilities. He and band mate Jeanie Girl compliment one another and make for an unbeatable one-two vocal punch. These two make Shot O' Soul a must-see act for local music fans!!
Jim has a deep love for blues music. His goal is to make Shot O' Soul one of the best live acts in the Pittsburgh area, a household name in the local music scene, and an act that audiences continue to demand and enjoy! Judging by the packed venues and enthusiastic fan response that have become typical of a Shot O' Soul. show anywhere in the Pittsburgh area, the achievement of that goal seems inevitable.
He loves everything about being onstage and it shows in his performances. A veteran of the Pittsburgh music scene for more than a decade, Jim fronted popular blues/rock band Sonic Blues before forming Shot O' Soul along with current band mates Denny Bank and Lee Baumann in 2008.
Jim cut his teeth while performing with Sonic Blues on some of the area’s best stages. He credits his Shot O' Soul band mates with helping him discover traditional and contemporary blues artists like Tommy Castro, BB King, Buddy Guy and others who have influenced his vocal style. Shot O' Soul’s mix of classic and original blues and R&B songs is ideally suited to Cisco’s vocal abilities. He and band mate Jeanie Girl compliment one another and make for an unbeatable one-two vocal punch. These two make Shot O' Soul a must-see act for local music fans!!
Jim has a deep love for blues music. His goal is to make Shot O' Soul one of the best live acts in the Pittsburgh area, a household name in the local music scene, and an act that audiences continue to demand and enjoy! Judging by the packed venues and enthusiastic fan response that have become typical of a Shot O' Soul. show anywhere in the Pittsburgh area, the achievement of that goal seems inevitable.
JeanieGirl - Lead Vocalist
I am a Pittsburgh girl at heart and have been singing since I was old enough to tie my jump rope to the dining room chair’s leg and use it as a microphone!
Music has always been a huge part of my life. As a child I was exposed to many types of music. My mom always had opera on the hi-fi and I share the love of classical piano with her as well. My mom is the one who taught me how to harmonize as we sang Beatles tunes. My biggest musical influence comes from my two older sisters who had me grooving to the sounds of Motown. My favorites were Aretha, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight.
My love for the blues started young also. I remember first hearing Eric Clapton and just losing my mind. The wail of that sad guitar told me everything his songs were meant to say. I was hooked! So, here I am..Blessed to be onstage with such an outstanding group of musicians. I am so humbled at their unbelievable, undeniable talent!
"I am hoping to see you at our next gig....til then ..let the blues fill your heart and soul…I do and it always makes me feel so much better!! XOXOXO JEANIEGIRL!!"
Music has always been a huge part of my life. As a child I was exposed to many types of music. My mom always had opera on the hi-fi and I share the love of classical piano with her as well. My mom is the one who taught me how to harmonize as we sang Beatles tunes. My biggest musical influence comes from my two older sisters who had me grooving to the sounds of Motown. My favorites were Aretha, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight.
My love for the blues started young also. I remember first hearing Eric Clapton and just losing my mind. The wail of that sad guitar told me everything his songs were meant to say. I was hooked! So, here I am..Blessed to be onstage with such an outstanding group of musicians. I am so humbled at their unbelievable, undeniable talent!
"I am hoping to see you at our next gig....til then ..let the blues fill your heart and soul…I do and it always makes me feel so much better!! XOXOXO JEANIEGIRL!!"
Denny Bank - Bass
Born in Pittsburgh, Denny is a graduate of Trafford High School. He counts among his influences the Beatles, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, the Out of Sights, the Rockin' Souls, the Doors, the Rolling Stones, the Iron City House Rockers, the Mystic Knights, the Nieds Hotel Band and the Businessmen.
In his spare time, Denny likes to collect vintage guitars and amplifiers. He is married to his "wonderful wife 'Lyn' (Lynda) who has been so understanding for so many years about 'the Music'. I love you, sweetie!"
"Thanks to all of the members of Shot o 'Soul who I admire and respect. Plus these few from my past: Nick Miele, Ricky Matulja, Butchy DeCeaser, Dave DiRinaldo, Dave Lenart, Donny Adamik, Johnny Labik, Eric Beam, Gil Snyder, Jim Scuffle, Dave Zordich and C.J. Puhala."
In his spare time, Denny likes to collect vintage guitars and amplifiers. He is married to his "wonderful wife 'Lyn' (Lynda) who has been so understanding for so many years about 'the Music'. I love you, sweetie!"
"Thanks to all of the members of Shot o 'Soul who I admire and respect. Plus these few from my past: Nick Miele, Ricky Matulja, Butchy DeCeaser, Dave DiRinaldo, Dave Lenart, Donny Adamik, Johnny Labik, Eric Beam, Gil Snyder, Jim Scuffle, Dave Zordich and C.J. Puhala."
Stan Esposito - Guitar
Stan Esposito brings the chops and musical versatility of 40+ years of performing everything from blues, rock, soul, disco, etc.
Originally from New Castle, PA, Stan spent many years as the lead-guitarist for the Pittsburgh-based band, 8th Street Rox and has opened for legendary performers including, Hank Williams Jr., The Henry Paul Band, Firefall, Albert Collins and Bo Diddley.
Originally from New Castle, PA, Stan spent many years as the lead-guitarist for the Pittsburgh-based band, 8th Street Rox and has opened for legendary performers including, Hank Williams Jr., The Henry Paul Band, Firefall, Albert Collins and Bo Diddley.
Harry Levicky - Keyboard
B. S. of Music Education degree from Duquesne University
Extensive playing tour of the Midwest and East coast
Recorded in Nashville with Wayne Jackson and Andrew Love (sax solo on “Takin’ it to the Streets) of the Memphis Horns producing and performing
Played, co-wrote, and helped record/produce many local and Tri-state radio and TV commercials
Performed and recorded with Jimmy Ross (The Jaggerz) in the band Cooper and Ross
Performed as one of the dueling piano players for 5 years at Jellyrolls in Station Square, Pittsburgh
Regularly worked as a substitute dueling piano player at Charlie Murdoch’s Dueling Piano Bar on Pittsburgh’s South Side and Sing Sing Dueling Piano Bar at The Waterfront
Performed as a member of Johnny Angel and the Halos
Performs a Dueling Piano Show with Hermie Granati throughout the Tri-state area
Bob Watt - Drums
Retired Television Director after 46 years with WTAE TV
Past member of The Blues Orphans
Past member of Rich Kacin & Blues Sector
Booked The McKeg-Lawson Band
Past member of Lucy Van Sickle's band
Fill in for Terry Bates with the Aces
Past member of The Blues Orphans
Past member of Rich Kacin & Blues Sector
Booked The McKeg-Lawson Band
Past member of Lucy Van Sickle's band
Fill in for Terry Bates with the Aces
