Outrageous8 band bio’s
MEET THE BAND
ANGELA O’NEILL - BAND LEADER, VOCALIST
Angela O’Neill. Band Leader/Vocalist. Angela was born in Northern California to parents who were teachers. She started singing, or actually humming, at an early age, so her family has always called her Lala. Originally a classical Oboe player, Angela landed at UCLA’s acting program as a singer/dancer. Her love of the American Songbook and jazz came from her parents who both loved Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington, and Buddy Rich. She was raised in a household full of music. Angela and Daboyz put together the Outrageous8 in 2015 and Team Outrageous8 loves hanging out together makin’ music!
SAM MORGAN - TENOR SAX, MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Sam is a founding member of the Outrageous8 He was born and raised in Los Angeles in an incredibly musical family.
Sam’s Mom, Alicia McCracken Morgan, and Dad, David Morgan, are both esteemed musicians in the Los Angeles area. Many folks remember seeing Sam at his parents’ gigs when he was a kid. He really grew up in the music biz and has been a working musician from a young age. His talents include playing everything from the blues to jazz and works consistently in LA studio sessions. He plays a MEAN tenor and we are lucky to have him as our musical director.
“HOLLYWOOD PAUL” PAUL LITTERAL - TRUMPET
Paul is an original member of the Outrageous8. He has had an incredibly lauded and varied career with the trumpet, from rock and roll, to blues and big band.
He has traveled the world and recorded with the Rolling Stones and has worked on many recording sessions with the likes of Billy Joel, Elton John, and many others. Lucky for us, Hollywood Paul headed out west to play in some amazing sessions and has played with many famous big bands. We love the sound that Paul brings to the Outrageous8! This year Paul is coming out with solo recording produced by Outrageous8 Records.
HARRY SMALLENBURG - TROMBONE, ARRANGER
Harry is an original member of the Outrageous8. Living in the Burbank area, Harry is a prolific arranger and very talented Trombone player. Known for his “one of a kind” takes on songs from the American Songbooks, you KNOW when it’s a Smallenburg chart. The band often refers to being “Smallenburged” after messing up a phrase! Harry has been a musician all his life.
Originally a drummer, trombone isn’t his only ax. He also plays euphonium and some mean vibes! Thanks, Harry, for all you bring to the Outrageous8.
ROCKY DAVIS - KEYS, ARRANGER
Rocky was born in Chicago and raised in Pasadena. His dad was in advertising, and his mom had her own TV show in Chicago where she played piano and sang. So, we know where Rocky got his musical genes. As a kid Rocky played bass clarinet while marching in the Rose Parade. He also played piano and by his senior year in high school was composing and arranging for his own combo. During College, he added bassoon to his stable of instruments and was in demand around town. Rocky has written and composed for many well-known TV shows.
When Rocky subbed in at a rehearsal for the Outrageous8, we never let him go! Rocky has a growing number of charts regularly performed by the Outrageous8.
RON CYGER - SOPRANO SAX, CLARINET, FLUTE, BAND LIBRARIAN
Ron grew up in the Pasadena area and is a founding member of the Outrageous8. He has varied interests including bicycling and Birding as well as music. Ron plays primarily alto in the band but he’s one of those amazing musicians who can play almost any woodwind. Besides playing alto sax and telling bad jokes, he is also the band librarian. Ron’s latest album is called Take2 and is produced by Outrageous8 Records.
RICH WALKER - BARITONE SAX, FLUTE
Rich is an original member of the Outrageous8 and grew up in the Pasadena area. He, like the rest of the horn section, was at the VERY first rehearsal of the Outrageous8, torturing us with terrible puns, and he continues to do so to this day. Rich and his wife Anna are the keepers of the Outragoue8 Mascot, a small, but powerful, little French dog named Giselle. She is usually at our outdoor concerts to offer her opinion about our performance. Anna is our Merchandise coordinator and we are so grateful for her setting a beautiful table of t-shirts, hats, and CDs. Thank you, Anna!
PHIL ROMO - ELECTRIC & UPRIGHT BASS
Stand Up and Electric Bass. Born in Hacienda Heights, he came from a musical family. His father was a sax player and there was always music around in the Romo household. Phil himself got his musical inspiration from groups like Metallica and Nirvana; all the good stuff! His influences include Blood, Sweat and Tears to Jimi Hendrix. All this led to a music scholarship in high school. From there he played with the punk band THE SKIRT CHASERS while he was getting a certificate in music education. He made a couple of studio albums with his rock band and now teaches piano, guitar and bass. A double booking with another Outrageous8er lead to his becoming the heartbeat of the Outrageous8.
Jeff Takuguchi - Bass
Jeff is an accomplished bass player who we are grateful to have join the Outrageous8.
TONY ”BOOM BOOM” PIA - DRUMS
Tony began playing drums in his native Detroit, and was influenced by the city's rich musical history and culture. He played in orchestral, jazz, and rock bands as early as high school, and began professionally touring shortly after graduating. His playing was in demand by many artists coming through Detroit like Pepper Adams, Mose Allison, Al Wilson, and Roger Williams.
After a stint in Las Vegas and touring throughout the United States, Tony moved to Los Angeles where he currently lives with his wife Barbara. Tony has toured and recorded with the following: Edgar Winter, Maynard Ferguson, Bobby Caldwell, Engelbart Humperdinck, Connie Stevens, Brian Setzer Orchestra and the Doobie Brothers. We love having Tony play with the Outrageous8.
MICHAEL ROSEN - DRUMS, ENGINEER/VIDEO PRODUCTION
Michael Rosen. Engineer/Video Production/Drums. Michael originally hails from Canada, but has lived in sunny Southern California for many years. Michael is a founding member of the Outrageous8 and not only plays wonderful drums, but records, mixes, edits, and produces the Outrageous8. A man of many talents, Michael has been a crucial part of the Outrageous8 being able to keep the music going during the Pandemic shutdown. Thank you, Michael!