Bios
"Riff" Raph Kamner
The Man with The Mic
Raph started his journey way back in middle school, well he calls it junior high, singing in the chorus. Many years passed and he found himself at a party with karaoke, so, he thought, why the heck not try right...and this led to decades of hanging around the most seedy and unsavory karaoke bars throughout the northwest Chicago suburbs. His addiction was so bad he even became a dealer...er a karaoke DJ for while to satisfy his need to sing. Then one day we found him in one such establishment and taught him some new ways to sing.
Jeff Rock
Guitar
Jeff is a professional recording artist who has toured with Deathstrike, George Bellas, DSG, Red Monday and Wrecked. He loves the small club scene moonlighting with Close Call kicking out the old classics. Lover of animals, he is an active dog rescuer. Jeff owns Octogen Studio where he spends a great deal of his time. He also has taught music for over 30 years. And in his spare time a producer and recording engineer. From world stages to a club near you.
Tom Gilles
Guitar
I have been playing for 30+ years and enjoyed every minute of it. Bands come and go but the music is always there. Equipment comes and goes also. Right now I play Schecter and Paul Reed Smith guitars and Line 6 equipment in my backline supported by a Shure wireless. I like the twin guitar attack, heavy drums and deep bass. Nothing is more fun than trading licks while interacting with the rest of the band and our audience. Come see us soon for plenty of great Rock and Roll!
Mike Ley
Bass
What can I tell you about Mike...well...absolutely nothing...he just kinda showed up on our doorstep one day with a bass guitar in hand. We cant find any history of him anywhere. Maybe he is an alien...maybe witness protection...doesn't matter he has a great tone and absolutely rocks.
Jerry P
Drums
Been drumming since the age of 8. Started at 10 with the McHenry Country Youth Orchestra, did that for 2 years. Moved on to the garage band, playing blues, classic rock, punk, and worked up to metal. Stopped playing drums in the college years, was bartending when “Spike” Black came up and asked “are you a drummer!” At that point I haven’t been drumming so long my response was “I used to be.” Tried out with Close Call in February 17th 2017 and haven’t looked back. Been playing with Close Call since then and wouldn’t change it for the world!
Equipment: Tama, Remo, Zildjian Custom A’s.