Photo by: Michael Rosati
Photo by: Michael Rosati
Vocal, Guitar
Jason Cropper
In addition to writing and fronting the Jason Cropper Band, Jason is a prolific songwriter creating new music constantly. When not recording his own music he is the owner, operator of Studio C in Jingletown, Oakland where he works in artist development bringing artist's ideas from introduction through to their final production. Jason enjoys mentoring and working with new artists and has over 30 years of performance and recording experience to share. Jason offers a limited number of music production incubator relationships in which he works with individuals and bands throughout the entire writing, recording and performance process. Studio C is a full service recording and rehearsal studio and has everything to service your production needs.
Photo by: Michael Rosati
Guitar, Multi-Instrumentalist
Rob Ahlers
Rob Ahlers lives and breathes music. He mercilessly attacks the drums with undeniable vitality and plays like he’s in a sold-out stadium every time. Rob was Jason's original drummer but with the addition of Jack he now plays guitar in the Jason Cropper Band. As a multi-instrumentalist he has the chops to play bass, guitar, keyboards and vocals as if they were his main instrument. With over 40 years of experience Rob's many credits can be found on his website above but includes music for; Netflix, NBC, ABC/TBS and many others, as well as performance and collaboration with; 50 Foot Wave, Kristin Hersh. Fred Abong (of Throwing Muses/Belly), Chalk Farm, The Chance and tons more.. Visit his website to be impressed.
Photo by: Michael Rosati
Bass
Brian Thoms
Brian Thoms began playing music along side his best friend, David Gibson, on guitar for 'Phoebe's Way', a well received band from San Antonio, TX in the late 90's. Upon moving to the Bay Area he completed two solo albums while learning to cut his teeth on bass playing for a decade with the eclectic East Bay band Skippin' Town, led by the skillful writing of Emmet Curry. Skippin' Town recorded three albums during his tenure. During this time, Brian played stents on bass for David's new formed band, The Greensleeves, and Gery Tinkelenberg's, Minor G. Brian was a long time friend and fan of Jason's song writing and joined the Jason Cropper Band in the Fall of 2022 following original bass player Brian Kenney.
Photo by: Michael Rosati
Drums
Jack Rogers
Hailing originally from Alabama, Jack Rogers stepped directly into rock and roll playing in various bands, supporting local acts like the Black Crowes and Widespread Panic. In 1995, he made the move to the Bay Area, where he played a pivotal role in forming the group Solarcane, which quickly became local favorites in the proto/prog pop scene. Later, Rogers joined Totimoshi, an Oakland-based “art” metal band reminiscent of Tool. In 2004, he co-founded Drink the Bleach (DTB), collaborating with Grammy-nominated producer/engineer Alex Newport (known for his work with Mars Volta and Melvins). DTB’s self-titled debut received rave reviews, and they regularly supported and toured with Bay Area legends High on Fire. In recent years, Rogers has lent his drumming skills as a session musician for various Bay Area artists.. Jack is truly a renaissance man, when he's not driving the rhythm section he's pounding a hammer running his own construction company or finessing a brush on oil and canvas as a prolific artist and former art teacher. Jack joined the Jason Cropper Band in early 2023.
Photo by: Michael Rosati
Hammond B3 and Keys
Steve Utstein
Born in New Zealand, Steve Utstein’s musical journey began with classical compositions. His mastery extended from the cello to the keys, and then the Hammond Organ where he found his true voice. In 1996, Steve made his mark in Chicago, touring alongside blues legends like Junior Wells, Lonnie Brooks, and Bo Diddley. His talent led him to Buddy Guy’s house band, solidifying his reputation as a sought-after musician. Two years later, Steve’s path took him to Hawaii, where he joined the Piranha Brothers as their keyboardist. After his stint with PB, the bustling Las Angeles music scene beckoned and Steve became a sought after session player, immersing himself in countless recording sessions and tours, too numerous to list. For two decades, he lent his skills to Café R and B, a band that once again took him around the world. Now settled outside San Francisco, Steve continues to weave funk, rock, and blues into his multiple music projects - a testament to a life well-lived and a dream fully realized.