Search - Forced Call :: Off the Clock

House rockin' blues band "Forced Call" has made its mark on the LA music scene and has taken rock and blues lovers by the ears. Their blend of hot rock, foot stomping blues and a touch of country transmits a force of its own - powerful with message, warm with heart and spellbinding with truth.

Their self produced cd "Off The Clock" packs the same punch as their live performances. Known as a concert band, "Forced Call" lays down ten original songs, recorded in the studio, with the same presence they command on stage.

John Parker is the leader and driving force behind the popular LA group. All the band members have much more in common than just great music - they are all union brothers and work in the Film and Television Industry as well.


"Off The Clock" artists include:

John Parker, Guitar and vocals - John is a California native raised in the Santa Cruz area, playing for hire at age 14. A score of bands later, he wound up in the Atlanta, Georgia music scene where he found the blues calling. Now, he's back in California playing what he loves about Georgia the most - The Blues. Favorite artists he has had the pleasure to perform with include Chicago Bob Nelson, Big Joe Jackson, Tinsley Ellis, Butch Travette & the Alley Cats, Coco Montoya, Delbert McClinton, Doug Kershaw and the late Piano Red. His musical influences are Django Reinhardt, TBone Walker, Freddie King and Eric Clapton.

Danny Costello, Guitar and vocals - Danny is originally from New Jersey and began playing at age 13. His early influences were Jimmy Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Johnny Winter. Their great technique and use of raw emotion was a great inspiration to Danny as he was moving on in his career and performing with members of Toto and Joe Cocker. Danny has also been privileged to open for Edgar Winter, B.J. Sharp, Dick Dale and Three Dog Night.

Tom Costello, Drums - Tom is also from New Jersey and his early influences were The Beatles, Jimmy Hendrix, Toto and drummers Jeff Pocaro and John Bonham. Tom's had the good fortune to work with such great artists as Ike & Tina Turner, The DeFranco Family, Christopher Cross, Eddie Money, Rick Springfield, The Elton John Band, Joe Cocker and Jace.

Steve Halter, Keyboards - better known as The Lord of the Boards, is a California native, started playing piano at age 5 and worked as a full time session player/arranger for over 20 years. Steve grew up under the influence of the old time rock & roll piano and organ players like Jimmy Smith and Jerry Lee Lewis. When its time for his solo, he just closes his eyes, feels the vibe and lets his soul take over.

Jeff Ackerman, Saxophone - Jeff is also a California native, his musical influences are James "Son" Thomas, Nick Gravenites and Charlie Parker.

Tris "Duke" Carpenter, Bass guitar - Duke was born and raised in Boston, his musical influences are Kenny Gradney, Jack Bruce and Stanley Clarke.


Winner of the 2007 Rock City Music Award "Best Blues Band of the Year"

"Off The Clock" songs in Broadjam Top 10 Charts in 2007, 2008, and 2009

Winner of the 2008 Rock City Music "Blues Lifetime Achievement" Award