FootLoose performs as either a quartet or trio. Band members include Rex on fiddle and banjo, David DiGiuseppe on accordion, Pete Campbell on piano and Jim Roberts on percussion.
About the band members:
Rex McGee is a one-of-a-kind musician, performing and teaching traditional dance music for over 25 years. The grandson of old-time legend Ralph McGee, he spent his early childhood performing in the Stokes County Ramblers with his father on piano, grandfather on fiddle and great uncle William on tenor banjo.
Rex has since appeared at the Cape Breton Celtic Colours festival and the Johnny Keenan banjo festival in Longford, Ireland. He joined an old picking buddy for a high profile run of shows including Merlefest with the Larry Keel Experience, playing with legendary musicians Tony Rice and Vassar Clements in the process. He has performed with piper Todd Denman, accordianist Brian O'Connor and fiddler Grainne Murphy, all acclaimed Irish musicians. He spent a year of touring with legendary New Grasser John Cowan, performing with Jeff Autry, Wayne Benson, Craig Bignell, Luke Bulla and Pat Flynn.
Rex has received awards and critical acclaim for his release of 24 Creations for Solo Banjo (2000), a collection of original compositions in multiple styles, utilizing unorthodox tunings and playing techniques.
David DiGiuseppe has been performing professionally since 1978. He is known for his fiery and emotive playing, and is equally at home performing Irish tunes in a pub, French musettes in a cabaret, contra or Cajun music for a dance, or in the intimate setting of a concert hall.
In addition to playing with FootLoose, David performs with Contrazz, Craicdown, and numerous other bands. As a singer and storyteller, DiGiuseppe presents solo concerts to schools and family audiences. Previously, DiGiuseppe has toured and recorded with acclaimed Cajun singer and songwriter J.J. Reneaux, the Big Zucchini Washboard Bandits and many others.
DiGiuseppe has released three recordings showcasing his playing of music from the Celtic, Parisian and American traditions. Reviewer John O'Regan of Ireland wrote "a player of immense talent and vision, David is a musician worth encountering." DiGiuseppe appears on numerous other CDs with his various bands or backing other musicians.
He has published two written collections of traditional fiddle tunes arranged for accordion through Mel Bay Publications, plus his newest book The Mighty Accordion: The Complete Guide to Mastering Bass/Chord Patterns.
Pete Campbell plays piano and bass with a number of bands for contra dances, English and Scottish country dancing and international folk dancing. He also teaches Scottish ceilidh and country dancing as well as colonial American and English dance and is a caller for contra and squares dances. And he loves to join in on any song-fests to share his wealth of silly songs. His prodigious memory for songs and inexhaustible energy have enlivened many a late night parties.
Jim Roberts has been fascinated with percussion since childhood and still keeps the kid as part of his percussive art. He performs with instruments from all over the world including West African djembe, Cuban cajon, Middle Eastern dumbek, and Brazilian panderio.
Jim has recorded and performed with Flecktone members Futureman and Victor Wooten. He has performed with The Horse Flies, Shane Theriot (Neville Brothers), and Billy Dean (1995 Reba McEntire tour) and recorded with Jan Pulsford (Cindi Lauper, Thompson Twins).
Jim has released three recordings--CapeTown with South African singer Paul Petersen; Two Traditions, featuring the Horse Flies; and Tranze is the Danze (Ancient Hand Project) featuring Beth Nielson Chapman and Victor Wooten. As a producer and studio engineer, Jim has worked with diverse musical styles such as African, Afro-pop, Cuban, folk, bluegrass, rock, alternative, and experimental.