Biography

Freddy and Henchi first united in Arizona in the early sixties in a band called The Soulsetters. Attracted by Colorado’s mountains, blue skies and beautiful women, Freddy and Henchi decided to relocate their band, then known as Freddi-Henchi and the Soulsetters to Boulder, Colorado. Primarily a rhythm and blues funk band, they began to achieve wide acclaim as a result of their unique sound and style of choreography. The band toured as a Vegas style show band for several years; setting attendance records everywhere they played. They also released an album and multiple singles with Reprise and other major labels.

In the mid-seventies Freddy and Henchi decided to make some changes in the band to gear it more toward a concert presentation. They primarily wanted to complement their already unique show with original writers. Having had successful musicians who crossed their path sit in with them, passing the word was easy. Requests for an audition came in from all over the country. After several different combinations were tried, the right one was set.
With the best possible combination of talent and personalities, The Freddi-Henchi Band has worked steadily to refine their sound and show. The band now feels very comfortable with the experience, quality and professionalism of every member in the band.

The Freddi-Henchi Band has long been recognized by its peers and followers alike as the performers' model. In recent years, they have been making their musical presence known playing concerts, fairs and conventions as well as the many nightclubs at which they hold attendance records. The band executes a wide range of music, which has a lot of crossover appeal, including rock, soul, rhythm and blues, ballads and disco. Their fully produced show, including outstanding musical arrangements, choreographed routines, solos, comedy and an abundance of charisma evokes the spontaneity of audience participation and dancing with every performance.

The band brings together the diverse backgrounds and specialized skills of some very talented musicians and vocalists. These talents have been molded into a very tight and versatile show. The band members have a great time playing together and it shows every time they play. They are all experienced professionals who know that their success comes as a result of constant hard work and their desire to be and remain in the upper echelon of the music industry. The excitement generated at a Freddi-Henchi performance is rarely matched by even the most notable of recording artists. As their peers on the accompanying list can attest, The Freddi-Henchi Band is a consistently outstanding band that is destined for super stardom.

Some of the artists the band has played with, come to know, and befriend over the years...

Average White Band, Nitty-Gritty Dirt Band, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Walsh, Glen Frey, Eagles, Chicago, Dr. Hook, Billy Joel, Etta James, Jose Feliciano, Three Dog Night, The Platters, Tim Weisberg Band, Dan Fogelberg, Neil Larsen, Michael Murphy, Band Nova, Larry Dunn, Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind, and Fire, Firefall, Chris Hillman, Poco, Herbie Hancock, Alphonse Mouzon, Richie Havens, B.B. King, Sam and Dave, Eddie Kendricks, Supertramp, Eric Burdon, Earl Scruggs, David Ruffin, Steely Dan, Sly Stone, Chico Hamilton, Buddy Miles, Buzz Fieten, Jac Murphy, Dr. John, Albert King, Jackson Browne, Mandrill, Chuck Berry, Dobie Gray, Bobby Womack, Tina Turner, Elton John, Silver Convention, James Brown, Pablo Cruise, Graham Central Station, Bobby (Blue) Bland, Robin Trower

"Freddi-Henchi Party," "Booty Check," "Get Up Off the Funk," "Celebrate," "Don’t it Feel Good," "My Funeral," "I Like Your Shoes," "Under Pressure," "I Want to Take You Higher," "Everyday People," "Brick House," "Car Wash," "Crazy Love," and many, many more.

Born in Montgomery, Alabama, one of ten children, Freddy grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. He became professionally involved in music at Mesa Community College where he majored in sociology. He showed his ability to write songs early with hits such as Under Pressure, which he co-wrote for Cold Blood with Larry Wilkins. Freddy has the Million Dollar Voice. His dynamic vocal performances are moving and creative, and catch the attention of the audience every time he sings. Certainly, there’s one thing that you’ll never miss after a performance by Freddy, The Singer--and that is a standing ovation.

After attending Arizona State University, where he was an NCAA champion wrestler, Henchi started out dancing with his own review, and giving dance lessons in Phoenix, Arizona. Wanting to put that talent and experience to use, he and Freddy formed The Soulsetters. After relocating to Colorado, Henchi opened a national entertainment night club called the Good Earth. He also did the choreography for the University of Colorado pom pom and cheerleading teams. The innovative and exciting choreography of Freddy and Henchi, as well as the rest of the band, is much the result of Henchi’s experience and direction. This versatility in dance combined with energetic vocal performances and an abundance of charisma translate into why Henchi has become known as The Star to his colleagues.

Jerry started his professional career in 1965 playing with the upper echelon of club bands in the Colorado area. He gained much experience and established a solid reputation performing with Foxx, Stone Furnace, Daily Planet, The Electric Prunes, and Brother Son. He also became one of the most reliable session men in the area for other bands, as well as recording commercial jingles. In 1975, Jerry joined the Freddi-Henchi Band bringing another magnetic personality to the show. In addition to being an accomplished vocalist, his unique and exciting bass sound has become a driving force behind the band.

Bob originally joined the Freddi-Henchi Band in 1975 with bassist Jerry Krenzer. He recorded on the Caribou Sessions along with the legendary, late Larry Wilkins. Bob toured and recorded with the band for many years before leaving to spend more time with his family in 1983. But once the funk gets ahold of you, it pulls you back in. Reunited with his bandmates again, FHB agrees his special style has helped make the band funkier than ever. More information on his career can be found at www.bobyeazel.com.

Harold Lee, Alto, Soprano, and Tenor Sax, Wind and Keyboard Synthesizers, Vocals, Writer

Harold Lee has a gift few can lay claim to, both musically and vocally. A Denver native, Harold has worked along with talents such as Phillip Bailey (who has achieved international stardom), Larry Dunn and Andrew Woolfolk, Denverites and all members of Earth, Wind, and Fire. Most recently, Harold performed vocally with the Denver based Mel Von Singers for Earth Wind and Fire’s 1988 Touch the World tour at Denver’s Red Rocks amphitheater. Harold is well traveled and has been fortunate to have started so young (age 15) working in groups talented enough to open for a vast range of stars such as: Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Chuck Mangione, and blues man John Mayall to top the list. He has also performed at New York’s Philharmonic Hall as a participant in the Newport Jazz Festival, and received the first Louis Armstrong award, personally presented by the late jazz great's widow.
Harold gives true meaning to the term soulful sax. His masterfully executed solos and his vocals really round out the band’s sound. In his 19 years with The Freddi-Henchi Band, Harold has added a talent that is hard to find.

Classically trained as a child, Chuck attended University of Colorado pursuant of a Music Education degree. Changed major to Recreational Pharmaceuticals and a minor in Field Gynecology. Moved to LA to be a rock star. Performed with David & Linda LaFlamme It’s A Beautiful Day, Adam Strange Frank Zappa, the Elvin Bishop Blues Review, and White Sister. Upon returning from the 3rd tour, house vandalized for the third time, he moved to San Francisco and fell in with a good crowd. Wrote and recorded commercial jingles for bay area businesses at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA. Performed, recorded, or toured both nationally and internationally with a variety of characters including Mark and Robbyn Ford Miles Davis, Sheila E. Escavito, Jorma Kaukonen Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane, Eddie Money, and Peter Rowan among others. Aided in the creation of the Marin County Music Association. Working from Seattle, performed with Robert Cray, Ella Fitzgerald {told him he played like he missed a meal} and performed and recorded with the David Brewer Project. In Las Vegas, teamed with Hugh Moran Minnie Ripperton, Bruce Conti Tower of Power, Jerry and Lenny Lopez Santa Fe, Gloria Estefan. Since returning to the Denver area, performed/recorded with Cynthia Stahl, Nina Storey, Yvonne Brown, Anthony Baker Group, So What!, and Hazel Miller. Been partying with Freddi-Henchi since 1999.

After completing a Bachelors of Music in percussion, it was decided that the thing to do was hit the road. Touring with the Midwest’s Deaconaires, he played shows with the likes of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Roomful of Blues, Johnny Reno, Little Charlie and the Nightcats, and countless regional bands. Now with a good sense of groove pounded into his hands and feet, he was ready to take on the rock and roll monster. Over the next two years he was touring from sea to shining sea, playing 260 shows a year logging his time in the drum seat, developing a style that blended the blues of the past with the edge of the new. Next was a 5-year stint in the Dallas area where he recorded 2 albums with the band DVinity, always pushing to expand his musical range. Upon arrival in Denver, Rich joined the Freddi-Henchi Band in 1999. He brings power and precision to the dynamic FHB groove, blending in all of the styles of the past, to make a very solid foundation that ensures the groove is stable. If you listen closely, you will hear influences of Chris Layton, Vinnie Paul, Dave Weckl, and every single music teacher he ever took lessons from, all mixed up into one package.

Tony started with the band as a roadie in 1970, becoming a member as their percussionist in 1975 and giving his all until the end. An excellent musician and a great guy, known for his infectious smile. He will be sadly missed, but will live on forever in the hearts and souls of all of the many people whose lives he has touched over the years.

Above is a photo taken at Rumours on May 15, 2004. From left to right are: Tony Bunch, Bob Yeazel, Rich Guess (in the back on drums), Henchi, Harold Lee, Jerry Krenzer, Freddy, and Chuck Reeder.