The Denny Russell Band members

Denny Russell - lead vocal, guitars, songwriter

Gary Bowman - mandolin, banjo, harmonica

Don Parish - guitars, backup vocal

Don Stamey - keyboards

Lance Campbell - drums

Mark Gilchrease - bass

Previous band members

Denny grew up in El Cajon, California (San Diego area). His first instrument was the trumpet in grammar school. Later he switched to trombone in junior high. Dennys’ musical world really started to take shape while in junior high. His dad brought home a guitar with the idea that he might learn to play, so Denny took this opportunity to take a folk guitar class at school. His best friend played drums and Denny's brother bought a drum set as well, so once again... opportunity. He wrote his first song in his early teens and hasn’t stopped yet. Writing is his passion. In high school he played guitar and sang in a band playing mostly school dances in the area. Over the years much of his playing and singing has been at the churches he’s attended. This includes Twin Cities Church, where he currently attends and occasionally plays drums or does a vocal solo. One memorable occasion at a previous church was sitting in on drums when Grammy Award winning Phil Driscol came through town.

Gary grew up in the midwest, often listening to his dad singing and playing the songs of the Inkspots on the guitar. At the age of 10, Gary bought his first Hohner Marine Band harmonica, and soon afterwards, received a Silvertone acoustic guitar as a birthday present. From that time forward, music has been the thread through Gary's life. Gary now enjoys playing a variety of stringed instruments, including guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro, and bass. Gary's interests range from Appalachian folk to Celtic, Blues to Bluegrass, and Ethnic to American swing. From the late 70's forward, Gary has joined and founded numerous bands, including Khadra Music and Dance Ensemble (San Francisco), the Portola Valley Rough Riders (San Mateo), Round Valley Hogcallers, the Light and Glory Gospel Band, Blackberry Jammers, and Heartbeat of the Isles (Mendocino County). Gary has also performed and recorded with various songwriters, including the singing cowboy Tim McIsaac and country singer Marjo Lambert. From pizza parlors and coffee houses to fairs and festivals, music has opened the doors for great experiences and long-lasting relationships. Gary was also a Train Singer for the California Western Railroad (the Skunk Train) during the late 90's, and has performed on trains up and down the west coast, through Oregon, on up to Alaska. Currently, Gary, along with violinist Robert Russell, comprises one-half of the eclectic duo, the "Local Motives", and is a member of the Twin Cities Church, CA.

In 1975, Don was 12 years old, bored and lonely. The family had just moved 30 miles away from his school and friends and starting over again in a new town was proving hard. There was an old guitar in the basement and he determined to learn to play it over the summer. That was the beginning of a 30+ year love affair with the instrument.

Don has played in bands throughout his career, but has also done a variety of orchestra sessions, including a few as conductor of a combined orchestra featuring players from the Denver and Colorado Springs symphonies. A highlight of his guitar career was playing the Vivaldi concerto in C major, arranged for guitar, with the Bay Chamber Symphony orchestra in 1990.

As attached to the acoustic guitar as Don is, he has never lost or lessened his love for the electric guitar. He has been featured on a variety of local and syndicated TV shows across the country. The Denny Russell band is Don’s seventh (and by far best!) band and is the first to feature some of his songwriting.

With a strong gospel and country music background, Denny Russell’s music is the perfect foil for Don’s punchy tone and melodic lines.

Don began playing piano at age nine. He took formal lessons for five years, but quit because he didn't like playing the required classical music. He played in the jazz band in high school, and began playing in church at age 15. He also has played organ, guitar, alto sax, and electric bass (his second favorite instrument), but the piano has always been his roots. Other musical interests include arranging and orchestration. Through the years, he has played for weddings, theatre, restaurants, parties, vocal groups, gospel quartets, along with the countless years in church orchestra and band.

Originally from Southern California (Orange County), Don and his wife moved to Grass Valley in 2003, for the small town rural environment. He has been a self-employed software developer since 1986.

Currently, in addition to being part of the Denny Russell Band, he plays keyboards in the band at Twin Cities Church in Grass Valley. He never imagined he would be part of a country-rock band, but he says "it's been a lot of fun and the band members are good guys".

Lance Campbell picked up a pair of drumsticks around the age of thirteen and has been playing ever since. With occasional performances throughout the years, he’s played in a variety of styles and techniques ranging from Heavy Metal, to Contemporary and now Country Rock. Lance has an amazing gift and ear for music. He is a self-taught musician and also plays classical guitar, electric guitar and bass. Now he’s working on learning how to play the bagpipes; definitely the most difficult instrument to attempt yet. Paralleled with his love for playing instruments, Lance also writes music and shares that passion with his cousin Josh – his “Jammin’ Buddy.” In addition to being a part of the Denny Russell Band, Lance enjoys playing drums in the band at Twin Cities Church where he can serve alongside his wife, Anna (who sings on the vocal team) in music ministry.

Mark grew up in Houston Texas, performing in local dramas, and singing in local productions, with the “Singing Boys of Houston” an international recognized choir. As a teenager living in New Orleans, mark continued his musical path, picking up the bass guitar, (because in his own words, “I couldn’t play a bar chord!”). While playing in local bands with his brother Mike, Mark was heavily influenced by rock, country and classical music. Developing his own song writing skills, he dove head first into recording and production, teaching himself and picking up anything he could from those musicians and producers around him. This became his laboratory for writing, building songs, and recording music. Six years ago, Mark was able to find his passion by playing guitar for a local worship team. “That team had some amazing musically gifted people that helped me grow as a guitarist, songwriter, teacher, producer, and as a person. Playing guitar and playing for God, showed me the best of both worlds. I get great satisfaction in watching others grow and knowing I was there. Seeing kids I have had the opportunity to teach guitar become better than me is awesome!” Continuing to fuel his passion, Mark has played on several worship teams throughout the Sacramento area, and now plays Guitar and Bass for Twin Cities church in Grass Valley California.

“The last few years I have realized the gifts God has given me, some incredible friends that have included me in their passion with God and Music, I am blessed to use my talents to help them grow musically and within their gifts. I am eternally grateful for that one special person that God sent to help me grow, recognized my talents as they really are, and encourage me during those dark times, I am eternally bless to know her, and to give my talents back to my Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ.”