The Sidewinders

Doug Perkins, guitar. Art Edelstien, of the Times Argus, reviewing Doug’s album Music for the Flat-Top Guitar says, “It’s long been known that West Topsham’s Doug Perkins is arguably the hottest flat-pick guitarist in Vermont. His name comes up in musical circles frequently, and he’s been praised for his work with Smokin’ Grass, a bluegrass inflected ensemble, and with (Jazz Mandolin Project) mandolinist Jamie Masefield.”

Doug has broken new ground with the electric flat-top guitar playing with the Sidewinders, exploring jazz, funk and blues using his formidable blue grass chops.

Eric Bessette, tenor sax and vocals and occasional guitar, started playing saxophone in the fifth grade and played through high school. However, he made a thirty-year detour as a bass player that included graduating from Berklee College of Music, majoring in jazz composition. He played with numerous bands including Fingertalk, Nightwatch and Blues for Breakfast. He rediscovered the sax several years ago and shows no signs of letting up. Eric is the principal in the exhibit and media production firm Shadows & Light Design.

Glendon Ingalls, upright and electric bass, is a multi-talented musician and educator. He is also highly skilled in trumpet and other brass instruments. He has been lead trumpet for the Vermont Jazz Ensemble for
decades and has played bass on tuba for the Onion River Jazz band for many years. He lives in Rutland.
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Nick Aloi, drums, provides the rhythmic backbone to the quartet, playing the drums with his trademark ferociously smooth style. Nick has been a mainstay with Burlington area jazz bands for decades. He and Glendon toured in Russia with Jenni Johnson and the Jazz Junketeers.

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