– Saxophone –
Darrell Rash was born in Oak Cliff, Texas. His love of music started by watching the acts on Lawrence Welk and Ed Sullivan.
“I loved listening to the big bands on those shows,” said Rash.
Like his other band mates, he is largely self taught with the springboard of a few formal classes in his younger years. His early mentors were Mrs. Anita Stewart in elementary school teacher, Mr. Bill Lively at Greiner Jr. High and Mr. Wendell at Breedlove High School.
“I loved Al Hirt and any band from New Orleans. I really liked rock music, too,” said Rash.
His first time to hear Chicago was on a road trip to Camp Wisdom when he was a boy scout.
His first band was called the Diamond Gs. His first real gig paid $17, playing Polka at Sokol Hall in Ennis with the Charlie Adamcik Band.
His life as a working musician has centered around weddings, playing duets and small groups as well as big bands.
He met Bobby Manson and Barry Harrington of CTAT playing with a big band at North Lake College in Dallas. They provided a horn section for several bands in the area, from Rock and Roll gigs to churches.
Rene Pena, former keyboardist for CTAT heard them play Chicago Live at Red Rocks and the rest is history.
“I always liked Chicago and it was like living in a dream to be asked to join. Playing with my friends and the response of the audience is the sweet spot. Everyone seems to enjoy the music we play,” said Rash.