Last updated: 2 days ago
AO55 is an independent American band based in suburban Washington, DC. The band consists of Jimmy Sparks and Tom Grome with substantial help from producer and close friend, JP Maheu. AO55's music ranges from roots rock and alt-country to sledgehammer rock that crawled out of the garage and hooked up with little Miss Power Pop.
www.ao55rock.com
Jimmy Sparks first whacked a drum kit at age 5, and by 16 he was playing DC rock clubs. A natural in front of a mic, Jimmy soon took over lead vocal duties, most often while still behind the drums. Jimmy's ability to sing roots, alt-country and power pop reveals his influences, including Mick Jagger, Eric Burdon, Louis Armstrong, Cher, Joni Mitchell, Tiny Tim, Tony Bennett, Ethel Merman, Barry Gibb, and a young Betty Boop.
Tom Grome is a classically trained pianist who got bit by the rock bug at an early age. After tormenting recital audiences in his native Cincinnati, he surfaced on the DC music scene in the form of “power pop keyboardist”. Comfortable with piano, organ or synth, Tom’s major keyboard influences include Bill Payne, Chuck Leavell, Rabbit Bundren, Roy Bittan, and of course Sister Basil, the nun who taught him how to hold a piano.
www.ao55rock.com
Jimmy Sparks first whacked a drum kit at age 5, and by 16 he was playing DC rock clubs. A natural in front of a mic, Jimmy soon took over lead vocal duties, most often while still behind the drums. Jimmy's ability to sing roots, alt-country and power pop reveals his influences, including Mick Jagger, Eric Burdon, Louis Armstrong, Cher, Joni Mitchell, Tiny Tim, Tony Bennett, Ethel Merman, Barry Gibb, and a young Betty Boop.
Tom Grome is a classically trained pianist who got bit by the rock bug at an early age. After tormenting recital audiences in his native Cincinnati, he surfaced on the DC music scene in the form of “power pop keyboardist”. Comfortable with piano, organ or synth, Tom’s major keyboard influences include Bill Payne, Chuck Leavell, Rabbit Bundren, Roy Bittan, and of course Sister Basil, the nun who taught him how to hold a piano.