The Heavy Hitters started as a way for four of CT’s local music scene’s well known musicians - who had crossed paths between the various projects they were involved in – and had a vision to share their love of music together and create an opportunity to play with other fantastic musicians on the scene. With that, the Heavy Hitters Open Mic was born. After doing this for a few years and realizing that their collective 150+ years of experience left them with 100’s of songs to be able to just call out and play and play them really well (unrehearsed), and musically bonded – they asked themselves the question, “Why aren’t we taking this on the road?” After a few corporate and private party shows, they knew their intuition was right and decided to forge ahead.
Leading the band in Vocals, as well as rhythm guitar, is Heather Joseph. Heather, a CT native, has been singing since she popped out of her drummer mom’s womb. She grew up in a musical family, with both of her parents being in a band. This molded her to become the multi-instrumentalist she is and is the reason for many of her influences such as Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Hendrix, Billy Joel, Janis Joplin and Heart… just to name a few. After many years of performing in church and all city/state choirs, Heather joined her first band at the age of 15, a wedding band called The Islanders. She then went on, after the birth of her daughter, to start an acoustic duo called Eclipse, which eventually turned into the 10 years old and counting local cover band, Highfield. Heather is also actively involved in other projects such as Mindcrime Queensryche Tribute, acoustic duo with Dave Aaron, and is currently recording her freshman album with Chemical Z – as well as subbing for various projects including Jaxton Gold and the Definitions, Steve Gregory Band, and the Signature Band. Heather has had the honor of sharing the stage with many of music’s hero’s while being part of the Wimbash All-Stars, with members including the namesake, Doug Wimbish and his bro Corey Glover from Living Colour, Paul Pesco, Mark Rivera, Daru Jones, Oli Herbert, Rocky Bryant, Marc Ribler and Cliff Carter. She also can be found on the tracks of various local original artists’ albums, such as Solistic and Dave Harmon. Heather is often compared to the likes of Melissa Etheridge, Janis Joplin, and Nancy Wilson. However, anyone who has heard her will tell you there is no limit to her vocal prowess. It’s been said: “She goes from singing a heart wrenching, throat biting rendition of Led Zeppelins’ ‘Since I’ve Been Loving You’, straight into classics like ‘At Last’, and beautiful ballads like ‘Ain’t Got You’ without a hiccup!” “I don’t think there is a song she can’t own and sing!”
On lead guitar and vocals is Chuck Beckman. Chuck Beckman was born in Del Rio, Texas and currently lives in central Connecticut. He started playing guitar and ukulele with his father at age 3, which inspired him to create his own music. He studied classical guitar with various teachers, and played blues and rock on his own, taking inspiration from Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eddie Van Halen, and Al Di Meola. He later attended Berklee College of Music and Quinnipiac University, where he studied jazz improvisation and performance. Chuck released a solo album, ‘Lonesome Road’ in 2008. This dynamic rock album draws from many styles of music, with heavy blues riffs and guitar-driven rock ‘n’ roll. It features vocalist, Mike Vescera (Yngwie Malmsteen, Loudness, Obsession) and the propulsive, unique drumming of Greg Trabandt. Chuck also plays in several cover bands, such as Bullets N' Whisky, The Heavy Hitters and The Total Hacks. Chuck, aside from the open mic hosted by the Heavy Hitters, is a member of the Donahue All-Stars hosted open mic at Donahue’s in Madison, CT.
On Bass and vocals is Rob Liptrot. Rob brings a plethora of experience to the Heavy Hitters. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, with roots in soul and gospel, and years of experience under his belt. He has played with many projects, such as The Manhattan Project, recording artist Frank Viele, and is also the bassist for Chemical Z. He is also currently a member of the cover band After Effect. Rob, aside from the open mic hosted by the Heavy Hitters, is a member of the Donahue All-Stars hosted open mic at Donahue’s in Madison, CT. Rob recently joined as an instructor of bass guitar at the Rock House School of Music in West Haven, CT.
On percussion/drums is Steve Cioppa. Steve has been laying down the rhythm for over 25 years in various projects. His experience covers a variety of styles making him one of the most versatile drummers on the scene. Over the years, he’s been in projects that have led him to opening up for a broad spectrum of groups including: Tower of Power, Elliot Yamen, The Last Goodnight, The Marshall Tucker Band, Teddy Geiger, Billy Joel Tribute Band "Big Shot" and The Radiators. He’s also worked with musicians from Blood, Sweat & Tears, The Buddy Rich Big Band and the Arturo Sandoval group. Steve was also a member of the very successful and highly regarded CT based Funk/R&B original band, Cubistic Jack. Steve’s motto: “It's all about the groove.” It was that dedication to respecting the song and playing with integrity that landed him a home in Highfield with Heather 8 years ago. Since then, they’ve been “the duo” – sharing the stage in Chemical Z, Heavy Hitters and various other musical ventures. He currently endorses AUDIX Microphones, The Kelly Shu, REMO Drumheads and has just been added to the MAPEX Drums roster. Most recently, he has been performing festivals with the Doug Wimbish Allstars as part of his Wimbash festivals. The Allstars include both Doug And Corey Glover of Living Colour, guitarist Paul Pesco, Daru Jones and other high profile musicians along with additional members of Chemical Z. Steve can be found on many studio albums from various artists including Cubistic Jack, Sweet Bird, Steve Gregory, Traci Root, and Solistic to name a few.
Recently joining the Heavy Hitters on keys is Glen Masso. Glen has played with most regional Motown acts, Motown Review, Soul Sound Review and Souled Out. Glen has also played with such acts as Solid Gold, Major Motion, The Sniffles, Snafu and many others. Glen toured with the "Wholigans" as musical director performing the rock opera TOMMY. He can go from a Gershwin ballad to a Jerry Lee Lewis rocker with the snap of a finger. Glen has numerous album credits and can be heard on several demos & jingles. Glen is an active member of the Signature Band, as well as the Total Hacks open mic house band.
