Who we are
Free Lance is a high energy variety band playing all the favorite rock and dance tunes that people want to hear when they go to see live music. Comprised of seasoned musical veterans who have been burning up the Detroit/Ann Arbor corridor. Free Lance boasts five part harmony, searing guitars and a rhythm section guaranteed to get you party poppin'.
We cover a wide variety of music including ROCK ARTISTS such as AC/DC,
Buck Cherry, Kid Rock, REO Speedwagon and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
We also bring you POP ARTISTS like Bruno Marrs, Travie McCoy,
Katie Perry & Matchbox 20 and your favorite DANCE ARTISTS like..
Wild Cherry, The Commodores, Earth Wind & Fire, Prince, Rose Royce,
Rick James & Young M.C.
Rob “Lance” Gamblin
Guitar/Lead Vocals
Music has always been a big part of Rob's Life. He got his first guitar as a teenager and has been hooked ever since After a short attempt as a song writer in an all original band, "Lance" decided that a cover project would be more suited to his talents . A Bass player/vocalist for the last 20 years in local bands such as The Strangers, Toe Jam and Free Lance, it has been a welcome change to go back to guitar. As the bands front man it gives him a chance not only to be a musician, but also an entertainer, which is what he enjoys most.
Doug Bacckus
Drums/Vocals
A career musician here in the Detroit area , Doug now enjoys music more as more of a weekend release than a 6 night a week gig. Through the years, Doug has played in Many duo's and trio's as well as 4,5 & 6 piece bands such as Spectrum, Double Trouble, The Strangers and Free Lance. A very theatrical player, Doug often thought of entering the theater in his younger days, but eventually decided to stay with music. His energy and charisma on the drums gives Free Lance a rock solid groove without losing the rock "Thunder" when needed.
Steve “FREE” McNaney
Bass/Vocal
New to Ann Arbor, Steve has been funkin' the four string since the age of 15. Steve adds
both lead and harmony vocals to Free Lance with a rock and reggae flavor, but
his true passion is the bass guitar . He joins us following his tenure with a
wedding/event band in his native upstate N.Y. Whether it's a slow groove or a
slappin', poppin' funk, Steve will lay your foundation to the dance floor.
Ryan Kurtz
Keyboards/Vocals
Ryan became a lover of music at a very young age. At age 5, he got his first keyboard
from his grandfather who had won it in a golf outing. He began teaching himself songs
from various kids' movies. In 2004, Ryan began to go out and watch his uncle's band,
with whom he would set in on a regular basis and soon began to desire being in a band
of his own. Ryan just completed a four year stint with the very successful band,
"Scoot Magoo", and when "Scoot" decided to call it quits recently, Ryan decided to
join forces with us and we are pleased to have him as part of the "Free Lance Family".
Ryan has owned and played many keyboards throughout his years. His current
live rig consists of a Yamaha Motif ES6 synthesizer stacked on top of a
full size 88 key Yamaha S90ES.
Jake Reichbart
Lead Guitar/ Vocals
Since 1991, when he won the WEMU Emily Remler scholarship for best jazz guitarist,
Jake has been among the busiest "Free Lance" guitarists in the greater Detroit region.
Check out Jake's Web-Site for additional information and links to virtually all aspects of Jake's guitar playing. A Detroit music awards nominated artist, Jake appears on countless recordings and jingles and has performed alongside countless Motown legends such as Martha Reeves and Pistol Pete Allen as well as the Funk Brothers. Jake has also worked with Jazz greats Buddy Budson, Larry Nozero and Paul Keller, to name a few. Jake's phenomenal guitar skills have been on display weekly at Ann Arbor's classiest restaurant, The Earle, since 1982. "This band, Free Lance" says Jake, "allows me to release the inner tiger inside and really let loose on stage." Just enjoy the pyrotechnics when he hits the strings!
