Finding Long Lost Friends:

Just recently, I reconnected with one of my old friends and member of our band Jordan.  Kevin Bort was our 2nd guitarist who also sang back-up vocals.  Now if you remember me mentioning our band in previous posts, we were quite successful back in the late 70’s which if I remember correctly, would have made Kevin just about 17 years old and finishing high school.  

This photo was taken at Erie National Airport as part of a promo shoot arranged by our business manager / agent, Frank Sonzala.  This is a close-up shot of the ‘Three Amigos’ that made up the entire rhythm through thick and thin (string) section of the band.  Kevin and I on guitar and Bobo jammin’ on the bass.

      Kevin Bort, Bob Janicki & Bob Anderson

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Our band stayed together as long as it could considering everyone had other priorities that kept them from staying with it and giving it their all.  We played some of the hottest night-clubs and concert venues from Cleveland to Pittsburgh to Buffalo and back to our home town in Erie, PA.

 

Kevin always looked sharply dressed, even when we were wearing matching outfits.  He played a beautiful 1974 or 75 Gibson Les Paul Custom with a Cherry Sunburst finish.  WOW what a beautiful axe; I’ve always loved that guitar of his. 

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I really enjoyed playing on stage with Kevin right by my side.  We put on a great show for our audience, always seeming to get them involved with what we were doing or planning to do. No to forget our two lead vocalists, Bob Wheeler and John Sonoga who always seemed to get everyone up and on their feet.

 

JORDAN rocks the house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

     

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It is quite exciting to hear all about Kevin since the 70’s.  He’s stuck with his guitar and has played in a few ROCK bands which has allowed him to keep up on his chops and even better them.  He’s now playing in an 80’s ‘Journey’ tribute band called ‘ReTro’.  They’re based out of Roanoke, VA.  I hear good things about their band; I only hope to get the opportunity to catch their act someday.

Kevin sent me a few photos of his arsenal of guitars and WOW, what a collection.  He’s really become a true ‘Fender Guy’ as they say.  Now owning 11 Stratocasters of various styles and two Fender Telecasters. The last Strat and Telecaster that he purchased are Fender Squiers; unbelievable quality, Seymour-Duncan pickups, great finish on the bodies and wonderful necks. 

 

 

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As I stroll along getting my self back into the business, it makes me proud to see Kevin where he is in his music career.  After all, we spent days, hours, weeks and months upstairs in my house back in 1974, 75 and so on. Just practicing and learning songs so we can get our band out on the road where we wanted to be.

 

            Bob (Squirrel) Janicki on keyboards                    John (Pinhead) Sonoga on Percussion

 

                    Kevin Bort and Bob (Squirrel) Janicki both playing Gibson Les Paul guitars

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      JORDAN

Bob (Squirrel) Janicki  lead guitar/vocals

Kevin Bort                     2nd guitarist/vocals

Bob (Bobo) Anderson bass guitar

Dave Babo   keyboards

Tom (Nappy Head) Verdecchia drums/percussion

John (Pinhead) Sonoga lead vocals/percussion

Bob Wheeler   lead vocals.

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I hope you enjoyed this post, I certainly did.  it brought back many memories for me.  I know that Tom Verdecchia is still playing his drums in a classic rock band in Erie and yet is the Vice President of HAMOT Hospital in Erie, PA.  I’ve talked with John Sonoga and he is no longer in the business, but still wanting to bring Jordan back to life even if just for one last performance.  You know us musicians, we never die, just keep lingering on.

As far as Dave Babo and Bob Wheeler is concerned, we do not know where they live but maybe they find out one way of another.  Well, I’ve got to hit the hay now; I have to get up early tomorrow.  Have a great day tomorrow and don’t forget to hug your kids.

Take Care;

Bob