Lovely Pipes

Katherine Saunders (left) and Mindy Ray Right are 2 of a 9 member band called Deely Stan. Visit them online at Deelystan.com for upcoming performances.

A cup of hot coffee, comfortable chairs and two talented female singers, Katherine Saunders and Mindy Ray, share their thoughts on their experience as the backing singers of the new 9-piece Steely Dan tribute band called “Deely Stan”. The band will be performing their Greater Portland debut Friday, November 21, 2009 at One Longfellow Square in Portland, Maine.

Katherine and Mindy’s job is to contribute depth and warmth to a song by providing dense jazz voicings that support or complement the bridge or chorus of a song.

“This band is very professional and focused”, Mindy states, “We are dedicated to being authentic, so we’ve had a lot of ground to cover in rehearsals. And we have a great time!” As backing singers, Mindy and Katherine have considerable vocal skills; both read music and have the ability to track the complex close harmony that is a hallmark of Steely Dan music.

Mindy was drawn to the band through an ad on Craig’s List, Katherine, through an email. “It felt to me like, knock-knock, hello!-this is for you!” says Mindy.

For some time, Mindy had been searching for a band to sing with that would challenge her musically and has now found it in Deely Stan. She has been inspired by the genius of Steely Dan for three decades, and is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform their music with such accomplished musicians. Katherine, not of the Steely Dan era, has the spirit of adventure and has the vocal ‘chops’ to meet the challenge and produce spot-on vocals. Both agreed that singing with Deely Stan is “. . . challenging, fun, and professional”.

Outside of Deely Stan, Katherine enjoys working in the medical field and has a passion for baking. She is an avid reader and a lover of films.

Mindy is already an artist in her own right. Mindy is a composer with a passion for singing harmony. She was born and raised in New York, but while living out west, Mindy had the honor of working with Rhiannon and Bobby McFerrin as part of the first incarnation of McFerrin’s vocal ensemble, “Voicestra.”

What do you do to “psyche” yourself up before singing with the band?
Katherine – “I sing along with the radio on my way to rehearsal”.

Mindy – “No psyching up is needed! Steely Dan is my favorite band, so I love singing this music. It is actually quite nostalgic for me.”

What’s like being in a predominantly male band?
Katherine – “No problems, all very business-like.”
Mindy – “This is a great group of people. Everyone is professional and has a good sense of humor.”

There’s a possibility that this band may travel, how do you feel about that?
Katherine – “I’m going with the flow right now, we’ll see as things go forward. I know that I want to go back to college and travel”.

Mindy – “I certainly would welcome weekend gigs out of state. But I don’t see us being on the road full time.”

Katherine, Steely Dan made their name in the 70’s . . . that was before you were born. . Were you familiar with Steely? Had you heard any of the songs before?

Katherine – “I was actually familiar with some of the songs, but the band itself was pretty new to me. I LOVE many of the songs we sing now!”

Do you get stage fright?
Mindy – “No.”
Katherine – “No.”

The debut is on Nov 21st . . . do you know what you’ll wear?
M&K- (Laughing) . . . “We’ll see . . . we need to talk about that.”

There’s quite an age difference in this band . . . is that a good thing?
Katherine -”It doesn’t matter once the music starts. Everybody has to perform their parts.

Was there a moment where you thought, wow, this is a really good band?
Katherine – “First rehearsal . . .”
Mindy – “When I auditioned they had me sing with a recording of the band, and I was blown away. . . At first, I thought it was the real Steely.”

Suddenly, people are taking your picture, filming, recording and interviewing you . . . how do you feel about that?
Mindy – “It helps to promote the band, so I’m all for it. Thanks for interviewing us. It’s been fun.”