The seed that eventually grew into Philly's finest horn section was plantedin late 2004, when the trumpet player who would later become known (thanks to George) as "Don't Mess With Bill" dropped in to check out a new band that was playing at the local watering hole. A brief conversation with one of the band members revealed that they were considering adding a trumpet player to the mix, as they were currently using only a saxophone. That night, Bill was introduced to saxophonist and Philly legend George Bussey, Jr., who immediately began to set the wheels into motion to bring Bill into the band.
Some months later, Bill and George played their first notes together in a Camden, NJ basement. After considerable thought, one of the band's vocalists named them the "Inner City Horns". INNER CITY's earliest incarnation included George and Bill, one of the most natually matched trumpet/alto saxophone combinations, and one fo two quite capable tenor saxophonists where possible. This was the section that first hit the scene in June, 2005.
By the early spring of 2006, INNER CITY had already begun the process of seeking opportunities as a "for hire" horn section, and why not? It had been done many times before, most notably by the "Phoenix Horns" and "Chops". Besides, INNER CITY semed to have something much nore special than any horn section anywhere, whether for-hire or committed to a particular band.
INNER CITY's turning point came on March 25, 2006, when Bill and George reunited with one of the former tenor saxophonists and shed the shackles and chains that were the band that had brought them together. On May 13th of that year, local sensation popShop featured INNER CITY "for the first time anywhere" at one of their many succesful private affairs. This is the date that you could call the "birthday" of the INNER CITY HORNS, a least as our own unique entity. Two weeks later, INNER CITY appeared at the Jersey Shore with the Blitz Band, one of South Jersey's many excellent rock and roll groups. The project was off and running - and with a vengeance.
There really wasn't any looking back from that point on. We've had a bad experience here and there, but even those have resulted in calls from talented musicians, both old and new, interested in making the unmistakable and incomparable sound of INNER CITY part of their own performances.
Today's INNER CITY horn section features the same great sounds that audiences have come to know and love, provided by none other than George and Bill. Three-horn sections usually also include trombonist Mattie V. This is our main lineup, and others are available as needed. we have gone to great lengths to make the INNER CITY experience the finest available, bringing experience and virtuosity together to creat the perfect blend!
INNER CITY is ...
George "Gomadd" Bussey is one of Philadelphia's finest saxophone talents, with nearly thirty-five years in the performing and recording business.
Having appeared regularly on recordings since his early teen years, George's saxophone styles were instrumental in creating the Philly sound. He has toured extensively around the world and recorded with many major artists, including Sister Sledge, Billy Paul, The Trammps, Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, and others.
George has also made his presence known on the local scene with X-Cluzive and the Soul Revival, Don't Call Me Francis, and Johnny O's Classic Dogs of Love.
George plays a 2005 Cannonball Alto Saxophone, and while he's not too picky about reeds, it's usually a Rico on the horn.
"Don't Mess With Bill" takes trumpet playing to a whole new level. His style sings in every part of the instrument, and fits in equally cleanly with smooth lines and percussive pops.
He has played and served as musical director in several stage productions, including The Wizard of Oz, Anything Goes, Camelot, The Music Man, Kiss Me Kate, Hello, Dolly!, and West Side Story.
Bill's funk and soul styles were developed playing with such bands as Midnight Hour, Jazz Williams' Unique Review Band, JellyRoll, and X-Cluzive and the Soul Revival. Other local influences include The ChatterBand, The Rockets, The Heartbeats, Don't Call Me Francis, and Johnny O's Classic Dogs of Love, all of which have shared stage time to showcase Bill's talents.
Bill plays a 1999 Getzen G20S Renaissance Trumpet with a Jeff Parke custom three-piece mouthpiece, a 1986 Yamaha 2310 Fluegelhorn, a 2003 Hermet Schartel HS500 violin, an old Conn flute, and a couple of cheap guitars. He uses Hetman's #2 synthetic piston oil for the horns, and D'Addario violin and guitar strings. He still swears by an old Ensoniq TS-10 for keyboard work.
Inner City maintains a listing of musicians available to complete any section your band requires. The most commonly used sections include George and Bill with one or two other musicians as needed.
