KiC is:
Keeping it Casual is a project continually evolving! We are currently playing songs from the 70s through current releases. Our book contains songs from Phillip Phillips, the Revivalists, Coldplay, Anna Nalick as well as classic songs from Melissa Etheridge, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Alanna Myles. We look for songs that tell a story and are written and arranged with beauty and energy.
Quinn Trott - Lead Vocals
Quinn is stoked to be joining the group after many years playing in groups and solo! She began playing piano at 4 years old, confidently announcing herself at recitals. Her love of music grew as she did, evolving into her own eclectic mix of the old and new, Broadway and radio. Playing an array of toys, primarily guitar, piano and violin, she has always seen her voice as her strongest instrument. Quinn is excited to be bringing some new music to the table, ranging from Sara Bareilles to Kacey Musgraves; Alanis Morissette to The Beatles.
Jean Labanowski - Bass and Vocals
Jean started her musical career in high school due to her love of Jazz music, badgering her father into purchasing her a bass guitar. She performed in the band, choir and several musicals and put together a big band Jazz group that performed various parties and events in her home town. Starting to work with Brian after college, he turned her to the dark side of Rock and Roll. Jean has played in a variety of music groups both together with Brian and without, developing her musical precision. Jean has worked with multiple groups including Montage, Octave and Double Take, and has developed and recorded original music with the Rochester NY based group, The Paper Train. Jean’s most recent project is with the Pinetones, presenting music from the 80’s (that’s 1880) through the 50’s. If you are interested in that genre of music, contact us as well! Jean is the bass, the heart of the drive of Keeping it Casual and you will notice the subtle melodies combined with the rich bottom end she delivers to the music.
Rich Roussel - Drums and Percussion
Rich started playing drums when he was nine and drove his parents crazy through the years of evolving his drum kit to bigger, better, and from his parent’s perspective, louder drums. Rich has played a variety of gigs ranging from “pit” band for local music theaters, pick up jazz combos, big bands, fusion bands, and rhythm section jazz clinics for local public schools. Over the years, Rich developed a fondness for complex drumming, through his love of both jazz and classic rock, listening to groups like Chick Corea’s Electric Band and Rush. A true musician, Rich’s complex and tasteful percussion work lays down the groove for Keeping it Casual, adding both complexity and subtlety to the musical patterns underlying the music.
Brian Labanowski - Guitar, Keyboards and Vocals
Brian also started his musical career young. Initially working with a two piece drum and keyboard group hauling drums, keyboards and PA around to gigs in the back of a VW beetle! Being told that ‘you will never be able to play the blues, your life has been too good’ by and while working with a Vietnam War Vet/singer/guitar player, he has embarked on a life long journey with music to find and present the soul and beauty of music. Brian has worked through the years with a variety of musical projects, playing clubs, parties and conventions. Brian has worked as a session keyboardist as well recorded original music with CajMaj, Herb Heins and the Turbines and The Paper Train. Brian is the concept man behind Keeping it Casual. He has the pleasure of facilitating the blending of an amazing group of musicians into the product we are presenting to you.