2008 Doc Goes Hollywood – John Lee Sanders and The William Ross Orchestra

Best known as a founding member of the legendary Oakland, California horn band Tower of Power and a prodigious songwriter, Stephen “Doc” Kupka has pulled together the best of the best for this Strokeland Records release. This release, however, is a major departure from Doc’s trademark East Bay Soul or “snap funk” style. A personal dream of Doc’s for over twenty years, Doc Goes Hollywood is a collection of lush ballads in a modern “Great American Songbook” style.

In the style of the great classic American songwriters, these are finely-crafted songs where melody is king and every lyrical turn of phrase has been lovingly crafted to be the best it can be.

Doc Kupka called on his friend and “A-list” Hollywood composer, arranger, and music director, William Ross, to provide full orchestral arrangements. Mr. Ross (whose credits also include Barbra Streisand, Michael Bublé, and top Hollywood films such as “Ladder 49”, “Forrest Gump”, and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”) delivered arrangements that are simply stunning.

Canadian resident blues artist and long-time Strokeland Superband member John Lee Sanders turns in a masterful performance on lead vocals in this setting.