Music:
Member Since: 29/12/2005
Band Members: BAND MEMBERSName: Dave Pesnell
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Instrument: vocalsDavid is a veteran of the music business, having promoted concerts and managed groups; and when he was not on the road, he would be with his wife (Leli) in the recording studio watching her record. It was in such a situation that he first laid down his vocals for the song, “D.C. Shuffleâ€, which went on to be a top 10 dance hit at many record pools across the country. It was then that Leli and Zimmerman decided to have David lend his unusual style of vocals (chat rock) to the album “Humongously Yours†which went on to produce 5 hit songs that charted, three inside the top 20, including the love ballad, “Without You†and the monster hit, “Love Policeâ€.The biggest asset that Pesnell brings to Cutting Edge is not his vocals, but his ability to promote the band and it’s music, as he has taken the lead in handling the band’s radio and media promotion on a national and international scale. David has 23 gold and platinum albums.Name: Liza "Leli" Pesnell
Hometown: Tuscon, AZ
Instrument: Songwriter
This Asian Princess is the heart and soul of the band, Cutting Edge. Her words come alive and explode as she reaches into her heart and soul and brings forth her feelings for the world to hear. From protest songs (“Judas of D.C.†and “Lawmakers, Lawbreakersâ€), love ballads (“Without Youâ€, “Every Time I Try†and “Your Love Is My Oxygenâ€), songs about every day life (“Love Policeâ€, “Agony and Ecstasy†and “Venomous Love Affairâ€) to humorous sexual tones from the (“Humongously Yoursâ€, “7X’s A Day†and “Body Talkâ€); Leli has developed a talent for reaching all of us.Born in Angeles City, Philippines, Leli has resided in Tucson, AZ for over 10 years. Working with such writer/producers as William Zimmerman, Dana Myers, Chris “The Greekâ€, Ricky Ricardo, Guisseppe D., and Grammy Award Winner, Tony Camillo, Leli has established a track record in which almost 50% of her songs that are recorded have charted. This is even more remarkable, considering that most of these songs are by independent bands.When not writing or working in the recording studio, Leli enjoys traveling, deep sea fishing (in the Turks, Caicsos Islands and Alaska), shopping (what woman doesn't) and the University of Arizona basketball and football. Her greatest joy is writing and producing her band, Cutting Edge. The song writing team of Leli/Zimmerman has written and/or produced over 100 recordings over the past ten years. As a songwriter and producer, has over 20 gold and platinum albums. See William Zimmerman bio for more information.Name: Jeff Carolus
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Instrument: Guitar, Vocals
Jeff has been involved with Cutting Edge since it’s begining; and when Leli, David and William decide to tour, he is their "GUITARMAN". Other projects include the tribute album to the band, Spirit, which features Jeff’s various guitar styles on every track. He has played with Michael Derosier and Roger Fisher of Heart, Alan White of Yes, and Don Wilson and Nokie Ewars of the Ventures. Jeff’s philosophy on guitar - playing and performing comes from the heart and soul. Favorite hobby is fishing.Name: Che Best
Hometown: Los Angeles
Instrument: (Lead Vocals - Background Vocals)
Che' grew up in the Carolinas and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career as singer, songwriter, actress and model. Che' s vocal styles range from Gospel to Rock and she has shared her vocal versatlity with thousands of people across the world. Che' is not only a dynamic recording artist, but she is also an electrifying stage performer. She has performed with such artist's as: Rick Springfield, CeCe Wynans, Heavy D, Howard Hewitt, Cuba Gooding Sr., and Jamie Jones of "All For One".Che' Best is presently on a musical journey with group Cutting Edge, singing songs Everytime I Try, 21st Century Woman and Your Love Is My Oxygen.Name: Ryan Smith
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Instrument: bass
Ryan has been a figure in the Tucson music scene for some 20 years, Plays guitar, keyboards, and bass. In 2004, he composed the sound track for the movie, “Sweet Misery, A Poisoned Worldâ€. Ryan began his career studying ‘cello under University of Arizona Professor emeritus Gordon Epperson and Nancy Green. Enjoys Zombie movies, with his favorites being “Resident Evil†and “Land of the Deadâ€. Ladies, Ryan is the party animal for the bandName: Raymond Johnson
Hometown: Los Angeles
Instrument: drums
Raymond grew up playing drums and knew that the drums was his destiny. Has worked with various recording artist as Desmond Child, Billy Paul, Chante’ Moore, Angela Bonfill, Lonnie-Liston-Smith, Ray Parker, Jr. and many others. His music and performance comes from his spirit and his desire to be amongst the best. You can hear his skillful drumming from the pounding of such songs as “Agony and Ecstasy†to the soft sounds of “Every Time I Tryâ€. He brings a full plate to the table and leaves nothing behind.Name: William (Wily Z) Zimmerman
Hometown: Los Angeles
Instrument: vocals, keyboards
With over 15 gold and platinum ablums from writing and producing songs for other bands, William is the Co-Producer and one of three songwriters for Cutting Edge. Selected studios, arranged engineers, musicians and coordinated time of recording with all parties. Oversaw the complete recording aspect of album, including the mixing. Played keyboards and song background vocals. Co-lead vocals on "Abuse of Power", among others.
Influences:
Awards!
"Love Police"Commercial Radio Charts
U.S. Charts no.20
Int'l Commercial Dance Radio Charts no.22
Int'l Groove Radio Charts no.28
Radio RheinWelle no.16
Awards
IRBI Nominated Song of the Year 2001
IRBI Nominated Producer of the Year 2001
IRBI Best Arrangement of the Year 2001
IRBI nom. Best Dance Remix of the Year 2001
Best Vocals in Pop
Best Mood in Pop
Most Original in Pop
Track of the Day in Dance
Track of the Week in Dance
Best Male vocals in Dance.
Best Lyrics in Dance
and several other awards."Without You"Commercial Radio Charts
US Charts no.16Awards
IRBI Song of the Year, 1999
IRBI Songwriters of the year, 1999
IRBI Ballad of the Year 1999
Best Vocals in Pop
Best Mood in Pop
Most Original in Pop"Every Time I Try"Commercial Radio Charts
U.S. Charts no.6
Int'l Commercial Radio CHR Charts no.1Awards
"no.10 Best Female Vocals in Dance, all time"
"no.13 Rocking Track, all time"
"no.25 Best Production in Dance, all time"
"no.19 Best Dance Track, all time"
"Best Keyboards in Dance, week of 7Nov, 2005"
"Best Lyrics in Dance, week of 14Nov, 2005""F - - - the IRS"Commercial Radio Charts
Int'l Commercial Alternative Radio Charts no.19
Int'l Commercial Dance Charts no.34Awards"Track of the Day, 28 March, 2006 in Modern Rock"
"Best Guitars in Modern Rock, Week of 27 March, 2006"
"Best Keyboards in Modern rock, Week of 20 March, 2006"
"Best Rocking Track in Modern Rock, Week of 27March, 2006""She Wore Red"Awards
"Track of the Day in Hard Rock, 19March, 2006"
"no.3 Best Mood in Hard Rock, all time"
"Best Mood in Hard Rock, Week of 13 March, 2006"
"Best Mood in Hard Rock, Week of 3 April, 2006""Body Talk"Commercial Radio Charts
"Int'l Commercial Top 40 Radio Charts no.3"
"Int'l Commercial Dance Radio Charts no.11"
"Int'l Commercial Pop/Rock no.40"
Sounds Like:
Record Label: Gypsy Fox Records
Type of Label: Indie