About the Band

Given his first guitar at age 7 by his musically accomplished parents, Don began displaying his ability in their family church, where he began cultivating his talents. Being completely self taught, his first challenge was mastering a right handed instrument in reverse using his “dominant” left hand. Although he continued to play as he grew older, it was not until his twenties that his interest transcended from a casual hobby into a serious and lifelong passion.

His professional turning point was meeting and collaborating with Ken Colby A.K.A. “ KC”. Don and KC put together a band to jam and it went beyond their wildest dreams. Don and KC got their first gig backing ups “Little John Crisley” (a child wonder who performed with BB King at age 10). The “Jam” became a 6 year gig at JJ’s in San Jose, California.

Don has been nominated on more than one occasion for Best Guitarist by the South Bay Blues Society. Amidst a full time career in the construction industry to support his family, he remained consistent and dedicated to the band and maintaining a full schedule of gigs. He has diligently cultivated a unique original sound and continues to perfect his already masterful skills. Specializing in “Old Style” funk and distinct rhythms, he impresses audiences and fellow musicians with his effortless and unmatched chord progressions. He has worked with some great musicians: One of the highlights of Don’s career was playing sold out Concerts in the Tahiti with one of the greatest drummers in the world Dennis Chambers. Seven Records recording artist, Sista Monica Parker toured with the band extensively since 2005 and to date. Also has recorded & played with Dale Ackerman formerly of The Doobie Brothers. Tony Lindsay of Spangalang (lead singer from Santana). Buddy Miles (Jimmy Hendrix and the band of gypsies). Terrance Howard shared by requesting to sit in on The Joint Chiefs performances at downtown Monterey’s famous Cibo’s. Naranda Michel Walden, song writer, producer, musician.Ronnie Baker, Chico Banks, Bernard Allison and other legends on the 2007 Rhythm and Blues Cruise , just to name a few. Don’s influences starting with his father, Don Caruth Sr., a blessed organist and his mother Janice Watkins, an accomplished pianist/singer. To mention few other like Jimmy Hendrix, Larry Carlton, George Benson, Jimmy Smith, Steve Wonder, Cornell Dupree, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Kenny Burrell, and Albert King. While he plays various guitars throughout his gigs, he favors his Fender Telecaster. For amplification: Fender and Music Man and Fender Bassman.

Born into an artist family, where his older brother Jimmy Biala is an internationally acclaimed Jazz/World Music educator and percussionist while his younger sister Arlene Biala is a published poet.

He is compelled to pursue a musical career where he is allowed to pursue creativity without boundaries and classification while striving to put forth bodies of work that are original and creative in order to keep up with his siblings and establish himself as a true Jazz musician.

Bill has been playing saxophone for 35 years; a product of the California public schools instrumental music programs of the 70’s. He has studied saxophone under Professor Donald Trimmer who conducted the CBS orchestra for 30 years.

Bill’s evolution as a professional musician started in the 9th grade when he joined his first working band “Eternal Funk” that was a very successful dance band playing events and clubs where he had either remain on stage, go outside, or stay in a designated are between sets because he was not of legal age.

After high school Bill studied Jazz Improvisation at Foothill College where he found his Be-Bop inspiration the music of Charlie Parker and other great saxophonists. Bill has cut his teeth (got his chops) teaching and playing jazz duets and trios while also hosting the local blues and constantly staying on the scene with his current musician network.

He has pioneered the use of playing with a harmonizer in order to get a simulated horn section sound.

Bill’s ability to improvise and communicate musical ideals on the fly indicates his commitment to push the boundaries of musical expression.

Bill has been nominated for best saxophonist by the South Bay Blues Society three times. Working as a freelance saxophonist he has performed with John Lee Hooker, Lydia Pense, Gregg Allman, Kate Webster, Deacon Jones, Alber Collins, James Cotton just to name a few.

His strong experienced background performing in Funk, Rock, Punk, Latin, Jazz and Blues bands gives him a wide musical vocabulary to utilize at his discretion. Bill is a true believer for all things associated with the old school and is an advocate fro Jazz standards, vintage American saxophones and Classic Chevrolets.

His command of the instrument creates a feel that entices the audience to get up and dance no matter what the genre: whether it’s funk, R&B, hip hop, blues, or rock.

Donnie’s career goes back decades into East San Jose, capturing influences from John Bonham, Tony Thompson, David Girabildi, and Alex Van Halen to create a powerful sound with top notch musicality. He has recorded and toured internationally with Disorderly Conduct and Sinister Sam, 2 very popular Bay Area rock acts.

Donnie’s soulful sound can be heard as he plays for Cafe R&B, Daniel Castro and Isaiah Picket where he blends hip hop, soul, groove, and rock into a solid driving beat.

Donnie’s blues shuffle is one that is not to be missed. He played with the JC Smith band together with his brother Robert Green on bass and has backed up blues artists Hubert Sumlin, Eddie Shaw, Aki Kumar, Mike Wheeler, Toronzo Cannon and more.

Now with The Joint Chiefs,
Donnie shares his groove for audiences along the Central Coast and greater Bay Area. Go see him play and you’ll not only be entertained, but you’ll experience exactly what a drummer is meant to do: Help you FEEL the music.

Coming Soon