A combination of diverse influences make the Hot Zone band special and exciting. We rarely play stock covers of popular tunes. Instead, we like to modify the song's arrangement and rhythmic feel to make it funkier and more danceable. With hot guitar solos, smoking blues harp, and an array of fiery keyboards we try to make the song our own.

Hot Zone is led by singer, composer, and harmonica player Conrad Diehl. Conrad was first influenced by radio broadcasts of Ray Charles and Elvis Presley. Later influences included the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. When he heard Chicago Blues great Paul Butterfield he was hooked. Conrad has been playing harmonica and singing in bands ever since.

Robert Jones adds fuel to the fire with his virtuosic guitar playing. Raised in New York City and in Spain, Robert started playing guitar at the age of 10 and played in his first group by the age of 15. His influences include Spanish finger-style guitar playing, rock, progressive rock, jazz fusion, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, and Mike Stern. Robert Jones teaches guitar in Santa Rosa. For more information see http://www.robertjonesguitar.com.

A consummate musician, Bob Eckman has played piano or keyboards in Top 40 dance cover bands, jazz trios, and pit band orchestras. He has played every type of gig a keyboard player can play. His influences include Ray Charles, Chick Corea, and Joe Zawinul, and bands like Weather Report, Rush, and the Allman Brothers.

"A band is only as good as its drummer" - Paul McCartney. Paul McCartney and the Hot Zone band know the importance of a good drummer. Hot Zone's drummer, Dave Kemper, has been playing drums since junior high school. His drumming style includes rock, blues, funk, and R&B. He keeps the beat steady at all tempos and dynamic ranges, magically embellishing the groove. Dave  keeps the dancers on the dance floor all night long.