Erin Hobson: Guitars/Vocals

Studying guitar under Mark Dziuba, Tom Dempsey, Ted Green, and Ron Eschete, Hobson began a song-writing journal in Los Angeles and kept it up as she has toured the East and West coasts, opening for Blue Oyster Cult, Hoobastank, The Bret Michael Band, Dave Mason and Jakob Dylan. Over the years, she picked up a following in New York’s Hudson Valley, known for her poetic lyrics and masterful guitar technique.  Erin’s unique vocal quality is soft and intimate. In contrast, her guitar virtuosity and explosive phrasing is anything but soft. The combination often startles audiences during live shows.  

Steven W. Ross: Bass/Production

 Originally a student of cello, Ross studied guitar under jazz and studio legend Don Arnone. Several years ago he took up the electric bass at the suggestion of friend and mentor Paul A. Rothschild (renowned producer of The Doors, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, etc.) A multi-instrumentalist, Ross has scored and played for radio, TV and film, including two original songs in the 2010 Sundance award winning mock rockumentary “Colin Fitz Lives!”  Steven’s arrangements and “never sag, never brag” bass lines are and inventive, creating unique melodic grooves that define The Compact’s sound.

Gary Burke: Drums

Burke has been a drummer for Bob Dylan, Graham Parker, Shania Twain and Joe Jackson. He’s appeared on Jackson’s gold, Platinum and Grammy winning albums for nearly two decades, in addition to many world tours. Gary also records and tours with Professor Louie and the Crowmatix, a band originally formed by Rick Danko. He’s also a highly sought after producer whose MO is simplicity and economy.

Ross Rice: Keyboards

Snagged by Columbia Records in 1990 with the band Human Radio, multi-instrumentalist Rice was later signed by Sony and wrote with Susannah Hoffs (The Bangles) and Adrian Belew (Talking Heads, King Crimson). As a touring studio musician, Rice has worked with Steve Earle, Steve Forbert, Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction, Nine Inch Nails), Peter Frampton, and Isaac Hayes. Coming from the Memphis studio school, his playing is sparse and reserved, building on melodic counterpoints and lines, rather than blocks.

Other band members and studio musicians include violinist Larry Packer (The Band, Hall and Oates), keyboard legend Pete Levin (Robbie Robertson, Miles Davis) and saxophonist Chris DiFrancesco.