James Browne
Electric & Acoustic Guitar/Background Vocals

Hailing from Seattle, guitarist James Browne is a new and exciting addition to Jon's band. James picked up his axe as a kid in 1989 along with a substantial 80's rock influence. After mimicking the sounds of Eddie Van Halen and absorbing the new sounds of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Matchbox 20 and others during the 90's, James was approached with his first opportunity to tour.

Longtime friends Aaron Spiro and Carlo Furlan from the Christian band IAMIAM recorded Kickin' The Sky in Los Angeles with session ace Tim Pierce featured on guitar. Shortly thereafter, IAMAM returned to Seattle in search for someone to fill the guitarist slot. James was asked to join the band and got to immerse himself learning Tim's parts on the songs. This led to a two-year stint with IAMIAM. This also led James to delve into the world of great session players such as Dann Huff and Michael Landau. James spent the next year perfecting Tim's parts, while continuing to study his work on various other recordings.

Thirsting for more, James moved to Los Angeles in 2000 and attended the Musicians Institute where he was a protege to Allen Hinds and Scott Parker, both having a significant influence. James then acquired an internship with producer Derek Nakamoto, who mentored him into recording various demos and soundtracks. While continuing to reside in L.A., James played on the Oasis Christian Center's immensely talented house band full-time for the next five years where he honed his R&B chops and served as a musical director. Playing at Oasis led to two live recordings. The first of the two albums, Oasis Praise Bring It On, was released in 2003 through Warner/Word and the second, The Greatest Love, released in 2004.

Since then, James has found himself working with players in the industry and recording on demos and playing showcases. Now James is both pleased and proud to be a part of Jon's band as he looks forward to playing both live and in studio , whereby all of his varitable skilsets and atmospheric talents can be put to good use.



Dave Allen
Drums & Percussion

In his time in the U.S. after moving from Australia, Dave has worked with many artists including Michelle Branch, Avril Lavigne, Leonard Cohen and Bret Michaels. He appeared on two of Michelle's music videos that went to 1 on MTV's TRL (Total Request Live). His other TV appearances include performing live on Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, Rosie O'Donnell, Good Morning America, Britain's Top of the Pops, the Pepsi Chart Challenge and European MTV. In addition, Dave has toured and recorded with Judith Owen, playing at times with her husband on bass, Harry Shearer (The Simpsons) and Dereck Smalls from Spinal Tap. Dave also recorded drums on the title track for Harry Shearer's debut film, The Teddy Bear's Picnic.

Recently, Dave has been focusing his energies on studio work and live shows in Los Angeles. He has recorded songs for numerous artists, including Will Dailey, PJ Olsson and Karmina (CBS Records). Mandi Perkins and Anjani (Sony/BMG). Independent artists, Donna Delory (Madonna's long time back up singer), The band BROTHER, Jimmy McGorman, Manda Mosher, Dave Dale, Rick Ellis, and Randy Coleman, amongst others.

Dave has also recorded drums on songs that have been placed on the new Beverly Hills, 90210; Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Smallville; One Tree Hill and Bret Michaels' Rock of Love. In addition, Dave has movie soundtrack credits on The Power Rangers, Me, Myself and Irene with Jim Carey and academy award nominated Crash. Dave's drum samples and loops have been heard on MTV's Jack Ass produced by Goldo and PBS's Curious George, the cartoons composed by Nick Nolan. He has also recorded drum cues for the Independent film network's comedy, The Whitest Kids You Know produced by Guy Erez.

Dave says his career highs to date are, opening up for The Who at the Hollywood Bowl with artist Randy Coleman and having breakfast with actor/comedian Steve Martin in Aspen, CO at the Aspen , HBO Comedy Festival where Dave had been playing.

"I'm excited to be playing with Jon Dowling and the Band. Jon's lyrics are positive and heart felt, which at this time in the music industry is rare. He also provides a solid musical foundation with his tasteful, soulful piano playing. There's some fantastic music happening here and I look forward to rehearsing it up and performing it for you all. Stay tuned.... "  



Takashi Iio
Electric Bass/Background Vocals

If you took Flea's funkiness, Lee Sklar's smooth lines, and mixed in some of Ray Brown's heavy grooves you'd begin to get an understanding of what Takashi sounds like. Combine that with Takashi's energy and true Motown spirit and you'll get the sense of what he brings to the stage.

Takashi started out playing piano but switched to bass at fifteen when a group of friends needed a bass player. He progressed quickly and three years later he was selected to join the All-State High School Jazz Band which led to a full-talent scholarship to Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Takashi expanded his musicianship at Wayne State University to include the upright bass. He studied extensively with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's bassist Max Janowsky, Matt Michaels (arranger for Barbra Striesand) and Dan Pliskow (teacher of bass virtuoso Bob Hurst). He has shared the stage with such musical legends as Hank Jones, James Carter, Dwight Adams (trumpet player for Stevie Wonder), Steve Sigmund (music director for Ray Charles), Marcus Belgrave (Detroit trumpet legend), The Motor City Horns (Bob Seger's Horn Section), Mike Williams (lead trumpet player for the Count Basie Orchestra) and the late Mel Wanzo (trombone player for the Count Basie Orchestra).

He has also recorded with a host of other artists and groups, including Sony artist Sonia Lee, Bob Mervak, Damani Philips, Beth Stalker, Steve Wood, Merlsons, Jelly Adams, Musica Mundi and many others.

His work with various groups incorporate several musical styles, ranging from Latin grooves, Motown, Country, Bluegrass, R&B, Blues and modern Top 40, to the more subdued and melodic sounds of Jazz and Classical.

Takashi was born in Chicago, IL, moved to California, Japan and spent most of his life in Detroit. He recently relocated to Los Angeles to broaden his musical experiences. Takashi is enthusiastic about playing with Jon Dowling and the Band. He has great respect for Jon's musical talent, loves his uplifting lyrics and approach to song writing. He believes Jon is an amazing musician, great guy—as genuine as you can get—and admires his passion for music. Takashi is excited to be part of Jon's band and looks forward to playing great music with great people.



Donyael Kelso
Lead/Background Vocals

Born and raised in Springfield Massachusetts, this mother of four has been acting, singing and modeling for well over fifteen years. After relocating to Los Angeles in 2006 she began working with various high profile bands within Los Angeles, such as Jay Curtis of Clockwork Music, Tracy Nicole Chapman, Ryan Bailey and Carl Chavez of Tanner 12 productions just to name a few.

Donyael prides herself on having an eclectic, soulful sound that incorporates influences ranging from many diverse musical genres, to include Jazz, Neo-Soul, Pop, Rock, alternative and country. Interestingly enough, Donyael and Jon met in junior high school many years ago and became instant friends, with music chief among their commonly shared passions. It was inevitable that their paths would cross in Los Angeles several years later and upon their reuniting, Jon jumped at the chance to have Donyael join the band and they have been making great music ever since.



JV Collier
Electric Bass

JV Collier is one of the most sought after bass players of his generation. As a student of legendary Motown bassist James Jamerson, JV learned from the best. Now, after a career which has spanned more than thirty years, he continues to share his talents with some of the most recognizable artists in the music world.

Born in Dixon, Tennessee, JV moved to the Motor City with his parents as a youngster. He first discovered his love for music at the young age of 10 when he began trombone lessons at his public elementary school. Two years later while listening to a Jimi Hendrix record, JV was inspired to try the bass. He decided to formally study the bass along with continuing his trombone lessons.

By junior high school, JV had become accomplished enough on the bass that he began working the local club scene. He attended Mackenzie High School, where in band class, he struck up a friendship with James Jamerson, Jr., son of the famed bassist. James, Sr. frequently visited the class and gave lessons to the young bass players after school.

In 1972, Motown Records moved to Los Angeles taking James Jamerson along and leaving a void in the city's recording musicians pool. Sixteen year-old JV was offered the chance to record with some of the hottest R&B artists of the day – among them: The Temptations, Earl Klugh, Freda Payne, Ron Banks and the Dramatics, Enchantment, and the Floaters and producers such as Holland-Dozier-Holland, Paul Reiser and David Van der Pit.

Soon after, a young trio of sisters called the Emotions offered JV the chance to go on tour. Next came calls from across the country, which exposed JV to not just funk and R&B but jazz, disco and pop. New York recording sessions led to work with artists such as Frankie Valli, the Brecker Brothers and Kellie Patterson, as well as producers like Bob Gaudio. Calls from Los Angeles led to work with artists such as Herbie Hancock, Ben E. King, Tyrone Davis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Alton McClain & Destiny.

In the early 80s, JV met Don Was, then a struggling songwriter in the Detroit area. When Was formed an eclectic band which would later be known as Was Not Was, he called on JV to lay the foundation for his vision. JV recorded two albums with the band and toured Europe.

In 1983, JV joined Gladys Knight & the Pips. During his ten year association, he toured the world and recorded with the legendary group. Additionally, he worked and recorded with The 5th Dimension, the Pointer Sisters, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. and Norman Connors.

In 1994, JV got a call from Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Bruce Hornsby. Hornsby invited JV to join the band, and eight years, several national tours and three albums later, their association continues. With the variation of Hornsby's musical mix of blue grass, jazz, R&B, pop, and folk, JV has shared the stage with Bonnie Raitt, Chic Corea, Bela Fleck, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, the Band, Branford Marsalis, and has played bass duets with Victor Wooten, and Christian McBride.

"Making music that's both challenging and interesting is food for my soul," says the considerate, professional and devoted bassist.