SlowDrive was started in 1991 by two physicians, ER doc Allan Raskin (horns… Read Full Bio ↴SlowDrive was started in 1991 by two physicians, ER doc Allan Raskin (horns and keys) and cardiologist Peter Mandelson (guitar). The two found singer Arna Zucker through an ad in the Providence Phoenix. After a succession of bassists and drummers, the line-up stabilized with Steve Roy on bass and "newcomer" Rocky Park on drums (he's only been in the band for seven years).

Formed as a blues band and regular opener at the Last Call Saloon (Providence RI), voted “Best New Band” by the Providence Phoenix in 1993, and coasting blissfully downhill since then, SlowDrive weaves an eclectic mix of jazz, folk, country, pop, motown, garage band rock, Slow Drive Originals, and yes, even blues. The band includes Allan Raskin (keys, woodwinds), Peter Mandelson (guitars), Steve Roy (bass, vocals), Rocky Park (drums) and Arna Zucker (vocals).

Raskin, an ER doc, counts some 15 bands and a trip to the WBRU Rock Hunt Finals. Mandelson, a cardiologist, who in fact had embarked on a professional music career before entering medicine, is also a fine pianist. Roy is an independent video producer and was a member of The Maggie Band, a seventies band with a Decca record contract that played extensively in L.A. and London. He adds his distinctive vocals and harmonica to the band's palette. Park, an engineer for Bose Electronics, attended the Berklee School of Music and his long career includes a touring stint with the Platters. Arna, a graphic designer and prepress tech, has been singing professionally since 1984 and has also appeared local theatrical productions.