Reviews

When you first hear their music you might think that White Dove is a touring band from Jamaica or somewhere out of the Caribbean. Truth is that this reggae band is from the unlikely local of Northwest Indiana. Original members Tony Acoff (lead vocals and flute) and Greg Hoskins (keyboards and vocals) formed the band in the early '80s after playing together in other bands in the Gary area dating back to the mid-'70s. Hoskins stated that "we were one of the first bands to do reggae around here."

These two lead White Dove into its third decade of providing tropical grooves. Hoskins characterizes their brand of music as "a mixture of reggae and rhythm and blues. We have taken their sound and added more American to it." He also said, "it is a big musical circle since reggae was influenced by American music of the '50s and '60s."

Acoff said this of their musical vibe: "within our music is a message of peace and love. And we try to carry this message to as many people as we can."

Eric Rendell is the bass player in the band and has been with White Dove for a few years. He spent time playing with George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic. He feels blessed playing with White Dove and said "everybody has their values and morals intact. This band has integrity."

On guitar is Zeke Rongers. He has been with the band for two years. Rongers also plays with the AC/DC tribute band Bonfire handling the lead guitar duties. Rongers stated that "I really enjoy playing in White Dove because the guys are great and that this type of music, reggae, allows me to play a more laid back style concentrating on the beat and playing a lot of rhythm. It is a change of pace from the style I play in other bands."

Recently Ralph Kinsey, from the Kinsey Report, has been filling in on drums for White Dove while his band is on sabbatical. He and Tony Acoff first started playing music together with Ralph's dad, Big Daddy Kinsey, when they were kids. "It's like going back to the beginning playing with Ralph again" said Acoff.

Kinsey is looking forward to playing with White Dove saying "I am not aiming to change anything with the band, I just want to help enhance and embellish their existing sound."

The band is planning on recording a new CD this year. They are writing, arranging, and preparing to enter the studio as soon as possible.

White Dove plays regularly around Northwest Indiana and is a favorite at summer festivals around Chicagoland.

- Bill Page