E.J. Max, Vocals & Percussion

E.J. Max (Esther Maxwell) is the newest resident of FUNKTOWN.  The band welcomed E.J. to the neighborhood in June of 2024 and she’s already made quite a name for herself on the block! Her smoky, soulful alto complements Eileen’s soaring soprano, and this one-two punch of girl power is taking the Eastern Shore by storm.

The Oakland, California-born, Kansas-raised, long-time Maryland resident E.J., is the daughter of musical parents, both singer-piano-guitarists, and originally natives of Barbados.  E.J. began singing in church at a young age, and continued wowing audiences through school and beyond, as a vocalist in bands, show choir, and talent shows.  Along the way, she met and began working with music industry veteran and legend, Jimmy Merchant, original member of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, and author of the pioneering Doo Wop/rock ‘n roll hit Why Do Fools Fall In Love.  Recognizing her talent and potential, Mr. Merchant took E.J. under his wing as a protégé and friend.  Seizing the opportunity, she went into the studio, working and recording beside her mentor and fulfilling the dream of a lifetime.  Jimmy Merchant continues to be a driving force in E.J.’s musical journey to this day. 

E.J. Max is a name you will hear a lot of in the future, following in the footsteps of the great Pop & Soul artists that have come before her.  FUNKTOWN is thrilled to have her living in their town!   

Eileen Stamnas, Vocalist

Eileen began her singing career as a teenager, singing in pubs and clubs in Annapolis and Washington, D.C., and lending her voice to jingles. She studied classical music in college but has also loved singing jazz, pop, R&B and Big Band Music. Her performances have taken her from Canada to Key West, and from clubs in L.A. to showrooms in Reno and Lake Tahoe. She spent several years performing aboard cruise ships and was honored to have sung at three Presidential Inaugural Balls.

Eileen was the Music Director for the Ocean Pines Children’s Theater for many years, as well as acting in many community theater productions. She is currently on the board of the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Stamnas is a featured recording artist on FERVOR Records and can currently be heard singing solo on the 1977 recording, TOUCH ME, available on all popular music platforms.

Herman Pyatt, Guitar & Vocals

Originally from the New York area, Herman’s guitar and vocal stylings are a perfect match for Funktown. Herman has been the guitarist, band leader and arranger for Rhythm-Tec.

Herman has had the pleasure of playing with artists such as the Limelights, the Persuaders and a member of the group Cameo. Herman’s recording credits include work for Elektra/Asylum Records, Busy Records, Twins Records and Madtrax Studios.

David Ruckman, Basses & Vocals

Originally from the Washington DC area, and current Rehoboth Beach resident, is bass guitarist David Ruckman. David started his musical journey with a regional touring act called The Deep End in the early 90’s, where he was fortunate to play many of the very best venues in the DC area and surrounding cities including The Bayou, The Black Cat, The Psychedelia, 9:30 Club and more, sharing the stage with many of the best bands of the day. 

Since then, David has stretched his artistic abilities playing in a variety of studio and live bands ranging from indie rock to funk, punk, blues, jazz, and even a Pink Floyd tribute band. He is now providing the foundational thump for FUNKTOWN with his 5-string Fender and Sadowsky basses as well as contributing keyboard bass, percussion and vocals.

Doug Pyatt, Drums & Vocals

Douglas Pyatt is a versatile drummer who has called Milton, Delaware home for the past five years. Originally from New York, he’s been playing drums since the age of seven and brings decades of experience across all genres of music. Known for his dynamic style and rhythmic creativity, he currently keeps the beat for the high-energy band Funktown, captivating audiences with every performance.

Bob Troutman, Keyboards & Vocals

Bob began taking classical piano lessons as a child and was introduced to pop music by his next-door neighbor.  Answering the call when his teacher wanted to form a rock band, he bought a combo organ and learned the full version of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida for his debut performance at a school assembly. Bob eventually joined the group Penny Lane, a 4-piece band specializing in (what else?) Beatles songs, but also playing Frank Zappa material.    In the late ’80s, Bob formed a funk-rock band, Early Warning. This band was a fixture in the club scene in the greater Washington region.

The mid ’90s found Bob joining Kaleidoscope, a 10-piece band that played weddings and corporate events. He was with that band for 17 years, developing and evolving his jazz and pop chops over time and perfecting the part-playing keyboard style that is his trademark. Most recently he has been a member of 60s tribute band Janglebachs. Bob also has a professional studio, Potomac Audio. Whether it’s a string or horn line, a piano part, or his first love, organ, Bob has the all bases covered and on display.