Great North Special, The

The Great North Special emerged from the sunny shores of Laguna Beach, California, in 2019, forged through friendship and by a collective passion for the improvisational magic of bands like Little Feat and The Grateful Dead. The seven-piece ensemble, comprised of Andrew Corradini on vocals and guitar, Russell Long on vocals and guitar, Ben Wagner on guitar and pedal steel, Albert Margolis on keys, Anson Ditt on bass, Derek Eglit on drums, and Max Vega on percussion, quickly solidified their musical bond and began an adventure of sonic exploration. Andrew and Russell have been crafting songs together since 2012. Their musical synergy laid the foundation for The Great North Special, which they envisioned as a platform to share their love for diverse genres, from country-funk and soul-blues to psych-rock and jazz. Ben Wagner brings not only his lead guitar and pedal steel talents, but also takes care of the band’s guitars at the renowned Guitar Shoppe in Laguna Beach. Albert Margolis’ keyboard skills have been honed through years of touring with Leo Nocintelli of The Meters. The rhythm section, comprising of Derek Eglit, Anson Ditt, and Max Vega, offers tight grooves and an infectious energy, which is the driving force for the band’s dance party live shows.