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Band Biography

Reality Check was formed in 1996. Drummer Ralph Kolarik and guitarist Sunil Sharma first met at Sonoma State University in Northern CA while pursuing their BA degrees in Music in the early to mid'90s. Having performed together in the university ensembles and sharing many of the same musical influences, it was only natural that the two would come together to form and devote most of their time to an ensemble that serves as a vehicle for their original compositions, and a rare opportunity to play the kind of cover material that isn't standard fare in most pick-up settings. Bassist Brett Palm joined the group in 1997, having previously performed with Ralph in other groups for many years. The two make up a formidable and seriously grooving rhythm section, a team much in demand in the Bay Area. Over the past year, Brett has become Reality Check's most prolific composer. While the band has been through many incarnations over the years, the trio makes up the core of Reality Check.

In the spring of 2004, Sonoma County's renowned and highly sought after pianist Tony DeAnna joined the band. He is on the dance faculty at Sonoma State and also teaches at the Santa Rosa Junior College. Tony performs as a sideman in many groups, and in many Bay Area theater and dance productions. Reality Check most often performs as a quintet with various saxophonists rounding out the ensemble. The group has performed its unique material all over Northern CA, most recently at the Vallejo Jazz Festival, the Suisun Jazz Festival, as well as regular appearances at Aroma Roasters and Sweet Lou's (formerly The Inn of the Beginning), Sonoma County's two most venerable nightspots.