CUTTING EDGE BAND MEMBERS

Name: Dave Pesnell
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Instrument: vocals

David is a veteran of the music business, having promoted concerts and managed groups; and when he was not on the road, he would be with his wife (Leli) in the recording studio watching her record. It was in such a situation that he first laid down his vocals for the song, “D.C. Shuffle”, which went on to be a top 10 dance hit at many record pools across the country. It was then that Leli and Zimmerman decided to have David lend his unusual style of vocals (chat rock) to the album “Humongously Yours” which went on to produce 5 hit songs that charted, three inside the top 20, including the love ballad, “Without You” and the monster hit, “Love Police”.

The biggest asset that Pesnell brings to Cutting Edge is not his vocals, but his ability to promote the band and it’s music, as he has taken the lead in handling the band’s radio and media promotion on a national and international scale. David has 23 gold and platinum albums.


Name: Liza "Leli" Pesnell
Hometown: Tuscon, AZ
Instrument: Songwriter

This Asian Princess is the heart and soul of the band, Cutting Edge. Her words come alive and explode as she reaches into her heart and soul and brings forth her feelings for the world to hear. From protest songs (“Judas of D.C.” and “Lawmakers, Lawbreakers”), love ballads (“Without You”, “Every Time I Try” and “Your Love Is My Oxygen”), songs about every day life (“Love Police”, “Agony and Ecstasy” and “Venomous Love Affair”) to humorous sexual tones from the (“Humongously Yours”, “7X’s A Day” and “Body Talk”); Leli has developed a talent for reaching all of us.

Born in Angeles City, Philippines, Leli has resided in Tucson, AZ for over 10 years. Working with such writer/producers as William Zimmerman, Dana Myers, Chris “The Greek”, Ricky Ricardo, Guisseppe D., and Grammy Award Winner, Tony Camillo, Leli has established a track record in which almost 50% of her songs that are recorded have charted. This is even more remarkable, considering that most of these songs are by independent bands.

When not writing or working in the recording studio, Leli enjoys traveling, deep sea fishing (in the Turks, Caicsos Islands and Alaska), shopping (what woman doesn't) and the University of Arizona basketball and football. Her greatest joy is writing and producing her band, Cutting Edge. The song writing team of Leli/Zimmerman has written and/or produced over 100 recordings over the past ten years. As a songwriter and producer, has over 20 gold and platinum albums. See William Zimmerman bio for more information.


Name: Jeff Carolus
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Instrument: Guitar, Vocals

Jeff has been involved with Cutting Edge since it’s begining; and when Leli, David and William decide to tour, he is their "GUITARMAN". Other projects include the tribute album to the band, Spirit, which features Jeff’s various guitar styles on every track. He has played with Michael Derosier and Roger Fisher of Heart, Alan White of Yes, and Don Wilson and Nokie Ewars of the Ventures. Jeff’s philosophy on guitar - playing and performing comes from the heart and soul. Favorite hobby is fishing.


Name: Che Best
Hometown: Los Angeles
Instrument: (Lead Vocals - Background Vocals)

Che' grew up in the Carolinas and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career as singer, songwriter, actress and model. Che' s vocal styles range from Gospel to Rock and she has shared her vocal versatlity with thousands of people across the world. Che' is not only a dynamic recording artist, but she is also an electrifying stage performer. She has performed with such artist's as: Rick Springfield, CeCe Wynans, Heavy D, Howard Hewitt, Cuba Gooding Sr., and Jamie Jones of "All For One".

Che' Best is presently on a musical journey with group Cutting Edge, singing songs Everytime I Try, 21st Century Woman and Your Love Is My Oxygen.


Name: Ryan Smith
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Instrument: bass

Ryan has been a figure in the Tucson music scene for some 20 years, Plays guitar, keyboards, and bass. In 2004, he composed the sound track for the movie, “Sweet Misery, A Poisoned World”. Ryan began his career studying ‘cello under University of Arizona Professor emeritus Gordon Epperson and Nancy Green. Enjoys Zombie movies, with his favorites being “Resident Evil” and “Land of the Dead”. Ladies, Ryan is the party animal for the band


Name: Raymond Johnson
Hometown: Los Angeles
Instrument: drums

Raymond grew up playing drums and knew that the drums was his destiny. Has worked with various recording artist as Desmond Child, Billy Paul, Chante’ Moore, Angela Bonfill, Lonnie-Liston-Smith, Ray Parker, Jr. and many others. His music and performance comes from his spirit and his desire to be amongst the best. You can hear his skillful drumming from the pounding of such songs as “Agony and Ecstasy” to the soft sounds of “Every Time I Try”. He brings a full plate to the table and leaves nothing behind.


Name: William (Wily Z) Zimmerman
Hometown: Los Angeles
Instrument: vocals, keyboards

With over 15 gold and platinum ablums from writing and producing songs for other bands, William is the Co-Producer and one of three songwriters for Cutting Edge. Selected studios, arranged engineers, musicians and coordinated time of recording with all parties. Oversaw the complete recording aspect of album, including the mixing. Played keyboards and song background vocals. Co-lead vocals on "Abuse of Power", among others.