The Ocean Blue consists of Bobby Mittan (bassist), David Schelzel (vocalist, guitarist), Oed Ronne (keyboardist).
The Ocean Blue, formed in Hershey, Pennsylvania in the late 1980s, is a band combines synthesizer-based New Wave hooks with " bluesy" saxophone solos to produce a truly unique sound. Its original members included David Schelzel, Steve Lau, and Bobby Mittan and Rob Minnig . The band just in their teens signed a deal in the late 80's with Sire Records. The first release was the song " between something and nothing", it hit the top ten in the modern rock tracks. It's follow up "drifting, falling" was also a top ten hit. After a lengthy tour and time in the studio and in 1991 released cerulean. It had many hits on the modern rock platform. "ballerina out of control" and "Mercury" were the two stand out songs. The final Sire Records release came in 1993 with beneath the rhythm and sound. This album saw the band adding more lavish sounds but still riding on the same formula that had gained it such a following. "sublime" received top 40 airplay and it seemed like the band was ready to take off. After getting a spot on ABC for new bands and playing the usually late night shows it seemed as if the band had made it. There was no second single that had the bite like "sublime" and with an EP released in 1994 the contract for the band ended. Steve Lau exited the band and Ed Roney, a back up musician was brought in full time. Gone was the light and airy synthesized sounds and in was more guitar driven music. Mercury Records picked up the band and released "see the ocean blue" to lukewarm results. The company never really pushed the project and it was DOA. Finally in 2001 "Davy Jones locker" was released on the indie March records. Little fan fare was put in and unless you were a fan you did not even know this one was released. The music was good, but there simply was no fan base. At some point Rob Minnig left the band and different drummers were brought in for live shows. They band had grown up, now in their 30's they have professional jobs, families and their music has taken a backseat to life. In 2004 the band released the EP "Waterworks". Some really fine music is found on this rare disc. A full length release is slated for 2006.
