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I’ve played in a lot of bands over the years: orchestras, dance bands, the Navy Band, rock, dixieland and country bands, school bands, and weekend jam bands – playing horns, keyboards and a number of the stringed instruments. Mostly, my bands over the years have been ‘cover bands’ – and for those who are unfamiliar with the term, it means playing other peoples’ material with very little original music.
I’ve never been too attracted or impressed by the ‘fame and fortune’ aspects of the music business, such as one would be involved with in an ‘original’ band – lost a few too many friends to its pitfalls over the years, I suppose. For me, it’s always been about playing music, and I've really never cared what, where or with whom (within reason, of course). And cover bands usually are the ones that get the more steady and regular work – playing fairs, weddings and bars, week after week after week. And that’s where I've been found. The bands that I’ve been involved with over the years have all been excellent bands. Some have incorporated original material into their ‘cover’ shows, but mostly, if the band stops playing regularly, I usually start looking for new one that does.
But now, as I begin my seventh decade on the planet, over 40 years of that in professional music, I find myself scaling things back somewhat. My time in public is now solely with the band, Powerhouse, and my work there on a trombone, a small utility synthesizer and a mandolin (occasionally). And although my stage piano has been sold and I no longer feel the intense 'need' to take any gig just so I can perform, my home is still full of instruments and other equipment and I expect that it will be that way for years to come.
Below, I've done stories on some of the more important bands in my life, and as time and information availability permits I'll be fleshing out and completing these and perhaps adding more. I hope you enjoy my band pages.
November 17, 2011
the
Bands
INDEX
1. Powerhouse – (1986-1991), (2005-present)
2. Burnt Rose – (2000-2002), (2009-2010)
3. The Common Ground Band – (1992-1998)
4. Brass Union – (1968-1972)
