Maddskillz Entertainment
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LANCE LOPEZ BIO
There's no doubt about it, the state of Texas is well known world wide for its fiery blues guitar players.
Even just a cursory look will reveal the state's rich tradition, which easily rivals Chicago and Mississippi for producing players who have been both originators and contributors to the legacy of the guitar's significant role in the genre's history. Dating back to the 1920's with "Blind" Lem...on Jefferson, continuing through the 1950's with such legends as Freddie King, T-Bone Walker and "Lightning" Hopkins, with the advent of the rock era of the 1960's the pressure cooker exploded.
Albino blues giant Johnny Winter, from Beaumont, in 1968 was signed to what was then the largest advance in the history of the recording industry---$600,000. Houston's ZZ Top, with the Reverend Willie G, i.e. Billy F. Gibbons - armed with a '59 Les Paul- during the 70's went from being "That little ol' band from Texas" to being world wide ambassadors with their unique brand of deep blues infused boogie rock.
Although disco and subsequently new wave lessened blues rock's influence in the late 70's, by 1983 it was another native Texan, Dallas born Stevie Ray Vaughan, whose combination of raw blues mixed with Hendrix styled pyrotechnics spearheaded yet another resurrection as the genre rose its evil head once again. A breath of much needed fresh air amongst the synth heavy offerings on MTV and radio airwaves of the time, the guitarist's massive influence has extended long beyond his untimely, tragic death twenty years ago.
One such player whom Vaughan touched the soul of was young, gifted blues/rock axeslinger Lance Lopez. Although born in Shreveport, Louisiana, at the age of 12, his family moved to Dallas, where with the exception of a spell back in New Orleans and Southwest Florida, the guitarist has called his home ever since.
A professional musician since the age of 14 when he began playing local bars in and around the New Orleans, Louisiana area, at 17 he was hired by soul great Johnnie Taylor, with whom he toured for six months. By 18 he was hired as the band leader of blues legend Lucky Peterson's band, spending three years touring throughout the world.
It was while with Peterson in Europe that he struck up a close friendship with the larger than life drummer Buddy Miles, subsequently becoming the guitarist for The Buddy Miles Express for a brief time. The former Band Of Gypsys legend would go on to mentor Lopez, leading to him co producing his debut album 'First Things First', along with Grammy winning producer Jay Newland (Norah Jones) which was released independently in 1998.
From 2003 to 2007 Lopez recorded, and released three studio and one live CD for a small independent label, Grooveyard Records - all of which were heavily influenced by another of the guitarist's main influences - Jimi Hendrix. Despite the hindrance of being released on such a label, the albums are all prime examples of post Hendrix heavy blues, filled to the brim with awe inspiring fretwork, which led to him garnering a cult following amongst guitar fanatics world wide.
Now after a three year break, Lopez is back with a brand new Jim Gaines (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Santana) produced studio album 'Salvation From Sundown'. Intentionally conceived as a more traditional Texas blues styled offering, it's the guitarist's most mature recording to date, showcasing strong songwriting while still retaining the red-hot fretwork which has elicited none other than guitar god Jeff Beck to call him "A very exciting and intense blues guitarist". His first release on a major label (MIG/String Commander) it shows him poised to take his rightful place as one of the finest blues players on the planet.
-KEITH LANGERMAN- (Guitar World/Spin Magazine)
Wes Jeans Bio
Striking like a flash of lightning out of the piney wood region of East Texas, Wes Jeans ranks as one of the Top Young Gun Guitar Players - Guitar Player Magazine, March 2004. Wes delivers a soul-drenched mix of high voltage, rockin Texas Blues. Wes commands the stage from the start to finish and opens with a spirit of intensity that will surely grab you with his grinding rhythms and stinging leads allowing you a deep look into Wes Jeans Marshall, TX roots.
In 1996 Wes entered the International Jimi Hendrix Competition held in Austin, TX and placed an amazing second among fifteen hundred other young guitar players. Al Hendrix, father of Jimi Hendrix, told Wes, "In my eyes, you won because you played straight from the heart like Jimi!" These words along with the support of his family and friends set this young Texas Tornado in motion. Soon, Wes was playing area venues and festivals, attracting booking agents and record labels.
Wes debut album was recorded with Al Greens bass player - John Williams & drummer - Lloyd Anderson, as well as Albert Kings former keyboard player. Released in 2000, Hands On became the highest pre-sale album on Ice House Records label and reached #26 on the National Blues Sales Chart.
In late 2003, Guitar Player Magazine took a poll and readers voted Wes #3 among the Young Gun Guitar Players in the nation between Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd (published March 2004).
In June 2006 Wes released his 2nd studio album "Forest Of The Pine" under Texas Music Records. The album was produced by fellow axe-slayer Lance Lopez and is nothing short of blues/rock perfection. The record showcases Wes' amazing blues guitar prowess and guest stars Memphis' Eric Gales. XM Radios - Bluesville put Forest Of The Pine into heavy rotation This cd kicked my ass! Its one of the best blues/rock cds of 2006!" - Aaron Lee, XM Radio. In January of 2007 "Forest Of The Pine" climbed its way up to the 3rd position on the German Blues Radio Charts.
In October of 2009 this Texas Tornado struck again with the release of his highly anticipated live CD "Live at Music City Texas", recorded at a sold out show at the Music City Texas Theater in Linden on January 17, 2009. The walls roared as Wes cranked the show open with "Forest of the Pines", a true representation of his East Texas roots. It continued to kick into overdrive when Wes was joined on stage by friend and fellow guitar bad ass Lance Lopez. To top off the nitrous packed performance Wes and fellow song writer Jason Helms performed "Devil in Me", which was just a taste of the future studio CD, "Blood, Sweat and Years". Fans all across the country agree the closest you will get to the live raw stage power of Wes Jeans is "Live at Music City Texas".
Throughout his career, Wes has had the honor of meeting and sharing the stage with many musical greats such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Billy Gibbons, David Lee Roth, Dick Dale, Eric Johnson, Hubert Sumlin, Lynryd Skynyrd, Robert Cray, Joe Bonamassa, Indigenous, Lance Lopez, Chris Duarte, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, just to name of few.
Wes' unrelenting talent and genuine down-to-earth demeanor have won him the favor of many wonderful people, sponsors and endorsements, and continues to gain the admiration of his audience on and off stage. Sponsorships include GHS Stings, Robin Guitars, Voodoo Amplifiers, Xotic Effects, Svetlana Tubes, Opti-Case, Seymour Duncan pick-ups, and his custom signature cabinet "The Beast" was designed by Wes in conjunction with Mills Acoustics.
Texas Young Gun Wes Jeans has managed to make some waves in his young career while still toiling the road the old-fashioned way across the country. In addition to his aggressive style of Blues playing, between shows this determined young player drives the van, handles his press obligations via his cell phone, lugs all of his equipment on and off stage... undaunted... night after night.... town after town. His dedication to his trade is both honorable and humbling but it's a true representation of the man behind the guitar. Wes Jeans is a road-tested & approved true Texas star.
Point Blank is an American rock and roll band hailing from Texas. The band formed in 1974 and recorded six albums between 1976 and 1982.
Garnering occasional airplay on AOR radio stations, the band is best known for their 1981 hit single "Nicole"
The band was discovered and managed by Bill Ham's Lone Wolf Productions (ZZ Top, Hank Williams Jr.). Point Blank's sound was rooted in southern rock and boogie, but drifted to hard rock and mainstream AOR by the early 1980s. Point Blank reunited for a benefit concert in 2005.
They are currently touring and have released the new studio album "Fight On!".
In 1981 Point Blank released their fourth album, "American Exce$$" which included the song Nicole. With strong air-play on AOR radio stations the track reached #20 on Billboard Magazine's Rock Tracks chart. Subsequently, Nicole was also released as a 45 RPM single and peaked inside the Top 40 at #39 on Billboard's Hot 100.
Rusty Burns -Guitar, Vocals
John ODaniel -Vocals , Percussion
Larry Telford - Keyboards
Mouse Mays - Guitar, Vocals
Kirk Powers - Bass, Vocals
Greg Hokanson - Drums
Christian Brooks Bio
SIXTH-GENERATION TEXAN CHRISTIAN BROOKS brings a lifetime of musical performance to his own mix of Cajun blues meets Texas honky-tonk rock, topped with a little Southern boogie. Creating an original sound thats catchy and easy to dance to, fans keep smiling and listening to the toe-tappin tunes and forceful instrumentals. Brooks slide guitar and vocals lead the band.
Brooks has a rich background in an array of genres, as he sprang out of Dallas well-known OAK CLIFF music communitya group that over the past 45 years has produced a string of top-name vocalists and musicians, as well as many current artists.
Like many his age, he began playing during the late 1960s rock revolution, joining with friends and learning the ropes. His next progression came when he combined with new colleagues and spent almost ten years in the contemporary Christian field, traveling and playing while he also produced concerts for a Dallas-based youth ministry. Among those he booked for performances at Dallas Bronco Bowl Theater were ANDRE CROUCH, BARRY McGUIRE, and PHIL KEAGGY.
During the 80s and early 90s, he played in and led a series of Dallas bands, using different versions of the groups original name, The Roadrunners. The Roadrunners, Snookie Duke and the Road Runners, and JONNY PEEBLES and the Roadrunners all played in the DFW Metroplex and around the state. Members of the groups during that time were, along with Brooks, TEXAS SLIM, MOUSE MAYS, GUTHRIE KENNARD, TEX WAGGONER, TOMMY CLOUD, RONNY STERLING, ROB HUNT, and Peebles.
In 1991 Brooks opened Blues Suede Shoe Leather and Boot Repair Shop in Dallas DEEP ELLUM district. Adding musical instrument resale to the stores offerings, BSS became the local hangout for a myriad of musicians and other artists. Frequently shopped by many well-known music industry celebrities, politicians, and dignitaries of the day, the store was a staple in this trendy business neighborhood until 1996, when Brooks left for a five-year hiatus to New Mexico. In Albuquerque, he became the drummer for his former Deep Ellum friend, DAVID ALTICE. Joining Brother Dave and the Tempted Souls, the group recorded three CDs, with selections from one, SMELL IT COOKIN, taking top honors in two categories (Best Blues and Best Mainstream Rock) at the 2000 MIC Awards (now the New Mexico Music Awards). After the death of Altice, Brooks adjusted to the sudden change in his life by picking up his familiar guitar again, and along the way he discovered a new love: the slide guitar, and a new talent: songwriting.
Taking advantage of the hours he spent on the road traveling from Albuquerque to Dallas, Brooks honed his slide playing and used the driving time to write songs and music that complimented his developing style. When he began playing his compositions to audiences and friends, those closest to him recognized the unique sound and sensed the need to produce and record the music.
Musical director and producer ANDY VAN ELS used his seven years with MITCH RYDER to locate and entice additional performers to the project. Among those who contributed to the recordings are South Dallas blues singer JOE JONAS; vocalist MAYLEE THOMAS; and musicians JOHN TRAHAN, DAVID EGAN, and BUDDY WHITTINGTON. CHRIS MAGUIRE of DUKE ELLINGTONS horn section was also on board, as was TOMMY YOUNG on the Hammond Organ. The self-titled debut CD includes different musical flavors where Brooks guitar mixes with percussion instruments, horns, additional guitars, and even a soul chorus on one selection. Accompanying himself on one selections solo vocal performance, his fluid slide guitar stands alone.
Brooks is the founder of the TEXAS BLUES CLUB, was the feature story in the May, 2007 SOUTHWEST BLUES MAGAZINE, and performed at both the 30th & 31st ANNUAL DALLAS GUITAR FESTIVALS. He appeared at the 2006 & 2007 STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN MEMORIAL RIDE AND CONCERT, and is scheduled again for this October's event, playing at the kick-off party. In early 2007 he was privileged to sit in with Alligator Records blues artist MICHAEL BURKS when Burks was featured at Fort Worths J&J Blues Bar, and returned to the venue again in early 2008 as the special guest of WES JEANS.
Also in the leather design business since age twenty, Brooks most notable piece of work is the highly visible, black suede SRV guitar strap created as a gift to his friend, the late STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN. The concho and leather-tasseled strap was a standard during the latter part of Vaughans career, shown normally attached to his treasured Number One guitar. Among other artists commissioning straps from Brooks are: BILLY GIBBONS, JUSTIN HAYWARD, DOYLE BRAMHALL, SR., DOYLE BRAMHALL II, BUDDY WHITTINGTON, JIM SUHLER, and MICHAEL BURKS.
Over the years Brooks has been either featured or listed in both local and nationally read periodicals which include TEXAS HIGHWAYS, PLAYBOY, D MAGAZINE, ESQUIRE GENTLEMAN, TEXAS MONTHLY MAGAZINE, and the DALLAS OBSERVER where he was noted as best boot repair for the area in the same publications Goods & Services listing. He has been featured in the DALLAS MORNING NEWS Fashion Dallas section, and later in its Dallas Life Magazine Sunday insert. Additionally, he was a part of the team that produced a custom leather design for the Dallas-based DR PEPPER COMPANYa product that garnered the group a 1997 Clio Award. (www.christianbrooks.com)
Founder and producer of all the earlier-held Oak Cliff Reunion events, he is currently entertaining in venues and at events across the Metroplex and the state, while enjoying the warm reception hes receiving to his CD project. Brooks and the band are continually gaining new fans along the way as their songs are sung and their music is played. Whether your preference is listening, dancing, or just singing along, CHRISTIAN BROOKS and the CHRISTIAN BROOKS BAND wont leave you disappointed.
This 19-year old phenom hails from the tiny Texas town of Osceola,About 15 miles north of Hillsboro, and has come a long wayin such a short time to be playin' the way he plays. He could quickly fall into the category with other famous blues guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Guitar Slim, and others, including the late great legendary Texas Blues extraordinaire himself, Stevie Ray Vaughn! Yes I said it blues fans, the holiest of holies, the native son of Oak Cliff, Stevie Ray! With his baseball cap turned cock-eyed, and sunshades on, Nick was making the crowd at the Back Porch thirsty for more of his electrifying stage presence, twisting his way through the isles and jumping up on chairs, bending those guitar strings as if they were attached to his hand, and putting every bit of his blood and sweat into each and every tune. More they cried! More! No doubt about it, he puts his heart and soul into the music, and thats what makes a true bluesman.
Stephen, Navarro County Times
The houserockin' blues are in guitarist Jim Suhler's blood. He's spent the better part of the last decade as George Thorogood's right-hand man in the Destroyers. But Suhler has also led his own blues-rock behemoth, Monkey Beat, for more than seventeen years and a handful of albums. Suhler has also recorded collaborations with fellow guitarists Alan Haynes and Mike Morgan.
Suhler's latest effort with Monkey Beat is Tijuana Bible, the album presenting an inspired blend of blustery original Texas blues-rock and covers of tunes from folks like Elvin Bishop (who steps in for a guest appearance with some tasty slide-guitar), Rory Gallagher, and AC/DC. Other musical guests on Tijuana Bible include guitarslinger Joe Bonamassa and soulful singer Jimmy Hall (of Wet Willie).
Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat's Tijuana Bible
Historically speaking, a "Tijuana Bible" was a small B&W pornographic comic book featuring notable politicians, movie stars, and athletes of its era. Although these under-the-table naughties were produced anonymously from the 1920s through the early-60s, their popularity peaked during the Great Depression. With raw artwork, bawdy sexual storylines, and questionable bordertown provenance, the title is oddly appropriate for Suhler's wild-eyed collection of raucous "devil's music."
With a rolling tumbleweed groove, a funky vibe, and Suhler's best Billy Gibbons' vox, the title tracks sounds like vintage Z.Z. circa Rio Grande Mud. As Suhler lays down some scorching leads, the lyrics allude to those mysterious Tijuana Bibles, works created in a "narcotic haze," nobody knows where they come from, but everybody knows what they're about. "Devil In Me" is a classic swamp-blues romp-n-stomp with riffs as big as the roots of a cypress tree and a locomotive rhythm as the sins of a lifetime coming charging down those iron rails like an angry wild hog o' justice.
Tales of Sin & Salvation
In many ways, Tijuana Bible is a conceptual work, filled with stories of doomed men and wicked women. As such, Elvin Bishop's "Drunken Hearted Boy" fits into the theme like a hip flask in your back pocket. With ol' Elvin himself dropping by to lay down a few greasy slide-guitar licks, Suhler's twangy vocals are perfectly matched with Shawn Phares' reckless honky-tonk piano.
Suhler's cover of AC/DC's "Up To My Neck In You" is provided an appropriately loose-limbed performance, the rhythm section choogling along as Suhler toasts a few notes with his flamethrower fretwork. Tijuana Bible holds a few tales of Texas bordertown hijinx, as well, the lyrics speaking of outlaws and outcasts, crime and punishment on the last American frontier. "Mexicali Rum" is a slow-burning bluesy rocker with a solid boogie beat and soulful vocals, the song itself a tale of drug running across the Mexican border.
The riff-heavy rocker "Chaos In Tejas" tells of the trouble that results from such sordid activities, which is complimented perfectly by a menacing cover of Rory Gallagher's rip-snorting "I Could've Had Religion," a tortured mix of romantic heartbreak and outlaw pathos. Suhler's "Po' Lightnin'," a heartfelt tribute to blues great Sam Lightnin' Hopkins, matches slinky guitarwork with a funky Texas beat and a perfect lyrical representation of the bluesman.
The Reverend's Bottom Line
There's something in the water down in Texas that seems to breed talented blues guitarists, and Jim Suhler is the latest in a long line of skilled, passionate fretburners that began, perhaps, with Blind Lemon Jefferson, ran through Lightnin' Hopkins and Johnny Copeland, and was rekindled by the Vaughan brothers.
Monkey Beat is a more than capable blues-rock outfit, perfectly pacing Suhler's incendiary guitarplay and imaginative lyrics. Tijuana Bible is a lot of fun, a roaring bonfire of bluesy riff, razor-sharp leads, and rocking rhythms strong enough to kick out the jams and please the ears. (Underworld Records, released February 17, 2009)
It was almost as if you were in the audience for Stevie Nicks Soundstage DVD. Lead singer Brooke Alyson gave a spot-on performance as the lead singer of the Stevie Nicks tribute band, Nightbird. Alyson opened the show with a rousing, loud, and excellent rendition of Stand Back. Surprisingly enough, she even does Nicks signature high-kick at the end, which made the performance more authentic. But one of the best things about this opening was that it did not sound like the 1983 Wild Heart recording but rather the mystical-ness of the 1986 Live at Red Rocks version as well as the technological skill of the Soundstage version. This made the performance feel a bit more authentic along with how the lead singer was dressed which was very Stevie-esque including long shawls, long black dress and tophat.
The WildHeart - Nightbird impresses with spot-on performance at the Flamingo Room
This singing, guitar-slinging powerhouse was raised performing on military bases on both sides of the Atlantic but since the 70's has called Austin, Texas home. He has logged thousands of performances in his musical career, paying his dues playing small town bars and juke joints across the United States. It was those years on the road that developed Gomez into the highly respected, multi-dimensional artist that he is today.
Known for his smooth, soulful vocals, Gomez has achieved the most notoriety for his delivery of pure raw emotions from his signature red Gibson Custom ES335. He mixes blues with soul, funk and R&B. Gomez released his second studio album "Soul Resurrection" in December 2011.
John Gaar is a captivating soulful singer with a deft and provocative guitar style that converges to create a powerful and indelible impression. Emanating from the cultural-musical diversity of a rural Louisiana upbringing is the distinct style and energy of his music. His acclaimed 2004 titled Bittersweet Success debut album introduced his style to the world and his latest album, 2011's Brighter Side of Maybe, brings it to new heights. Gaar's sound is a purely post-modern expression of the artistic and cultural journey that has transformed southern roots into music into a sonic organic sound of America. His distinctive sound embraces multiple eras and genres, including blues, rock, folk, Americana and jazz, all of which he is well-versed. For John Gaar, the common bond between these influences is the underlying storytelling, the power of song to convey human experience and emotional ties to a spiritual connection.
Brighter Side of Maybe introduces ten new introspectively written songs about life experiences which allow the listener to connect between the music of John Gaar and their own lives. Brighter Side of Maybe reunites keyboardist Ron D'Argenio and John Gaar after their successful recording and tour of 2004's Bittersweet Success project. Ron D'Argenio takes a formidable role as Producer and keyboardist on 2011's Brighter Side of Maybe. Gaar and D'Argenio worked closely together to mold and hone ideas for the collection of songs that became Brighter Side of Maybe, recorded by Congress House Studio in Austin, Texas. "The vibe is really conducive to making magic happen here at Congress House Studio," says Gaar. We were fortunate to have the skills and exceptional musicianship from the talents of longtime friends, New York bassist, Mark Harris, powerhouse drummer percussionist, Cody Banks, dear friend and brother in faith, Malford Milligan, soulful vocalist, Micheal Cross, vocalist Ginger Leigh, strings creation, Warren Hood and Brian Standerfer and the hard working creative staff at Congress House Studio.
