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Call us before you order for unadvertised discounts and specials! |
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Watch for us on your favorite musician!Our straps are now worn by such personalities as Acousticon, Gregg Allman, Thom Bresh, Tyrone Brown, Lisa Carver, Paul Cottrell, Kimberley Dahme, Fairport Convention, Henry Gross, John Sebastian, Doyle Dykes, T. J. Evans, Jason Jordan, Jenna Music, Brad Yates, Jeff Howell, The Surf Kings, Kerry Getz, Ron Perry, Michelle Poe, Ziggy Marley, and Carlos Santana (as seen on MTV, Good Morning America, the Tonight Show, and the cover of Rolling Stone)!
Carl B. Shelor was born in a one room shanty in Louisville, Kentucky. Although poor, his family was rich in musical tradition. Carl’s mother, Margret, played the organ and piano for the local Baptist church and Carl sang early on in the church choir. Carl’s father, Harry Lee, whose family hailed from Virginia and was deeply steeped in bluegrass music, played the banjo and fiddle. Carl began playing the guitar at the tender age of eight and formed his first group at nine, playing block parties and such, earning five dollars apiece. At sixteen, Carl started his own band called Cliffhanger that played mostly original music until receiving an invitation to sing for Atlanta based rock band Smokin’ which was produced by internationally acclaimed engineer Ed Seay (Melissa Manchester, Paul Davis, Peabo Bryson, Dolly Parton, Nigel Olsen Hank Williams Jr., Martina McBride, Travis Tritt, and more). Here, Carl learned much of what he knows about singing in the studio. After touring extensively in the eastern U.S. doing mostly club dates, Carl left Smokin’ to join former Godz guitarist Mark Chatfield (currently with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band) to form Columbus, Ohio based rock band Rosie. In 1980, Rosie won the R.J. Reynolds sponsored National Battle of the Bands. In 1981, Rosie released their first album, and in 1982 their second, (critically acclaimed Precious Metal) both produced by Ed Seay with Carl and Mark as principal song writers. Rosie received air play in several major U.S. markets and overseas (U.K., Germany, Greece, etc.) along with articles, photos and reviews in KARANG magazine. Rosie also released their "Rosie Live" album in 1988, and continues to perform live reunion shows when schedules permit. Carl has released two solo efforts and played guitar, sang, recorded and performed with big attitude band Little Thugs. He has played in support of such acts as Journey, Jefferson Starship, Night Ranger, Kansas, Black Crowes, and many, many more. Carl now resides somewhere near Daytona Beach, Florida and is what he calls “semi retired,” splitting his time between an acoustic solo act at select venues and the golf course. Carl owns one Gibson Les Paul, two Fender Strats, three Fender Teles, one Fender Tele bass, one Fender Precision bass, one Danelectro baritone guitar, a Taylor 714ce, a Charvelle 625c, a Gibson Humming bird, and he plays them all at the same time! (Just kidding!) The point is, Carl has a Heartwoodes guitar strap for every single one of his guitars. He loves the look and the comfort ability of Heartwoodes, plus they make so many different styles. VERY COOL! Carl even enjoys answering people’s questions about his guitar straps when they ask, and they always do! If you want to play in comfort, if you want to do it in style, if you want to get noticed, wear a Heartwoodes!
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Rick Drago & Cirkus
From Hell
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Rick's Guitar straps are by Heartwoodes, the best straps around. "I met Doug and Randy, a few years back in Orlando Florida and bought my first heartwoods strap and been using them ever since. I move around a lot on stage and I need a strap that moves with me. And these do." |
Rick hails out of NYC, and has been playing guitar for about twenty years now. He was 17 years old when he picked up his first guitar, and still owns that Ibanez musician guitar.
Rick's toured locally and nationally in such bands as Dead ON Arrival, Krakatoa, Rosetta Stone, The Buzz, Demonseed, Outrageous/Nitro, and Stormtrooper, among others.
Now Rick has his own Band Called "CIRKUS FROM HELL," a self-proclaimed Horror Metal band. They make straight ahead head-banging music with influences such as Megadeath, Overkill, Cinderella, and Alice Cooper. Mixing Rick Drago’s unique guitar style and Kore Rozzik's lyrical and musicianship they are the Kore (no pun intended) of the band's creative team. Chris Peralta, the bassist and backup vocalist, displays a heavy back-end and balls-out live performance. The man that keeps the beat together is Mike Falzarano. Mike is a heavy straight-ahead drummer whose beats are undeniably rocking.
Rick’s Guitar collection is now up to 25 guitars, Electric and acoustic from Gibson, Fender, Washburn, Demon V DiPinto, Minarik, Hamer, Guild, Charvel, BC Rich Dean, Ibanez, Ovation, Epiphone, Halo, and Greco.
Ricks main pickups are Seymour Duncan Dimbuckers. they are loaded in 10 of his main stage guitars.
Rick has artist endorsements from:
A
Little Bit About Kimberley :
Birthday: April 22nd :-).... Birthplace: California, U.S.A. Residence: Nashville, Tennessee . Instruments: guitar, bass, flute.
Album guest appearances: Boston, Cindy Kalmenson and Michael Ship, Nashville New Faces, Rick Perry, Rob Wolf, Girls with Guitars, Tom Cunningham, Katja Kaye, Mark Wehner & many more!
TV Guest appearances: HBO Inside the NFL, ABC News, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band "Bang Bang Bang" Music Video, CMT Christmas Special with Sawyer Brown, TNN "Behind The Scenes", TNN "You can be a Star" /winner, Soundtrack for the movie "Roses".
T.V. and Radio Commercials in the U.S.A. for: Toyota, Honda, Wrangler Jeans, Chevrolet, Ford.
Opening Act for: Jonny Lang, Joan Osbourne, Johnny Winter, Wynonna Judd, Dwight Yoakam, Ricky Scaggs, Patty Loveless, Eddie Raven, Jim Stafford, Forrester Sisters, L.A. Dodgers, George Thorogood.
Was inspired and likes the music of: Boston, James Taylor, Patsy Cline, John Denver, Carol King, Carly Simon, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Tina Turner, Bing Crosby, Bread, Van Morrison and so many more!
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Current touring with Hank Williams, Jr.! |
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"My Heartwoodes straps are the perfect combination of a cool look and comfortable feel! It is the first thing people notice when I take my bass out of the gig bag." |
Despite what her debut single says, Michelle Poe is not "just one of the boys." Even in boots, jeans, and honky-tonk cowboy hat, she'd never be mistaken for Bubba down at the garage. There's that long blonde hair, that honeyed voice, and ... well, you get the picture.
But that's not our point. Though obviously 100 percent certified drop-dead head-turning U.S. female, Michelle has also done more guy stuff than most dudes even think about doing. She's lived the player's life as a gear-schlepping, hard-jamming band rat, locking in with the rhythm section, learning about music from inside the song rather than from some comfortable cushion as a pampered diva.
Born in Toledo, Ohio, Michelle was raised by a single mom in South Florida. There was talent in her genes, and when her mother married a musician she had met at the Baptist church where she played piano, Michelle, all of eight years old, sang at their wedding. Her step-dad, who had played steel guitar on the road with Charley Pride, Billy Walker and Donna Fargo and as a regular on The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, organized the family into a four-piece band; they played at the Ft. Lauderdale Swap Shop, churches, retirement centers, private parties and the occasional club, and, when Michelle was eleven, cut their first record.
As high school neared its end, twin temptations pulled Michelle toward Nashville. The aeronautics program at Middle Tennessee State University kindled her ambition to become a pilot, while her step-dad's connections in the music industry opened the door toward her playing the music she had come to love. She nearly landed a record deal with the Loners, a band fronted by James House. She worked with the Ken Taylor Band at Tootsie's three nights a week for four years. She toured with Curb recording artist Steve Holy. She played with other acts whose names she doesn't even remember -- "that was many beers ago," she jokes. Even now, when not working up her own act, she's still doing band gigs, most recently singing and playing bass on the road with Hank Williams, Jr. They spent 2003 playing in honky-tonks all over the country and kicked off 2004 on tour with George Strait and Kenny Chesney.
Whether playing out of town or wedged against her band-mates on Tootsie's tiny stage, she relished every moment spent in the spotlight. Or, more accurately, just outside of the spotlight. "I loved being a part of a band," she smiles. "I'd always been backup. It was satisfying to me, to be kind of in the shadows, with just the occasional moment up front. But after playing at Tootsie's for so long I got a lot more exposure than I'd ever expected and became increasingly comfortable with the idea of fronting my own band."
So it was that Michelle met Alex Torrez of Sony ATV Tree Music Publishing. She was playing her last gig with the Loners at the Exit/In; Torrez immediately noticed the tall, knockout blonde with the mean bass groove. When he found out she was packing up to play right after that at Tootsie's, he followed her there. Later on he brought Sony Tree's chief creative officer and senior VP, Don Cook, to catch her act and, after introductions, sign Michelle to her first writing deal.
Immediately she was paired with some of Music City's top writers. "My first year was about listening and learning and understanding the Nashville method for writing songs," she says. "It was about the feelings I had grown up with but hadn't known how to get out. I had written in diaries and journals all my life, but putting it to music was an entirely different thing. I'm still amazed at being able to express myself this way."
Eventually Cook brought Michelle's four-song demo to James Stroud at DreamWorks; that was enough to speed the artist and the label together and hasten the creation of the album.
"I describe this music as 'margarita meets martini,'" she offers. "It shows me for who I am: fun-loving, with a gritty gunslinger attitude and tomboy tendencies, coupled with sophisticated songs that reflect my experiences in love and loss. So girls, if you've just broken up with somebody, put my record on, pour yourself a glass of wine, and treat yourself to a bubble bath. Guys, I'll meet you at the bar and we'll hang out... maybe even pick a song or two with the band!"
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"I love my Heartwoodes straps and wouldn't wear anything else!" |
Growing up outside of Pittsburgh, and being influenced by virtually all genres of music, it was obvious from early on, that for Paul, Music = Happiness. With a knack for singing and lyrics, the '60's Rock & Roll band was inevitable. Before joining the Navy, Paul sang lead in the band "The Forgotten Few". The '70's brought acoustic music, Bluegrass and Country Rock into Paul's world and while performing with the 5-string banjo a life-long love affair with the guitar was born. After sharing time between Florida, and Michigan, the sunshine finally won out and Paul moved permanently to Southwest Florida. Paul is now teaching guitar and banjo, working on Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass, Folk, Rock, Ethnic, while studying Piano, Bass and Mandolin. Having performed steady for 30 years, Paul has played over 500 venues just since the year 2000. With a comfort zone that ranges from leathered motorcycle events, to tuxedoed social parties, Paul is at home wherever people like all types of good music.
"We love our Heartwoodes straps, the most comfortable and
beautiful straps anywhere!"
AcoustiCon is the most unique, soul stirring instrumental guitar music you will ever hear. David Simmons and Brad Sayre, have successfully fused classical, jazz, and rock into one wonderful package with their highly acclaimed CD's, " Journey to Damascus" and "Anno Domini."
AcoustiCon has became known for powerful melodies, soaring instrumental themes, and virtuoso finger picking techniques. Brad and David are no strangers to technology, as anyone who has seen AcoustiCon live can attest to. Audiences are always pleasantly surprised to hear electric sounds produced from acoustic instruments.
AcoustiCon has recently completed their fifth musical score for Gail Force Films, a production company that specializes in environmental films. Furthermore, they have added their exceptional musical touch to a U.F.A.F. Martial Arts instructional video for Chuck Norris.
AcoustiCon teams up with award winning fine art photographer Barbara Simmons, who adds her magical touch and a dream like feel to the CD's with her hand colored black and white and infrared photographs. Barbara's photographic art also enhances their high tech multi media show that incorporates live cameras, digital video, and a state of the art projection system. You can view Barbara's work at www.bsimmons.net .
AcoustiCon has won numerous awards from the Songwriters Showcases of America including: Best Instrumental Writers, Most Melodic Song, Best Guitarist, Best CD, and Multi-Instrumentalist of the Year.
Be sure to visit them on the Web for more information and upcoming events, or contact David Simmons at 386-428-8526.
Carver
is one of the most unique talents to come out of Nashville in a
long while. She has amassed a vast catalog of songs over time,
all reflecting touches of the influences of her heroes and
mentors, "The 3 J’s" (Johnny Cash, John Prine and Jonathan
Long).
Carver was born the youngest of five children in genteel, historical Charleston, South Carolina. Her family then moved to a remote Alaskan island when she was ten years old. She admits that living for the next ten years in Alaska, five of which were in a cabin with no running water, electricity, television or radio, had a profound effect on her ability and her need to create. She was surrounded by the rugged beauty of America’s Last Frontier; pristine snow-capped mountains, soaring bald eagles, miles of virgin forest and wildlife. Her big brother, David, taught her a few chords on the guitar and she found a way to express in words and music the passion, pain, and beauty of her environment. Carver said, "With the lack of television and outside influences, I had to live inside my own imagination and create my own characters, stories and images". Armed with a stack of lyrics and the pioneer spirit her parents had instilled in her, Carver moved to what she considered the writing Mecca - Nashville, as soon as she had saved up enough money to hop a bush plane out of town.
Though capable of crafting love ditties, along with the rest of the herd of Nashville Renaissance fluff writers, Carver's strength is in her ability to be, what some call, one of the most original thinkers in the songwriting industry. Whether she's talking about the gritty view from a basement diner (Pretty People's Feet), the simple joy of seeing a stranger’s baby smile in a grocery store (Slice of Life), a moment of blissful Waffle House lust (Dreamin' Big Screen), a young widow's take on the War Between the States (Georgia 1864), or murder in Louisiana (Thibodeaux), you can always count on Carver's songs to be revealed in three dimensional layers of colors, sights, and sounds that grab you by the collar and pull you into the ride. Whether that ride thrills, frightens, or enlightens you, you will want more.
Simply hearing Carver sing her songs is not enough. When this 5’ 10" Carolina native delivers her stories, you’ll know that whether she’s stomping out a dangerous groove on a huge stage, or swaying with her guitar in a friend’s living room, she is LIVING that song to its last note, and she wants you right there beside her; and you will be!
Carver is currently in the studio working on her first solo CD with Grammy nominated producer, Thom Bresh. The project is not being rushed. According to Bresh, "Her songs are paintings, tapestries for the mind, food for the imagination. The listener must be able to see her lyrical imagery in a totally personal way. The production must remain black and white allowing for the color to only be applied by Carver. She is truly a great, one of a kind, musical artist."
2002 started out with another affirmation of her great songwriting ability when she took the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. The wheels are beginning to turn.
"Daddy
I can do that" are the words Derrel Jordan remembers hearing
from his six year old son, Jason, as his father completed guitar
lessons to a group of teenagers. Sure enough, young Jason Jordan
could play "Proud Mary" and "Johnny B Goode" better than the
high school students, his dad taught every Saturday at their
family-owned music store in Alabama. Whether it was sitting in
with his parents' band or a guest appearance on their local
television show, The Nashville Connection, Jason lived night and
day with his guitar as his companion.
Genuine Vinyl, Jason Jordan's 1999 self-produced disc, showcases blazing guitar work throughout a collection of songs that pay tribute to a range of guitar greats from Jerry Reed to Danny Gatton. Jason and his band composed several songs for this project. "I wanted the writing and arranging to be more of a band effort", states the young guitar whiz. "It took a while to find players who could inspire me and that were willing to rehearse for free", laughs Jordan. "This band took a progressive approach to a traditional style, I just played solos until it felt right".
Since moving to Nashville in 1995, Jason has done a variety of sessions and live gigs. Frequently at Nashville's famous "Lower Broad" places Jason in the company of hot guitar heroes such as Ray Flack and Red Volcart. This unique breeding ground has long cultivated raw talents of a young guitarist, like Jordan, for years. It's an area where, on any given day, you can walk into an authentic honky-tonk and have your socks knocked off by a number of unknown guitarists. The Alabama native declares, "There's no place I'd rather be!"
This disc reveals that the future of country music is in good hands. Although influenced by today's style, Jason proves that Generation X has not forgotten what Nashville, Bakersfield and Texas halls have done for this timeless style of guitar playing.
Thom
Bresh is a multi-faceted entertainer. A singer, songwriter,
recording artist, impressionist, and instrumentalist, with an
eventful career stemming from the tender age of three. He is the
son of legendary Hall of Fame guitar great "Merle
Travis", and can recreate that famous "Travis
style" with an incredible Bresh twist.
When touring, Thom travels with some of his array of guitars including his signature handcrafted "Dualette," (the famous two-sided guitar that he refers to as "My Band"), a custom signature Plummer" attached to a synthesizer creating incredible instrument replications, (such as a horn section, piano, and strings), and his "Unity Special" 18 inch archtop, (a state of the art version of Merle Travis' famous Gibson Super 400 Special). You may also catch the Breshman with one of his signature "Bresh Spirits."
Thom and extraordinary guitar pickin' have become one... globally. In New Zealand, Bresh's audiences come to see "The yank with the 2-sided guitar." Thom Bresh is hailed throughout France for his captivating sound and memorable stage presence. He also carries the coveted title of "Wine Lord" by both the World Wine Counsel in Bordeaux, France and Patrimonio, Corsica. In Europe he has performed with entertainment greats like Marcel Dadi, Frances Cabrel, and Albert Lee. In his vast career, he has shared audiences with everyone from Bob Hope to Gordon Lightfoot.
He guest starred with Chet Atkins and Steve Wariner on the TNN special "A Salute to the Country Greats." He has hosted his own successful weekly television variety show called "Nashville Swing," and was a regular on Dinah! and the Merv Griffin Show.
Tyrone
Brown has recorded over 102 CD's with such artists as Max Roach,
Pat Martino, Odean Pope and Grover Washington Jr. Tyrone has
received many jazz awards and conducted international clinics,
as well as performing for audiences worldwide. He has performed
with a long list of mainstream artists, including Dizzy
Gillespie, Sonny Fortune, Clark Terry, Lou Rawls, Nat Adderly.
Touring and recording most recently as the leader of the Tyrone
Brown String Sextet, the latest CD's are out under this title.
Tyrone also wrote, published, and released a book and CD set of original "Compositions for Bass."
Visit Tyrone's web site for complete biographical and musical updates!
| "I am really diggin' my Heartwoodes Straps...they feel good and look good, they are sweet!" -- Tom Stanton/lead guitarist | "My Heartwoodes are killer, I never leave home without one!" -- Marco Saenz/bass player |
The Surf Kings are a Southern California-based power progressive surf band... all original surf music for the new millennium!! The original trio has been together for over six years, playing an all-instrumental aggressive rock style with strong surf roots. Tom Stanton is an original first wave surf/rock guitarist from the early 60's and played with the now infamous combo the "Crossfires", who later evolved into the famous "Turtles" of "Happy Together" fame.
The Surf Kings have toured Europe twice in the last two years and have shared the stage with legendary classic and modern bands like Dick Dale, Gary Hoey, the Chantays, the Surfaris, John and the Night Riders, Paul Johnson, The Lively Ones, and The Bel Airs, the Mermen, and more. The Surf Kings have also donated their time to the Surfrider Foundation, the Huntington Beach Surf Museum, and the Bay Cities Surf Club, and other worthwhile groups and organizations working to help preserve our oceans and beaches.
The Surf Kings have also provided music for Rick Doyle's beautiful surf movie "Native State," several Bluetorch/Fox Sport Net TV productions, Robin Berg's surf documentary shot in Hawaii "Hawaiian Dreams," Lissa Ross's all girl surf movie "Tropical Madness", and others.
The band is currently working on new material for their second CD, playing out locally in So. Cal., and will be returning in spring to Europe for their 3rd Tour!
Their new CD, "Up From the Depths," and great T-shirts are available at their web site, www.thesurfkings.com.
The
comment you hear most often about Kerry Getz is that she has it
all. With a voice that the Los Angeles Times says "hits with
persuasive force or dances with nuanced delicacy," coupled with
an extraordinary signature guitar style, a gift for songwriting
that transcends words and music, and a warm and captivating
stage presence, she is considered one of the most promising
performers on the rise.
The Los Angeles Times named Kerry’s debut album, Apollo, one of the best local releases of the year, later revising that review to single out the record as one of the best of the decade. They called Kerry a "pop goddess" and an "undiscovered peer of Shawn Colvin and Sheryl Crow." Acoustic Guitar named little victory one of the editor’s top 3 picks. National Public Radio (NPR) has featured Kerry twice in three months; once in 'Musings with Alphonse Vinh' and again on "Weekend Edition Sunday" when they featured It’s a Wonderful Life in their CD Gift Guide.
Just Plain Folks Music Awards named Kerry "Female Artist of the Year" in 2002, and she has enjoyed multiple nominations for the same title by the Orange County Music Awards. Kerry recently performed on the radio broadcast "West Coast Live" and was selected to perform at the 2004 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist Showcase. Finally, in addition to her headlining duties (including the 2004 Reno Earth Day Festival), Kerry has shared the stage with numerous artists, including Neil Finn, Shawn Colvin, Richard Thompson, Jane Siberry, Nick Lowe, and John Mayer.
With It’s a Wonderful Life, Kerry transforms a more truthful holiday season with a careful selection of traditional tunes, contemporary songs of the seasons, and brand new originals. It’s not just about the gifts; it’s also about tradition and family tension and the winter wistfulness that comes in December. Kerry bravely and candidly addresses the human conditions that come with the holidays in every climate – family, daydream romance, taking just one day out of the year to believe in Santa Claus.
"An undiscovered peer of Shawn Colvin and Sheryl Crow…Getz is long overdue for the national platform she deserves." - Los Angeles Times
"Kerry’s got an effortlessness to her voice that really puts you at home in her world. She paints a vivid aural picture of places and emotions, with memorable melodies." - KROK-FM, Louisiana
"Getz’s rich, dreamy voice rises up from the emotional depths of the soul-searching and star-gazing lyrics, floating through the chiming, atmospheric arrangements with an allure that fans of Shawn Colvin and Dar Williams should find irresistible." - Acoustic Guitar
Henry,
a founding member of SHA NA NA, performed at the WOODSTOCK
FESTIVAL in 1969 and is still enjoying a long, successful career
as a recording artist and songwriter. His many albums were very
well received critically and commercially. His 1975 A&M
Records album "Plug Me Into Something" is
legendary among A&M's top 50 best sellers. His Lifesong
Records album "Release" contained the worldwide
hits "Shannon" and "Springtime Mama." Living
in Nashville he recently wrote "Big Guitar," a big hit
for Arista Records country group, Blackhawk.
His latest CD, "I'm Hearing Things," has been released on his own Zelda Records label. It includes great performances by many of Henry's favorite musician friends, including singer Dennis Locorriere of Dr. Hook fame, bass guitarist Garry Tallent of the E Street Band, and Mike Chapman, bassist on all of Garth Brooks records.
Henry is currently working on a one-man show about his experiences in the entertainment business. It's called "Oh! Henry" and is expected to be playing in New York City in the Fall of 2004.
To find out about "Nothing But Dreams" and all of Henry's other available CDs, contact marilyon@home.com for more information, or visit our web site at www.henrygross.com.
Born
in Ohio, TJ started playing professionally at age 15. He has
performed across the United States on the "A" club
circuit in such bands as Menagerie, Shyster and Famous Last
Words.
TJ Evans' original music has evolved continuously over the years. His roots are planted deep in the classic rock styles of the 70's while keeping an ear open to the evolution of the acoustic guitar from such influences as Michael Hedges, Leo Kottke and Phil Keaggy.
TJ has had the pleasure to open for headliners such as Blackfoot, UFO, Joan Jett and Lita Ford, Firefall, Ronnie Montrose, Marty Balin with Jefferson Airplane and TOTO. He has also shared the stage with such legendary guitarists as Freddie Salem and Brad Gillis.
He relocated to Orlando Florida to continue his professional career as an acoustic guitarist, singer/songwriter. TJ has been touring as a solo artist at various venues, as well as a clinician for his endorsers at music stores and expositions across the nation.
He also writes the article "Acoustic Domain" for various publications and has been a guest writer for the Neumann Microphone website as well as the Mackie Designs newsletter. A promotional performance music video is available showcasing his full ensemble. CD's and Cassettes are now available through our secured website as well as at locations across the US. Please feel free to write TJ, as he would love to hear from you.
"Finally,
an all-wood guitar strap with heart, soul, and extreme comfort!"
-- Jenna
Jenna Music is a straight from the soul, Rock and Roll band from Los Angeles, CA., resembling the smooth style of Chrissie Hynde and the gritty emotion of Janis Joplin. Jenna, the band's lead singer and songwriter, holds no barrier between her music and her heart. She writes about hard spoken truths and performs them with passion and sensuality. She conceived the idea, put a small acoustic band together to perform at coffeehouses and soon created an electric band, Jenna & The Weeping Buddhas. They quickly rose to the top of the local LA scene, changed their name to Jenna Music, and released their first CD. Jenna Music has toured up and down California, as well as across the southern US and Hawaii. Their music has been featured on "Dawson's Creek, "Time Of Your Life" and MTV's "The Real World." Jenna Music has received awards from Musician Magazine, Ticketmaster and Discmakers, and more recently won the Outstanding Female Singer/Songwriter award at the acclaimed LA Music Awards.
Brad
Yates: singer, songwriter, and musician, is a veteran of the
national music scene. He's contributed musical and vocal
expertise on recordings by regional Florida favorites The Better
Way, Mr. Moon, and Cool Breeze as well as the Hawaiian Islands
group, Oceana. Brad has shared the bill with such notables as
The Allman Brothers Band, LeBlanc and Carr, Bertie Higgins, Bela
Fleck and the Flecktones, and Edgar Winter.
Brad's first solo project, "See the Light," available on the Orchard label, has received impressive air-play on independent inspirational radio in the U.S., Europe, and Australia, with "Everybody Wants to be Loved," reaching the #9 position. Says one Texas reviewer, "This is real Christian music that funks out and sweetly rocks." Seaside Soul, the tag Brad puts on his music when asked what style he writes, is music with a message AND you can dance to it!
Brad's latest CD is "Lost & Found." Write to him at his e-mail address below to get your very own copy of either album (or both!).
Writing, recording, and performing are ever on Brad's plate. He is currently writing new material for a third CD. His band, The Soul Surfers, is performing concerts at festivals, churches, and other events. Contact Brad for info or CDs at bradspubco@aol.com.
"Jeff
Howell is a 'porch-pickin' fool!!!" Or so says JAM magazine
8 /93. The singer-songwriter-guitarist has toured extensively
throughout the States, Canada and overseas playing his unique
brand of Louisiana acoustic blues and rock and roll. The
original styling of his songwriting extends from fat five-piece
horns and New Orleans funk on his debut album, "Gimme' A
Dollar" (released in 1989) through the imaginative soul of
"Blues Junk'' (released in 1993) to the down-home acoustic
finger-picking of his third album "The Tree" (released
in June 1996). Jeff has been a working musician since 1977.
" I got my first Heartwoodes strap in 199_ and I haven't used any other strap since. It looks like it was built with the guitar."
-- Jeff Howell
After moving to Florida and working himself into the groove with China Sky, Ron teamed up with hit songwriter, Frank Wildhorn (Heart, Whitney Houston). The pair began to pen the tunes that caught the ear of CBS Records, and after a private performance for CBS vice president Tony Martell, the deal was done. Producer Karl Richardson (Eric Clapton, Bee Gees, Diana Ross) was brought on board and the self-titled CD "China Sky" was released. Despite rave reviews and good response from radio, the band was having difficulties with logistics and personnel and soon disbanded. Shortly thereafter, "Take Miss Lucy Home," a Ron Perry song originally written for China Sky, appeared on the Molly Hatchet album "Lightning Strikes Twice."
The demise of China Sky left Ron free to pursue other opportunities, and after yet another move to Jacksonville, Florida, he found himself wearing the hat of producer-engineer at his own 24-track recording facility Alan Audio. Over the next several years, in addition to his non-stop club gigging, he produced and engineered recordings for scores of local and not so local acts including Ike Turner and the Ikettes. In 1998, Ron's current band, The Ron Perry Connection, was formed.
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