Musical Notes

This page contains links to local bands and various music resources.  (Both sections listed in alphabetical order.)

Local Bands and Musicians

Brad the Drummer -- First things first, Brad is a good friend of mine.  He also happens to be the drummer for Dot Com (see below.)  Brad and I play together in a basement band called Flat Rabbit during weekends when Dot Com is not working.  John Montoya (see Violet Edge, below) plays bass in Flat Rabbit, and I am honored to be able to play with both of these great musicians.

Dan Fogelberg -- Colorado-based singer/songwriter Dan Fogelberg is the single greatest influence on my music.  His song "Leader of the Band" made me want to learn guitar, and after seeing him perform live on several occasions, I'm convinced that he is one of the most widely talented musicians currently working in the industry.

Dot Com -- High energy hard rock and pop mixed with a few obligatory disco dance tunes.  The members of this band all have years of experience playing live music, and they work well together very well.  When you go see Dot Com, you won't hear a lot of talk, but you will hear a lot of rock.

Fatt Cat Freddie -- Wyoming-based blues band with two CDs available.  This three-piece plays a mix of original blues, standards and modern electric blues.  Judging by their sound, their influences include Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble (who wasn't influenced by them?), Buddy Guy, and other hard electric blues artists.

Flex Luther -- What do you get when you fuse funk, R&B, jazz, pop, salsa, reggae, ska and rock?  Flex Luther!  Catch this high-energy, all-original band at a showcase venue near you.

Guild of Ages -- Formerly known as Caught in the Act, this is a professional touring band with six albums and European tours under their belts.  They put on a hell of a show, if you're lucky enough to catch them when they are in Denver.

Halden Wofford and the Hi-Beams -- These guys were playing retro country long before O Brother, Where Art Thou? revived interest in country roots music.  In addition to old standards, Halden and the Hi-Beams perform a number of retro style originals.  Check their schedule and drop by for the best in swing country and bluegrass that Denver has to offer.

Kirk James -- If you are in the Four Corners region, you've probably heard of Kirk James.  He's been gigging in Southwest Colorado for close to twenty years now, and can play anything in the blues palette from acoustic Delta style to hard-edged electric blues.  Kirk won the Telluride Blues contest in 1998, and has opened for such notables as Al DiMeola, Tab Benoit, and Gatemouth Brown.

Violet Edge -- Progressive rock band, working on their first commercial CD.  My friend and band mate John Montoya plays bass for this band.

Music Resources

Carvin -- American made, American played.  Carvin makes some of the best guitars, basses, pro-audio and amplifiers that you can buy.  See my article about the fun I had building the Carvin Bolt guitar kit.

The Colorado Blues Society -- Support your local blues musicians!  Check the schedule for upcoming events and enjoy some live improvisational music.

The Fender Discussion Page -- Got a question about Fender equipment, or just want to connect with other Fender fans?  Go here first.  Their discussion forums cover everything from playing techniques to equipment mods.

Fender Musical Instruments -- Home of the Stratocaster, Telecaster, and a legendary series of amplifiers, including the new Fender Cyber-Twin (my amp of choice.)

Gibson Guitars -- What more is there to say?  It's Pure Gibson tone.

C.F. Martin Guitar Company -- A nice dream page.  <sigh>

MusicBizAdvice.com -- This page features great content for the up-and-coming and professional musician.  The Creativity Workshop is especially useful for songwriters and creative people in general.  MBADC was created by people with many years of experience in music management and promotion, so you know you are getting the straight and skinny from these folks.

OLGA -- The original On Line Guitar Archive.  Still the best source for guitar and bass tabs, despite a long struggle with the Harry Fox Agency over freedom of musical expression.

Patchwizard -- Windows software resource for owners of MIDI compatible guitar effects processors and amps such as the Line 6 POD and Fender Cyber-Twin.

Slow Gold -- High-quality slowdown software that lets you learn anything from any recording.  Imagine being able to tune SRV songs up a half step so you don't have to detune your guitar.  Then slow them down to pick up all the licks and build your chops.  This software from the World Wide Woodshed allows you to do just that.

Takamine Guitars -- My acoustic guitar of choice.  I wish I still had my old mahogany Takamine from the mid eighties!

Wildwood Music -- Steve Mesplé has some of the most loyal customers in the Denver area.  After buying an amplifier that came defective from the factory and seeing him bend over backwards to make things right, I understand why.  (While you're there, check out all the gallery of pretty Les Pauls!)