Ten Questions with Bob Friend from MINX

1. Hey Bob, welcome to Kickacts. com. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’ve been playing music since I was 6 years old. I have been in a band playing the club scene since age 14. I’m married and we have 3 children. I like working, Nascar, golfing and making guitars.

2. You play guitar in the band Minx. Tell us about the band and who is in it and the website address.

Bob Friend – Lead Singer, guitar, keyboards / Bobby Barnes – singer, drummer / Preston Buzzard – bass / Russell Mcgregor – lead guitar and we have a myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/minxrocks. I have my own myspace also at http://www.myspace.com/bobfriend67.

3. What type of gear do you use?

My guitar is one I made it is a Friendly Guitar. Line 6 Pod Pro preamp, Carvin 50/50 tube power amp, Sonic 212 Cabinet loaded with Greenback Celestion speakers, Peavey 31 band eq, Yamaha Psr 500 Keyboard, Mic is an EV 967, No effects.

4. You guys have been gigging together for quite a long time. Unlike most bands that rise and fall in a year or so, you maintain, whats the secret?

First a band is like a marriage, it is give and take. Russell and I have played on and off for 25 years. It appears him and I are the only ones that can put up with each other. We like to have fun and love to play music.

5. Do you have any “greatest gig” stories to tell?

Every weekend we play is special to me. But one stand out was when we opened for Firehouse and Vixen.

6. And in the same vein, got any “worst gig ever” stories to share?

No certain one comes to mind, but the nights with equipment failure and brain fart for words tend to be the longest nights.

7. You guys pretty much ruled Double Dukes for years and were their main band until they recently closed. With that gig came some hate or jealousy from other bands that couldn’t get in there. There were some pretty mean spirited messages on band nut about your band. Want to address that?

I don’t ever read band nut. We just make noise and have fun. I feel I’ve something to learn from every band out there. There are a lot of clubs that we can’t get into due to band and management relationships. That’s just the politics of the business.

8. Who are your heroes and what inspired you to take up playing?

I love all genres of music. No one hero stands out.I grew up playing with moms Ventures, Elvis and Three Dog Night records (real vinyl). As for my inspiration, my Grandfather played bass in a band and got me started playing.

9. You are also into building your own guitars. How did that get started? Ever thought about building them and selling them?

It all started when I inquired about have a custom guitar built. I looked into several manufactures such as Brian Moore, Godin and several others. It was going to cost around $9500.00 for a make to my specifications. I figured I could build it cheaper. Boy was I wrong. Just kidding. Yes I would consider building for others but it is all hand craftsmanship and they wouldn’t be cheap.

10. # 10 is called “Shout it Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about.
So go ahead Bob, and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!

Loved or hated I plan on making noise until they lay my body to rest. I don’t understand why all of us musicians can’t just get along. We all have one common intrest, MUSIC. Minx members don’t make a habit of bashing other bands. We like to see other bands and learn from them. I feel every band has something special to give. “It’s BEER O’CLOCK!!  1, 2, 3 GO!!!” Because “the more you drink the better we sound.”

Thanks
Bob Friend

Ten Questions with Preston From MINX

1. Hey Preston, welcome to Kickacts. com. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I have been playing bass bass with Minx for about 10 years now, I have 2 beautiful daughters that I spend as much time as possible with, and I am also in to photography.

2. You play bass guitar in the band Minx. Tell us about the band and who is in it and the website address.

Minx is Bobby Friend on lead vocals, guitar and keyboards, Russell Mcgreggor on Lead guitar, Bobby (Skeeter) Barnes on drums and vocals, and myself on bass. The four of us have been together now for over 5 years, and it has helped solidify our sound, while at the same time, we have gained so much confidence in each other, that we can go out and just have fun! We are using our Myspace as our primary site, the address is www. myspace. com/minxrocks

3. What type of gear do you use?

I have a Modulus Flea Bass (still haven’t learned to play like Flea though:), an SWR 350 head and an SWR bass Monitor. I like to keep things simple.

4. You guys have been gigging together for quite a long time. Unlike most bands that rise and fall in a year or so, you maintain, whats the secret?

We all get along great and most of all, we all love to play music! I think that keeping the same lineup helps tremendously, and we have a following that has become like family to us! Without our fans, we would be nothing. I have met so many wonderful people along the way, and I cannot thank them enough for supporting us and just being our friends!

5. Do you have any “greatest gig” stories to tell?

Ahhh, Hogrock several years ago, we had the prime spot and I knew that we would have a killer crowd. I had planned before hand to buy a cheap $79 Kramer bass guitar and ignite it with fireworks, and smash it to bits on our last song! Everything was perfect, the crowd was rockin’, my adrenalin was flowing, and so I lit the fireworks and smashed the bass at the end of Freebird! The crowd went wild, and I was on top of the world! Wow, what a memory for only $79 bucks … uh, then I realized that I left my $300 dollar wireless plugged in to the bass that I had just demolished on stage! Lol! It was still a great memory though, and 4 years later, a woman came up to me and said ” Oh my god, you’re that guy that smashed your guitar at Hogrock, I still have the neck hanging on my wall!” so that made it all worth it!

6. And in the same vein, got any “worst gig ever” stories to share?

Haha, there are several, but one that comes to mind was years ago, when we were really desperate for gigs, we went to a bar outside of Paducah, and they told us they were looking for southern rock, and I thought we could pull it off, but our version of southern rock was way different than what the owner had in mind! We got shut down while playing Rocky Mountain Way, and they made us pack up and go home! Lol!

7. You guys pretty much ruled Double Dukes for years and were their main band until they recently closed. With that gig came some hate or jealousy from other bands that couldn’t get in there. There were some pretty mean spirited messages on Band Nut about your band. Want to address that?

I don’t know why people would be upset at us for playing there so much, after all, we were just trying to stay booked, and Double Dukes was a good gig. I could see where they might take offense at the owners or management for not giving other bands a chance though.

8. Who are your heroes and what inspired you to take up playing?

I have always liked bands that put on a show! Alice Cooper is one of my favorites, but I also grew up with Kiss, Queen, REO Speedwagon, and too many others to mention. I just love music, and will pretty much listen to anything.

9. You are also into photography. How is that going? Do you do it professionally or as a hobby? Favorite things to shoot?

I am so glad you asked that! I have really gotten serious with my photography in the last few months. I have set up a studio in my house and have been doing portraits. Thanks to the power of Myspace, I have been getting emails every day asking me about taking some pics! I still have a lot to learn, but I feel like I am getting better at it, and hope to take it to the next level! If anyone wants to check out my work, it can be seen on my Myspace site www. myspace. com/minxbassist or my Taltopia page www. taltopia. com/minxrocks , hope you will take a look!

10. # 10 is called “Shout it Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about.
So go ahead Preston, and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!

Just want to say thanks again to all the people that support the local music scene, keep it up! And thank you Kickacts, you have a good thing going! See ya soon!

Ten Questions with David Lutz

David Lutz

1. Hey David, welcome to Kickacts. com. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello, my friend!!

Let’s see, I am married to my wonderful wife Melissa for soon to be 15 years. I have one son Christopher David Lutz who I am very proud of, he is attending Arizona State University as a sophomore this year, and I presently have 2 great dogs named Tessa and Little Bit!! Lost one of my best friends ever Tobias-J Dog, back in August of 2008, that really sucked!!! Anyway, let’s move on to the other things about me. Born and raised in Hendo, KY where I am very blessed to have had a great childhood with a lot of great friends and an incredible family!! Heck, even all of my teachers were great!! They probably felt different about me, but they were all pretty cool and very great role models!! I could go on and on about my life, but I am sure you wanna’ know more about my musical experiences and not my mischief during my youth!!

2. You sing and play guitar in a acoustic band called “John and Dave”. Tell us about the   band and who is in it and the website address you guys can be found.

This acoustic act you speak of would be “the Dave and Jon band.” (Editor here, “opps, my bad”).Of course we are not really a band, just an acoustic act that obviously includes me and Jon Snyder from the metro of Elberfeld, IN. By the way, that is JON SNYDER and not John Schneider like on the Dukes of Hazard!! Once again I am very blessed to be musically involved with such a talented and professional individual!!! Jon is a smoking great guitarist with great vocal abilities when he chooses to sing, and he is dependable!!! Wow, what more could you ask for from your band mate??? Jon also plays in a great blues band called “Hog-Maw.” You can catch them at the Deerhead and Smitty’s on various days of the each month.

We are very privileged to be regulars at Cheeseburger in Paradise just off the Lloyd expressway in Evansville, Indiana. In fact, we will start the 2nd annual bike night on Tuesday May 12th 2009 and play through October 2009. This was a blast last summer and we expect it to be even bigger and better this year!!! For more info contact Rafe at the burger and he will fill you in on all the upcoming events. Just another plug for the crew at CIP, they are incredibly talented and the service is great!!! Did I mention that all the management is pretty cool also from John Shaver (the owner/partner) to Rafe to Susan!!! They always rock at their job!!! I hope I did not leave anyone out!! If so they will get their props over the summer!!!

We play a variety of music, but keep it mostly old school. We start in the 50’s and work our way through the 80’s, this is really where our hearts are and people seem to enjoy the music. We cover everything from Brad Paisley to the Everly Brothers to Styx, and then Scooby Doo to Sweet Child of Mine. (Please don’t ask me to sing Guns and Roses, I really suck at Axel’s part and my guitar playing is just a little weak.) Besides, if Sumner or Kari is there we will play every 80’s song we know!!!

If you would like to contact us at this time you should try our myspace. It is for now our only web address.

3. What type of gear do you use?

As far as the gear I use, it is pretty stripped down:

I play a Taylor 514ce acoustic guitar (that I do not deserve), I sing through an Audio Technica 4000 series cardioid condenser microphone, and I use a few effects and tuner from a TC Electronics Harmony G Pedal. Of course when we set up at CIP, we use their house p.a. If we play a private gig we use mostly Allen and Heath, JBL SRX series cabs, and QSC power amps.

4. You have more than a couple of studio albums under your belt including some on old school cassettes’. Tell us about them.

About the studio projects…..do I have to talk about this??? Back in the day I really did not need to be recording!!! Yuck, I really was terrible!!! However, I did have the honor of playing with and learning from many great musicians including you!!! Let’s just mention a few: Chuck Gee, Jason Barclay, Bill Sale, John Thomson, Scott Winzinger, Jeff Tate, Jeff Yates, Kurt Ellis, Fred Bassett, The late John Hollinden (hope I spelled his name right), Dave and Dennis Redmon, Paul Moore, Larry Joe Harwood, Randy Owens, Henry Carver, Rick Wilson and Maverick Taylor just to name a few!!!! I also have to mention my great friends and mentors of production Todd Adkins and Jerry McKinney!!! These guys are two of the most talented individuals in the region!!! They rival the pros anywhere around, and I am thankful for the all the time spent in the studio with those guys.

Projects as listed below:

Where Did We Go Wrong (you know the song) / Chasity Lynn Fundraising Project / Jankura- Love Struck and Lies (everyone of you need to request this killer 80’s cd at my website) / Dave Lutz Project / New Beginnings Project / Plush- Self Titled CD

There were many other demos recorded at various studios throughout the years. Let’s give props to some of the main studios in the tri-state area.

Back Yard Studios- Jerry McKinney / The Coop- Todd Adkins / Electric Arts Studio- Steve Chandler / Audio Creation Studios- Randy Wimberly and George Cumbee

Thanks for all the great projects you have produced over the years!!!!

5. Do you have any “greatest gig” stories to tell?

Greatest gigs???? There were many memorable moments!! I try to make the best of every gig I do, just ask Jon Snyder!! Every night is memorable at CIP!! You just have to experience one bike night this year!!! Did I mention bike night at CIP???

I guess my most exciting gigs would have to be the showcase I did with Plush at the Gibson Café in Nashville, or maybe the Everly Brothers Homecoming where we were opening act for Jennifer Knapp and the Katinas. That was a band called The Peace Brothers (with John Thomson, Jason Barclay, and the up and coming Andy Davis).

There were also rewarding gigs with a group named White Rose!!!! We were always appreciated, no matter where we played.

6. And in the same vein, got any “worst gig ever” stories to share?

I don’t like to mention the bad gigs, even though there was this one gig…. I was playing for a church youth group in KY. I put the director off until the week of the gig due to my crazy schedule. However, once I commit I do the gig!!! This is one gig I should have cancelled. I started getting laryngitis the day of the show and I knew it was going to be bad. The gig did not start until like 11p.m., but as it got closer to time my voice had reduced to almost a whisper. I advised the director to start the show immediately or I would not make it through the night. Well, it was too late. I started singing and barely made it through the first song. Just into song number two I lost my voice completely. There were no sound persons, effects processing, or pitch correctors that would reduce my embarrassment that night!!! The only positive thing is that I do have a God given gift for improve and I did what all rock stars do when they can’t hit their notes…..”Let the audience sing your part!!!” unfortunately it was about ten songs worth of notes!!!

7. You went to Nashville in the late 90’s and recorded a nationally released album with the band “Plush”. Anyone listening to it can tell it’s your vocals but Mick Rowe has taken the vocal credit for it and his name appears on the CD.   What the fuck happened there?

Back to the PLUSH CD!!! That was a great experience for me. Even with all the industry politics I still came out the blessed one, and hope that the cd may have ministered to some kid out there somewhere!! The deal was supposed to be much better than it was, but when it came down to it I could not quit my job and leave all of my responsibilities behind just to play rock star!!! I of course resigned from the band, and the cd was still released. I asked that I at least get recognition for all of my work on the cd. I actually sang all lead and backing vocals on the cd. As for Mick Rowe, he was the original singer and started the project, but was released due to some undisclosed conflict with the band. There was one song that we layered Mick’s voice under mine, but that is because my voice was too pretty!!! Just kidding!!! Well, not really. That is kind of the way it rolled!!

The cd was released with me listed as and extra, and with no recognition on the few songs I helped co-write. The awesome part is that I was humbled, but blessed by the opportunity to work under Tony Palacios!!! Tony is an incredible artist, musician, producer, and most of all a great Christian example for all to see!!!! Thanks again to Tony and his wonderful family for allowing me to stay with them during this time!!

On with the show!!!!

Paul Stanley & David Lutz

8. Who are your heroes and what inspired you to take up singing?

This next question is very tough. My life heroes would have to start with my savior Jesus!! He gave up everything just to save a screw up like me!!! I think to there are different heroes for each stage of your life. I would also have to list my wife Melissa, my mom and dad, my sisters, my great friends (starting with you, Steve Knight, Jason Barclay and Paul Moore) and so many others up to today!!! Like I mentioned early on many of my teachers also!!! As far as most recent heroes to come into my life, Monty Parrish and his incredible family for showing me an unimaginable amount of strength in the loss of their son Aaron Michael Parrish!!! Aaron was like a son to Melissa and I also, and I might add a great guitarist himself. Check out his initials A.M.P., how appropriate for this great kid. His younger brother Nathan also is a great young drummer who has the potential to be the next best drummer in this region if he chooses!! I am not just saying this, he is amazing!!!

You told me to make this long and you got it!!!

My musical heroes vocally speaking would have to be Steve Perry of Journey, Elvis of Elvis, and David Pack of Ambrosia. There are many others like Robin Zander, Brad Delp, Tommy Shaw, Dennis DeYoung, and on and on and on!!!

Guitarists would be tough also. I would probably start with Neal Schon of Journey, Randy Rhodes, Larry Carlton, and I really do like the playing of Andy Timmons a local favorite!!

Dude, I have to stop sometime. This could go on forever and ever!!

All of these artists inspired me to sing, but I was probably motivated by the pocket change I received to sing for my parent’s friend at age five!! I am obviously pretty cheap to hire!!

9. Do you have any other hobbies other than singing and playing guitar?

My other hobbies include doing sound for regional festivals and audio/video production for many outreach programs. I also enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, and I am going to start doing that much more!! I like all kinds of stuff; I mean all kinds of stuff!! I like doing things so much that I don’t even sleep!!!

I guess in closing I must ask for much forgiveness if I left anyone out of this interview!!! I also would like to thank so many people who have helped to mold my music career and personality!!! I am very pleased most of the time with who I am and what I have accomplished in my life, I really have very few regrets!!

10. # 10 is called “Shout it Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about.
So go ahead David, and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!

I would like for my “shout out loud” to go to our youth. You guys are the future of this great country in which we live. I know that you have been dealt a pretty crappy hand from past generations, but I challenge you to keep yourself clean and sober and seek God in all you do!!! I have the utmost faith in your abilities to turn things around. We did not leave this mess intentionally, but we did leave this mess!! Step up and show the world what the United States of America is made of, “YOU!!!”  Keep it real and Rock On!!!

Thanks again Chuck for this great opportunity!! I wish you and KICK ACTS the best!!

Ten Questions With Jim Gaines

1. Welcome to Kick Acts, Jim. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Not much to tell here. My name is Jim Gaines and I have been a bass player for over 40 years. I was born and raised in Evansville where I have spent most of my life with the exception of a 7-year break which during that time I was playing with a road band headquartered in Terre Haute, IN.  I have been back in Evansville for about 12 years, with my wife Cindy and our herd of cats.

2. Right now, you’re playing in a band called Woodsboro. Tell us about the band, who the members are and where you can be found online.

Woodsboro can best be described as a patchwork of musical tastes. It started out as a “country” band, but has evolved into something a little more funky and edgier.  We still do traditional and modern country along with some classic rock, but it also has developed a strong Southern vibe to it as well. You’re just as likely to hear Jessica by the Allman Brothers or a Kid Rock tune as you are to hear something by George Jones. The band members are Jim Pease- vocals and guitar,  Jim Perkins- drums and vocals, Jim Garrett- electric and acoustic guitars, Harold Stuckey- guitar and vocals, and myself on bass and vocals. You can find us on the web at www.woodsboroband.com.

And yes, I’m aware of all the “Jims” in the band, but The Jimmies was already taken.

3. What gear do you use?

My current weapons of choice are a 2001 Fender Hot Rod P Bass and a 1987 MJ Engineering 5 String Bass alternately known as either Savannah or The AmpSlayer, depending on what’s getting blown up at the moment. Amplification and cabinets consists of a mixed bag of Ashly, JBL, Mesa, and Carvin gear.  Fred Bassett keeps trying to sell me things, but has yet to succeed.

4. Tell us about some of your experiences in your time as a musician. Have you ever been in a national or regional touring band? What can you tell us about that?

The experiences in my career as a musician have ranged from the good, the bad, and the ugly to downright unprintable, but all and all it’s been a great ride.

I was fortunate enough to have been able to work with a lot of great players at an early age. I did my first club gig at just shy of 16 and a lot of the players were 5 to as much as 20 years my senior, so I was held to a little different standard in regards to my learning curve. Mistakes weren’t really an option, so I had to work a bit harder than most guys were willing to do that age.

I owe a great deal to bands from the 70’s era of Free Reign and September Sunn and players like Rudy Hillenbrandt, Kenny Lowe, Charlie Davis, Jim Overby, Kenny Kraft, Bill Ball, Neil Long, and a host of others for their willingness to take in a young musician just learning his craft. I learned something from them all.  Last but not least I’d also like to include the great Andy Timmons in that list.  Even though our time together was brief, he is hands down one of the finest guitarists I’ve ever worked with and he taught me things that I still apply to my playing today.

I spent a very intense 8 years from 1989 to 1997 with a duo of brothers from Newburgh, IN, Randy and Ronnie Beard who performed as The Beards. We worked at various times throughout the Midwest using Terre Haute, IN as our home base, but the main focus was Nashville.  The best way I can describe the band is a cross between Motley Crue and Alabama. It was balls to the wall rock and roll with strong vocal harmonies.

We actually had more in common musically with ZZ Top than George Jones, but it worked very well and played to packed rooms.  The band independently released a single that charted very well regionally (unheard of in Nashville at the time), received great reviews, and showcased several times for all of the major labels in NashVegas, but despite stellar songwriting, “A” list songs pitched to us, and a strong push from several Nashville insiders, it just never could quite get over the hump.

Hell, a song we shopped to the majors and were turned down on was one of the biggest country crossover hits of 1993. Given some of the acts that broke out of Nashville afterwards, I’ll always consider it just being ahead of the curve by about a year or so.

I’ll always look back to that period of my playing as expanding my abilities as a live/session player and arranger but it’s also where I learned about the true ruthless and heartless nature of the music industry.  Local band politics aren’t squat compared to that.  Burned me out so badly , that I took nearly a year off when it was all said and done. Worked a day job and fished.

5. Tell us a greatest gig story.

Even though just about every gig has its moments, there’s 3 that stand out here.  The first was opening for the Charlie Daniels Band in 1990 at the Evansville Coliseum in front of a sold out crowd. Nothing like playing for the hometown crowd, that and Kevin Book was my bass roadie.

The second was opening for Alabama and the Oak Ridge Boys the same year at the RCA Dome in front of about 50,000 people. Probably one of the most electrifying gigs I’ve ever played and I still get goosebumps thinking back on it.

The third might come as a surprise.  I spent the last few years with The Beards working in a side project with Randy Beard that promoted reading and writing skills to Kindergarten through 3rd Grade and special needs/at risk children. We would write songs with the kids in a writing session and present them to the entire student body later in the day with just guitar, bass, a drum machine and the kids singing their songs to the entire school.  Creativity and spontaneity at its finest.  By the time the band folded in 1997 , I’d venture to say that the program had been presented to well over 100, 000 students and educators nationwide and Randy’s website puts current figures at over 1 million since the program’s inception.  Probably one of the coolest and most personally rewarding things I’ve ever done as a musician.

6. Now tell us one about a worst gig.

A tie here.

Probably the worst was the last night of a long road gig. Let’s just let it suffice to say that there are certain band dynamics that can become very evil when they rise to the surface, even more so when they are one sided and driven by enablers. The tension and animosity was a living thing and bordered on psychological warfare at the end of the night. I was never so happy to see 4 hours over in my life.   Loaded my gear, headed for Evanspatch with my new wife and never looked back.

A very close second would have to be a gig I spent about 6 months in here locally.  I have an low tolerance for rock stars and even less tolerance for rock stars who can’t play their way out of a bag and think they’re Quincy Jones.  That’s all I’m sayin’ about that one.

7. How have things changed since your early days as a musician?

Aside from the ever shrinking number of venues and the seemingly smaller pool of musicians to pull from, I can’t say that things have changed tremendously over the last 35 years. A lot of the issues, politics, and general crap are still the same.

One thing that really sticks out to me is the decline in music programs overall, not so much locally, but on a national level. The lack of music programs in big city schools and the decline in funding of the ones that are still there is pretty absurd to me and it already shows on some levels.

I had a vocal music teacher in grade school that allowed me to drag a bass and amp to school on a nearly daily basis from the 5th grade on and she saw to it that I got a grade in instrumental music even though I didn’t play in the school band outside of one year playing coronet. She taught me about all the things that a kid dragging around an electric bass just didn’t usually learn in grade school.

That kind of thing just isn’t fostered or encouraged anymore on a large scale basis that I’m aware of and it’s really a shame.  I’ve actually read recently about a music program being put into some school systems that considers a turntable to be a musical instrument and I have to honestly say that I take exception to that.  You can’t learn theory, composition, structure, and performance in Scratching 101. Sorry DJs, but it’s just a tool and without musicians giving you something to spin on it, it would just be a place to set your beer.

8. What inspired you to become a musician?

I was exposed to music at a very early age by my grandfather and his brothers. It was always being played in some form or another, but I’d say the Beatles are what truly set it in stone. I actually remember where I was when I saw their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and I lay the blame for all of this squarely at their feet.

9. Who are your musical heroes & why?

This has been a varied list throughout the years. The previously mentioned players and my grandfather are there for the obvious reasons, with the addition of guys like Scott Tingley, Kim Sutherland, Keith Fitzgerald, and Paul Skelton for their influences on my formative years with the bass. I replaced Scott in Free Reign in around 1979 or so and Kim in The Beards in 1989, so in my mind it was a passing of the torch of sorts when I think about the influence they had on me in the early days. There also the who’s who list of players like McCartney, Jamerson, Pastorius, Oakley and others that influenced me with their approach to melody and groove to a point that can still be heard in my playing today. Wouldn’t dare compare myself to any of them, but you can hear bits and pieces if you listen. Currently , I’m looking  to Oteil Burbridge of The Allman Brothers Band for inspiration. Tone and technique for days and will only play over the top when it fits. Not a Wankmaster like a lot of bass players out there.

10. This is the question called “Shout It Out Loud” and it where you get to answer the question I didn’t ask or talk about whatever you want. JIM, SHOUT IT OUT LOUD!

I’d like to use this spot to tip my hat to some folks.  Most of all I’d like to thank my wife, best friend, and forever soul mate Cindy.  She was there during the days of my road trip, privy to the inner circle before and after our getting together, and witnessed first hand the madness of a band on the brink, its fall into obscurity and knows all too well the ups, downs, in betweens, and the heartache that is attached to the music business.  She has supported me through thick and thin and every musician should be so lucky to have a woman that understands the business so well.  I’m really glad we found each other.

I have had the great fortune to have met a number of great players too numerous to list and people who I am still able to count among my friends, including several that stick out in my mind.  Dave Martin, Steve Krietzer, Bob Green, and his sons Eli and Jordan are all great players and I thank Dead Weight and its revolving cast of characters for pulling me out of the funk that nearly caused me to hang it up for good. These guys brought me back into focus when I needed it the most.

Shawn Needham, who showed me that I can play tunes that I never thought I could, and Jim Perkins, who makes my job playing bass an easy one and the rest of the guys in the Woodsboro Gang that make it an adventure.

Lee Ramirez is an all around class act that could be a great bass player if he’d just get his hand below the fifth fret ( just kiddin’ Bro’ ! Love ya’ mean it !)

Last but not least, I’d also like to give a shout out to my Low End Brother Jon Rochner. Jon and I have been friends for probably over 20 years and in my humble opinion, he is The Master Of The Eternal Groove. I never fail to learn something from him every time I see him play and we should all aspire to attain his level of talent and humility.  A great player who has hooked me up with many a gig and an all around great guy who I am very proud to call my friend.

That’s it!
Bring on the dancing chicken . . . .

Ten Questions With Chaz Dicus From Akacia

1. Hey Chaz, welcome to Kickacts. com. Tell us a little bit about yourself and do you prefer to be called Chaz or something else?

Akacia

3. What type of vocal gear do you use?

5. Do you have any band “greatest gig ever” stories to tell?

Ten Questions With Jesse Wininger

1. Hey Jesse, welcome to Kickacts. com. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Well, I was born in 1953, the same year as Playboy, and the Corvette, happily we are all still around!I started in music way back at Harwood grade school,  then I was in everything music related at North, back then we had some great drummers there,which were older than me…Pat Moore, Mark Wichser, Mark Savage, Jeff Taylor..I was in the marching band, pep band, concert choir..you name it

2. You currently play drums in the band “Common Ground”. Tell us about the band and who is in it and the website address you guys can be found at.

Common Ground has been around for 4 years now, Chad and Brian Lynch are brothers, and come from a musical family. Their Dad Paul playedin a top country band around here in the 60’s and 70’s..” Country Inc”…Chad was originally a drummer, he is multi-talented and decided one day to quit hauling around drums and talk to me about forming a band. i had always told him if he made the switch that I would like to work w/ him. i worked with Brian in a few bandsand so I was convinced this would work.  our schedule and info is at http://www.myspace.com/commongroundcountry also on bandnut.com, what we strive for is our vocals,  those guys sing great, and we have 3 lead singers…I feel our vocals is what stands out, when you hear us.We are a cover band new country and classic rock..Big and Rich..to Judas Priest..!!

3. What type of gear do you use?

my main kit is a 2007 Gretsch 6pc, with a Gibraltar rack, Zildjian cymbals, DW 5002 pedals. I just bought a Ludwig Vistalite acrylic 3 pc kit, amber in color, that I use on some gigs too, acrylic definitly has a different drum sound…bright with alot of volume, I spend my money at Forks Drum Closet in Nashville, if I need something…they are one of the best drum shops anywhere.

4. So when you were traveling on the road, did you travel in a station wagon or one of those old smoky diesel buses? Ever paid your dues and froze your ass off in what ever you were in?

This is hard to believe now..our bass player was a mechanic and we restored a 1961 Ford Econoline van..back in those days our equipment fit in it , this is before Subs, and high end PA..it was all hi impedance gear then..and we took a car with us too,.this was before cell phones, GPS..so we got lost sometimes…we ran from Cleveland to Savannah.. we had 5 of us in a room, we were tight with our money..I remember going from cleveland to Monroe Lousiana…one gig to another and  sleeping on the floor of a 1972 LTD..the tranmission hump was uncomfortable..lol..but I was 18 ….youth on my side.

5. Do you have any “greatest gig ever” stories to tell?

greatest gigs…they are all great in the respect that im playing music that particular night, what more can you ask?but when I was living in California I had a great club The Cattle Baron..w/ the mechanical bull, this was the Urban Cowboy craze..that band had terry chrisftofferson from Buck Owens…In 1972 I was on the road and there was another The Stables in mentor, Ohio.. a 300 seat clubthe executive in paducah ky was cool back in the day…

6. And in the same vien, got any “worst gig ever” stories to share?

One of the worst was in 1972, we were at a gig scheduled for 2 weeks, for some reason the clubowner was a control freak, bitching between sets etc.we called our agent, he told us to get outta there at the end of the first week, he re- booked us some where else, another time at Johnny’s Inn on morgan avenue,after the club was closed, the manager was drunk and shot off a few rounds out of his gun..a bullet went thru 2 drums.the next day, he was apologetic, and bought me 2 new drums!!

7. You have been playing since 1968, correct? What was it like in the beginning and do you have any advice for the young musicians up and coming in this area?

you can’t imagine the scene in the 60’s and 70’s if you werent old enought to remember, When i was in high school there were after football game shows in these little towns, a teen club in grayville, Oakland City, jasper calumet, kramers lake and Wes-lake,….just a bunch of gigs back then, the was an agency booking bands locally even then…I got my first steady gig by posting an ad at Dallas Music.  there were some great bands then, Unpredictables, Free Reign, Turks, Chocolate Haystack, The Vikings…these were bands that played the area, most guys were in high scool…When I came off of the road, there were all kinds of clubs here, I was playing 4-6 nights a week, so many places had bands it was crazy, i played full time until 2000, from 1974 until then my only job was in a band somewhere.i played a long time at the Exective Inns when Bob Green was alive and the owner…all 3 had music 6 nights a week, plus The evansville one had a showroom,with a house ochresta..imagine that! My buddy gary Stephans played in that band and backed alot of stars in those days.I saw Jerry lee Lewis, kenny Rogers with The first edition..Little Richard…Green booked major talent in those days,,..it was happenin’russell lloyd construction killed a couple of clubs, plus alot of clubs aren’t around anymore, for example, captain den, Joe’s bar, Country palace, Bridgeview, El matador,Red garter, Trixies Alibi, Duffys tavern, Red Fox…it aint the same now! about 1982 or ’83 the first drunk driving laws, changed the business to an extent.As far as advice for younger guys…well the biggest problem is finding a place to play and learn the ropes..i had it easier when I was a kid..there were gigs.I was playing in strip bars at 17…until they checked my I.D.  The internet is a good tool for getting yourself out there, but what is needed in my view,obvoiusly is more gigs!!

8. Who are your heroes and what inspired you to take up playing?

My heroes..Buddy Rich and the reason Im playing drums probably is Ringo and the Beatles…when they hit it was a cultural shock..never been the same.suddenly guys wanted to learn an instrument and play in a band…meet girls, play music, grow your hair long and piss off your parents..Also I had great teachers in school..Jerry Hoover a legend at North…Pat Moore, my first drum instructor…the list is long..

9. Damn, seems like you had a full plate of giging, which is what we all strive for..during your time playing did you do any recordings of original music? if so, what did you do and do you have any mp3’s you wanna share with us?

I dont have any stuff on the net except a clip of a song I wrote on myspace….which is track 3.I have a whole album of another band from 1982 ” Black    River…original songs, that I need to get a CD of to load to the internet..

10. # 10 is called “Shout it Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead Jesse, and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!

I want to shout it out…to all my friends that I have worked with over my 41 years in the local band scene..some arent around anymore..but that happens,some quit, got old…cant  do it forever, but Im trying to…also the club owners that support live music around here…those people are in an ever evolving, difficult business…but we appreciate the opportunity, to have a gig…this year is starting pretty good forCommon ground, we are busy, and that’s a good thing..Chuck, thanks for the opportunity to tell everyone about the band…

Jesse

Ten Questions With Lee Ramirez

(Chuck is the guilty party that asked Lee these questions, I just posted them.)

1. What’s up ? Tell us a little bit about yourself and do you have a myspace address so the readers can contact you?

Hey guys!  Wow….2009.  Let me 1st say that I hope everyone has a killer 2009!  For those of you who don’t know me….My name is Lee Ramirez.  I was living in Evansville but as of January ’08 I moved to SW Michigan.  I will be entering my mid-life crisis here in January as I celebrate my 40th birthday at the end of the month.  I have been playing bass guitar since I was 15 and was fortunate to be a part of the tri-state live band scene from 2003 till early 2008 with a local Evansville band called Akacia.  I am married as of July ’08 and have a 10 y/o daughter who is a self-described “mini-me”.  I do have a myspace page…..but to be honest…I don’t get on there very often…so if anyone wants to contact me… samoandude@hotmail.com .

2. You were one of the founding members of the band “Akacia”. How long were you with them and how did you guys come up with the name?

I would consider Mike Blemker and Charlie Dicus to be the “founding members”.  They were both in the band “Exosonic”.  A good friend, Aaron Crosby of Musician’s Den fame,  was keeping an ear to the ground for me cuz he knew I was looking to hook up with a good group of guys.  He called me to let me know of a group of fellas that were looking for a bass player.  I tried out for Exosonic back in the fall of 2002 when their guitar player (Travis) was heading to Indy for a new job.  Charlie was playing bass at the time and was considering going back to guitar.  I think it was in Febuary 2003 that they called and said that I was in.  We played a couple of gigs as Exosonic, then decided that a name change was needed.  I can’t remember how EXACTLY we came to land on the name Akacia, but the infamous Iron Maiden song, “22 Acacia Avenue” did play a large part in the decision.  So….I was a part of Akacia from early 2003 till January of 2008.  Good times…..

3. You are a badass bass player. Who are your heroes and what made you to decide to start playing?

This is a bit of a comical story.  Back in 8th grade, a bunch of us that were in junior high school  “band” (I played tuba btw…..lol), decided that were were going to get a group together and perform a song for the school variety show.  For some reason…I volunteered myself as the guitar player.  Now mind you, I’ve never played a guitar in my life, outside of plucking around on an odd acoustic here and there as a curious 13 y/o would.  I borrowed an old Fender Jaguar look alike from an older guy at church, and without an amp….went to the 1st “band” practice.  Now….here I am….never strummed a chord….plugged in with sheet music in front of me…and my mind was racing on how the hell I was going to pull this off.  Not sure if it was sheer panic, or a momentary burst of brilliance, but as the band was playing around me and I squint to make it look like I was lost in the sheet music in front of me, but I noticed a bass clef at the beginning of the piece.  This isn’t music for guitar!  This is music for BASS!!  Whew…..saved!  My bold, and totally conjured claim to be able to play guitar was still a secret.  To my surprise, the mother of one of the members came to my side and exclaimed….”why you’re right….this is for a bass guitar….I’ll have one for you tomorrow…” *gulp*  I don’t know how to play bass either……  The stomach churning feeling of the previous day was back as I put the bass on and attempted to look like I knew what I was doing.  To my own surprise, as I hunted and pecked my way across the fretboard “searching” for notes that sounded like they belonged with the music that was being played around me, I was able to pick those notes out and remember where I put my fingers to make those notes.  Granted, the whole endeavor was complete bullshit on my part, but we were able to get thru the song, and it sounded half decent…for a bunch of 8th graders.  From that point on, I was hooked…..cuz it came easy to pick out the bottom end.  My biggest influence where bass is concerned would have been….and still is….Steve Harris of Iron Maiden.  That signature triplet of his, or the “horse gallop”,  was one of the defining things that made Iron Maiden’s sound what it was.  The man was a monster….and he brought bass to the front of the stage and showed that even the bass could be nasty.  Then came the likes Geddy Lee, Cliff Burton, and BEEFCAKE THE MIGHTY!!!  Something about that low end, keeping the foundation.  I’ve always considered myself as a broad shouldered guy, willing to help carry a heavy load….cuz that’s what Samoans were put on this earth for….to move heavy shit!  Plus when you have someone like Akacia’s drummer, Joel, to lock in with…..it’s a thing of magic.  I appreciate the props….but a “badass bass player”?  Man…. Joel and I worked very well together….and without him, I was just another brown guy pluckin strings.  As my mentor and friend, Jim Gaines would tell me……uhhhh…well…..he would just brow beat me and threaten to break my fingers if I played past the 5th fret on the neck…..LOL!  Love ya Cat!

4. What type of gear do you use?

At present, I have my one and only bass…..a Spector Rex Brown Signature 4 string with the holoflash finish.  I always put GHS Infinity Steel strings on it (….yea….the cool red ones!!).  Early on with Akacia, I was using a Peavey BAM210 combo and if needed (which was ALWAYS…lol), an extension cab that was an Ampeg 410HLF.  In 2005, Aaron Crosby of Musician’s Den called me at work and let me know I needed to come by the store at lunchtime to check out the Genz Benz stuff they were thinking about carrying.  There was a rep there and stuff to demo, so I ran over to see what was up.  I talked to the rep for a little while and played thru one of the 212 neodymium cabs and a 600w head that they offered.  I liked the sound I was getting, but the line was a bit out of my price range…..needs and wants….every musician’s burden!!  So I filled out a comment card and left to go back to work.  Low and behold about 3 months later, I get a call at 9am at work…..some guy at Genz Benz tellin me that I won the “Ultimate Bass Rig”.  My response?  “Ok….who is this really?”  I won their 1200w tube hybrid head and 2 410XL cabs.  Friggin AWESOME!!!  Been my mainstay ever since!!

5. You used to gig quite alot here in the Evansville area, got any “high” points you wanna share with us?

The homeless benefits with Bullocks!  Those were a blast.  I wasn’t very involved with the 1st, but the 2nd and 3rd when we had them out in the street……would get there between 10am and noon and be there till 4am.  Absolute kick ass time!  But I would have to say that playing with the guys during the Freedom Festival down on the riverfront.  Granted….the times weren’t exactly “prime-time”, but it was still killer to be on a stage like that, with the guys that you call family.  Especially when we were up there with the guys from Nocturnal and Six Hills Giant!!  All jammin together….15 guys running around the same stage…..classic!  One of my fondest memories with Akacia…..were we all were brothers that day…..  I have made a ton of friends and met some really great people while I was a part of Akacia.  Those relationships…..by far…..are the greatest high!

6. And going along with the previous question, any “low” points?

The needless drama that seems so to rear it’s ugly head from time to time.  I am the first person to welcome some friendly competition, whether it be with a rival band, or even between bars.  But there are times when egos get in the way and things start to turn personal.  It’s one thing to be proud of what you do and your ability to do it…..you don’t need to step all over someone else in an attempt to get that point across.  One lesson I learned at a very young age…..no matter what u do….or how well you do it…..there will ALWAYS be someone out there that can do it better.  The scene in the tri-state area….we are really a big family!  Granted….it’s dysfunctional as hell…..but a family!  Treat each other with respect and honor, and the whole scene will benefit for it!

7. Do you have a favorite club that you really enjoyed playing at here in the Evansville area?

Most every place that we played was great for their own reasons, but I would have to say that it’s a toss up between two places.  Lanhucks in Evansville….and Late Nights in Jasper.  Lanhucks…well….if you’ve ever been there…..then you kinda know what I mean when I say….it’s intimate…LOL!  We ALWAYS have a great time when we are there.  Dancing on the tables….the really dark corners where anything can happen….and normally does!!!  What Happens At Lanhucks….Stays At Lanhucks……unless someone has a camera   MUAAAAHHHHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!  And let’s not forget the one….the only….PAM!!!  She RAWKS!  Worth the trip just to see her.  Late Nights is…well….in a word….WILD!  Those Jasper folks know how to party.  It was really kinda strange how the local wildlife over there took to us right from the 1st note, and made us feel at home ever since!  Great bar….and the bar staff is killer!  Even the bar owners are super cool and great to work with.  …and from personal experience….their service bar is GREAT to play on top of….just gotta watch out for the ceiling fan!!

8. What’s the club scene like at where you are now living up there in the big city of Cincinnati?

Well….I gotta level with ya…..I’m currently living up in serious snow country.  SW Michigan to be exact.  Was considering heading Cinci way but was drawn to the great white north instead.  Go figure……a Samoan in the snow….whoda thunk it?  The scene up this way is a little different in that it’s quite a bit smaller that E’ville, and that the original scene has more influence here.  South Bend Indiana is very close and there are several clubs that showcase coverbands and original bands.  I actually caught StompBox 40 in South Bend a while back.  The town I live in, St. Joseph, is a small town with really only one club that regularly offeres live music.  pFreakshow was there for New Years and they have the likes of Duke Tomatoe play there on a semi-regular basis.  Anything from soul, r&b, rock and blues can be found there on the weekends.  I admit…because of my work schedule…I don’t get much opportunity to head out to the bars….pretty much a home body these days!

9. You share the same last name as Richard Ramirez “The Night Stalker”, the serial killer from the mid 1980’s. Are you related to him?

Ohhhhhh…aren’t you a funny guy!  You know….I’f I had a dollar for every time someone asked that…I’d be able to buy Jim Cauley those flowing locks that he’s always wanted!!  NO…..I am not related to THAT Ramirez clan…..and if you ask me again…I’ll scoop your eyes out with a spoon….

10. And last but not least and not really a question either. Number 10 is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead Lee and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD!”

I am proud to say that I have met and become friends with some pretty cool people.  Some folks that have been in the scene 3+ decades……some that have just scratched the surface within the last year or two.  As with all things in life, there is a lot you can learn from those that have come before you.  For me…there were guys like Kevin Book…..Nick Hamilton….Mike Mitchell….Chet Harger…just to name a few.  These guys were hangin and bangin in the scene back when I was 21 and bouncing at Neons and Village Saloon.  They had been there and done that….and to sit and just listen to them was an education in itself..(sometimes….more info than I cared to really know!)  There is a wealth of insight that can be shared if you show a little respect where respect has been earned.  Jim Gaines is someone that has been an invaluable, both as a source of insight…a mentor….and a friend.  I consider myself honored to have been able to call the scene in the tri-state, my scene….however short a time span it was.  I was honored to meet and reconnect with those involved in the scene.  Do what you love and love what you do……