Thursday, July 15, 2010, 09:16 PM
I am sure that the tens of people (perhaps wishful thinking) that read my blog have wondered where I have been lately... After a year long break from the business world, I returned to the landmine field that is community banking. Unfortunately, gigs are few and far between...
The Edge Lounge could no longer afford bands during the week, so my Thursday night run is over and the band with Dean Dixon, Martie Echito and originally Gerry Dog Walker has also come to an end. Fortunately, I recorded gigs with both the Dog and Martie. While it didn't last long, we played tremendous music and had a good time!
Last month I was proud to record music for a new TV show pilot for Oasis House Concerts that will feature the top echelon of the San Diego acoustic music scene along with special guest artists like guitar virtuoso Laurence Juber. Lawrence is a multiple Grammy winner best known for his stint in Paul McCartney & Wings! Laurence graciously offered to stamp his signature on the show's theme song and end-credit music. The Oasis is an intimate venue located in San Diego with a very cool tropical vibe. Check out some of the stellar video footage on the Oasis House Concert website.
Hopefully I will get back to the business of music soon!!!
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Sunday, March 21, 2010, 02:49 PM
Well... The Edge Lounge has become our home over the past few months. Dean Dixon and I first appeared at The Edge Acoustic Lounge back in September, and then started a weekly appearance on Thursdays during January at this beautiful venue owned by Malcolm and Judy Curtis.
First, we added Gerry Dog Walker on pedal steel and acoustic guitars to the mix during January. Just as things were starting to heat up, Dog decided to go his own way. It was a tough loss, but Dean called his old friend Martie Echito to join us. Martie, a superb keyboardist, incredible vocalist and published songwriter, allowed the band to expand its repertoire and sonic landscape. With today's economy, we are certainly thankful to The Edge Lounge for providing a platform for us to do what we do best - entertain! Come check us out if you happen to be in the Inland Empire.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 03:38 AM
DEAN DIXON (Guitar, harmonica & lead vocals) is a songwriter extraordinaire whose down-to-earth songs speak directly to the hearts of his audience. We played together in The Ranch Rockers during 2007 and I have tried to get him to share those songs with the people of Southern California with me ever since... Finally the stars aligned and we have been performing as a duo since September 2009. Dean has released two albums, the country flavored Only The Lucky Can and the finely crafted pop, rock and soul of Dixon’s Band. Only The Lucky Can was produced by multi-instrumentalist Marty Rifkin, who also played pedal steel, electric guitar, dobro and drums on this wonderful album. Marty Rifkin is the pedal steel guitarist of choice for Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and many other international superstars. The album was recorded in Marty's studio, which belonged to The Beach Boys during their heyday, and still has bullet holes in ceiling from those wild days.
Dixon’s Band was produced by Gary Mallaber, the long-time drummer for the Steve Miller Band, who has worked on more than 500 albums from the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, Cher, Warren Zevon, Van Morrison, Peter Frampton, Eddie Money, The Beach Boys, Barbra Streisand & countless others). Besides Gary Mallaber on drums & percussion, other musicians include Reggie McBride (bass for Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, BB King & Rod Stewart), Marty Grebb (horns and keys for Bonnie Raitt, Leon Russell, Willie Nelson, Stevie Nicks, Etta James & Chicago), Herman Jackson (keyboards for Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Rod Stewart & Outkast), Jack Sherman (the original guitarist and founding member of The Red Hot Chile Peppers) and Bob Birch (Elton John’s bassist since 1991). Dean’s music was also featured on Beverly Hills 90210 and Melrose Place DVDs.
Mostly we perform as a duo, but we also feature a full band for special engagements. Sometimes the incredible musicians listed above join us. Please take the time to come out to one of our gigs for a tremendous musical experience!
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Saturday, August 8, 2009, 03:25 PM
After checking out a few musical opportunities, I am excited to join San Diego singer/songwriter Charlie Imes & The Hodad Surf Club. Charlie has a unique vibe that I would describe as beach music with splashes of jazz and soul. His songs possess a perfect mix of rhythm, melody and beach cool...
Charlie's 2008 CD, On An Island, features a who's who of SoCal musicians including international guitar superstar, Laurence Juber, who is best known as a member of Paul McCartney & Wings has two Grammys to his credit, nationally known jazz bassist Rob Thorsen, renowned string master Dennis Caplinger, former Johnny Cash guitarist Jim Soldi, keyboardist extraordinaire, Sharon Whyte, multiple San Diego Music Award winner Gilbert Castellanos on trumpet, San Diego Music Award Best Jazz artist Chris Klich on woodwinds, the incomparable Gerry Walker on Pedal Steel Guitar and a host of other incredible artists!!! It's not an easy task to assemble and record such a large cast of musicians, but Jeff Berkley, acclaimed nationally for his songwriting and production, did an amazing job of producing this very cohesive and sonically superior album!
The Hodad Surf Club is anchored by a tight rhythm section consisting of my close friend and very accomplished drummer/percussionist Billy Wear and me on NS/Stick, Musicman Stingray bass and fretless bass. The band will also feature a rotating cast of musicians including Chris Kilch on woodwinds, David Beldock on guitar, Bill Coombs on percussion and any number of other incredible instrumenalists who happen to be available on a given night! Catch the wave of beach cool at one of our upcoming performances!
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Wednesday, July 15, 2009, 03:12 PM
Although there have not been many gigs for me recently, there have been a few cool performances at great venues. During April, I played with country girl Rachael Stark at The Galaxy in Santa Ana, the largest club in Orange County. The place was sizzling that night as we opened for Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, one of the top rated bands for internet record sales in the country! Roger is also known for writing the King Of The Hill theme song that is heard daily on TV throughout the world.
My Ranch Rocker friends, Craig Fenton on guitar and Chris Harris on keyboards, along with Billy Wear on drums and me on NS/Stick backed the dynamic rising country artist, Danielle Tucker, for a rocking private party in Ramona.
On June 6th, this rocking band rolled over the hills to take over The Ramona Mainstage for a double bill with Rachael Stark and Trop Rocker Bob Karwin. These two performers met at our country music review, Temecula Live 2009 during January, and we supported both acts!
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