slambango is here

Well, that may be enough info for the boys, but not me. How long have you been playing? When did you hear of Joe? Have you seen him?..and on and on... If you're shy...what am I saying! You're a blues/rocker!  Welcome and chime in as much as you like!      Cathy

Let's see. I think it was back in '75. I was 9 yrs old riding in the back of my best friend's station wagon when suddenly I heard this lead guitar on the radio. Turns out it was that old Billy Ocean song, "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" - I thought to myself, "I wanna play guitar like that guy one day."

So, after dreaming about it, and pretending to jam on tennis rackets, and getting really into Jimi Hendrix, I finally decided to buy a guitar. So, I made my way town to "Torres Guitars" in Saratoga CA, walked in and said, "I wanna learn to play guitar." So they sold me a guitar and some lessons. After 6 weeks I was playing the lead from "you shook me all night long" better than I had ever hoped. I was practicing 6 hours a day. My life had changed forever.

In 1989 I attended G.I.T. in Hollywood CA, and to my delight, Paul Gilbert was still teaching there. I never missed a single workshop he gave. Every week I was there. He even wanted to buy my '78 Goldtop, which I never sold.

Anyhow, to make a long story short. I ended up hanging up the electric and getting into The Stanley Brothers, joined a few bluegrass jams, and honed my skills on acoustic guitars for a few years while I went back to school. You know, for something to "fall back on" in case my dreams of rock stardom didn't come to fruition. I got my BSME and promptly found a band instead of a job. (what did you expect?)

I had this epiphany at some point. I was on the beach jamming away on my scales and runs, and this guy who could barely even play 4 chords came along. He stopped and said, "Man you're one hellova guitarist." I thanked him, and he settled in just out of earshot of me. Soon he had a crowd of people around him. I had none. I walked over to see what was the fuss. He was singing.... Tom Petty songs and stuff. People loved it. They didn't give a crap about all my runs and licks. They wanted to hear a SONG!

So, I swore off leads for several years while I focused on songwriting. Once I started to find my style it was finally time to put it all together. I formed my own band, "Slambango" with me as the lead singer - lead guitarist, and a bassist / drummer backing me up. I moved to Boston, and reformed the band. http://www.myspace.com/slambango

I recently fixed up my '78 Goldtop Deluxe, and turned it into a Custom. (that's another story) Now I'm in search of "that sound" to complete my quest. I'm going for that early UFO / Michael Schenker / Ronnie Montrose  sound. I was searching for some keywords and happened upon this site. I believe the words were "marshall jubilee".

I quickly realized you guys are a bunch of gearheads, and I have lots to learn here. I'm looking forward to it.

Hi Slambango. Welcome to Joe's forum. Wow this place is brimming with guitarists. Hope you find what you're looking for.

Tripsy

Fascinating Slambango,

Welcome to the Forum.  Glad you've discovered Joe.  Many of us were caught off guard by his incredible presence........ "where has THIS guy been???" or "where have I BEEN???"......it doesn't matter...... we're glad you found him, and found us too.  I'm going to enjoy your writing - I already have - so, keep it up please!!!! 

(Is it Dave???)

  Libby