This is Part 3, the final part of my articles regarding all the fabulous talent taking the stage at Kimberley’s Wishing Well Concert being held on Thursday, January 10th, 2013 at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville, Tennessee. This is the list of scheduled performers but that is not to say that there will not be some great surprises Thursday night. Here are the bios for the remaining performers and while they are in Part 3 of this article, they are certainly Part 1 Songwriters and Performers. Please visit http://voices.yahoo.com/wishing-well-benefit-concert-kimberley-dahme-featuring-11963325.html?cat=33 for Part 1 and http://voices.yahoo.com/lovely-ladies-scheduled-appear-wishing-well-11964773.html?cat=33
MARC-ALAN BARNETTE
Marc-Alan Barnette is an original. A self-proclaimed “square peg in a round hole,” Barnette has emerged with a unique musical sound that is in his own words, “not totally country and not totally blues…too blues for country and too country for blues!” Aptly classified as “In-Your-Face-Country-Soul,” Marc-Alan’s music and Marc-Alan himself have created a huge buzz on the music scene. Barnette is the king of reinventing himself- a dichotomy of heartfelt and hilarious, crazy and down-to-earth. Because of the variety of hats Barnette dons for each of his shows, he certainly keeps every audience on its toes, thoroughly entertained and wanting more.
Marc-Alan Barnette was born and raised in Birmingham. As part of a musical family (distant cousin was Jimmie Rogers, one of the founders of country music…and his father, Grady, was a gospel quartet singer), Marc-Alan grew up singing in church and in various bands and taught himself how to play the guitar. Since his first moment on stage, Marc-Alan knew that getting people fired up and performing was his natural calling. His band, 24 Karat, was chosen as the top band in the country in the 1984 Miller High Life battle of the bands out of 30,000 applicants. After a move to Nashville in 1988, Marc-Alan scored a cut with Shelby Lynne his first night in town. He has had success in Nashville as a writer, several publishing deals, and cuts by John Berry and David Ball, including the current single “Too Much Blood in My Alcohol Level” on the Ball “Freewheeler” album. He has co-written with the best and along with his former back-up singers “The Kinleys,” he has opened shows for Charlie Daniels, Garth Brooks, Ricochet, and Patty Loveless.
Besides writing and performing, Marc-Alan also has a passion for mentoring and coaching writers through workshops and seminar programs that he has created all over the US. Through his efforts with NSAI, SGA and other organizations, he has helped further the goals of many writers, leading to publishing and representation deals, and greater awareness of the intricacies of the music business.
Marc-Alan’s smoky whiskey voice has brought comparisons to Delbert McClinton, Otis Redding, and Travis Tritt. From his warm, haunting ballad of lost love, “Old Memories,” to the driving rocker, “When Love Does the Driving,” the hilarious “Too Much Blood in My Alcohol Level” to his signature tune, “Can’t Blame Nobody,” Marc-Alan has proven himself to be a prolific writer and a fantastic performer.
TOM FEDORA
Tom Fedora was born and raised in the exotic suburbs of northern New Jersey. After college, Tom settled in Colorado where he performed in various clubs and ski resorts while working also as a whitewater river guide and expedition leader. Moving on to Los Angeles Tom pursed a full time music career. His unique songwriting style was recognized by Graham Nash and producer, Craig Doerge. Graham Nash recorded “Chippin’ Away” on his first solo album, Innocent Eyes. The song was rerecorded in November of 1989, by Crosby, Stills and Nash (James Taylor on guest vocals) as a tribute to the crumbling of the Berlin Wall. ” Chippin’ Away” is the only outside song to be done by the group other than “Woodstock” by Joni Mitchell.
In 1992 Tom moved to Nashville to further pursue his songwriting career. Tom can be seen at various songwriter clubs in and around the Nashville area. Some of the Nashville clubs you can see Tom perform live are, The Commodore at the Holiday Inn Select on West End, The Bluebird Cafe, Douglas Corner and the Boardwalk.
ZAC HACKER
A natural talent, Zac Hacker was born into a musical family in the deep, rich entertainment center of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Drawing a triangle connecting Nashville, Memphis and Muscle Shoals will lead you to the cultural and creative influences in Zac’s sound and songs. Zac’s fingers found their way to the guitar when he was 8 years old. The love of entertaining people with his gifts, lead to the launch of an eventful performing career at the age of 13.
A prolific songwriter, talented singer, guitarist and on stage performer, Zac is comfortable in an intimate club or on a concert stage. He has shared the spotlight with notable acts such as Greg Allman, Rascal Flatts and The Marshall Tucker Band. As a finalist on USA Network’s “Nashville Star”, Zac found himself in front of 10 Million Prime Time viewers. This lead to a 35 City “Nashville Star” Tour across the U.S. Zac Hacker’s momentum is tied to a strong regional fan base built in part from this National TV exposure.
Living and delivering his unique brand of Southern Country Soul provides a down to earth story reflected in his songs. This real life backdrop makes Zac one of the brightest and most authentic stars on today’s entertainment horizon.
ROBERT K. WOLF
Robert K. Wolf is not quite satisfied with coma inducing singing and songwriting blandness. He’s living proof that an overweight, Jewish guy born in Brooklyn, NY can sort of do okay in the buckle of The Bible Belt.
With his engaging, versatile, and inimitable American style, Robert K. Wolf has garnered attention from listeners, writers, performers, and industry players alike.
Born and raised in the New York metropolitan area, Wolf honed his skills in coffee houses, clubs, folk festivals, and concert halls. In 1995, Wolf peered into New York City’s Fast Folk Cafe and was inspired by the venue/magazine’s vivid history of cultivating and documenting the work of performing artists. Wolf quickly developed a reputation as a formidable songwriter and player, which prompted Fast Folk’s founder and legendary singer/songwriter Jack Hardy to take him on as guitarist and backing vocalist for two European tours and his eleventh album, The Passing.
In Nashville since the mid-nineties, Wolf has continued to impress: he’s co-written with some of the best, including Sony/ATV/Big Alpha staff writer Lisa Carver, CMA Song of the Year winner Rand Bishop, Top 10 writer Barbara Cloyed, 1 country writer Jason Matthews, and Kerrville New Folk winners Scott Carter, Cheley Tackett and Joseph Brielle, as well as countless others.
SAM COOPER
Born in Richmond, VA, Sam moved to NJ in 1972 at 19. He loved sound early on. 1st grade–he started on drums–& quit when forced to use a practice pad–he wanted to hit a real drum. Grade 4, he started playing trumpet and guitar. With no formal musical training or guidance and encouragement from family or counselors, Sam unwittingly gained confidence in himself by getting gigs without looking for them. It had not dawned on him that he could study music-related courses before he dropped out of college his sophomore year or that he’d make money performing or writing songs until he played guitar and sang in bands. He learned other instruments and how to produce/engineer to create music in genres that had influenced him as a baby boomer.
Sam married the love of his life, Dawn, in 2001. By previous marriages, he has 3 sons and she has 1. Sam had performed his original songs and cover tunes in bars, shows and for private engagements for decades, but it was Dawn who encouraged him to make the jump into the music “industry”. In 2005, the plans formed and in 2006, he visited Nashville for the 1st time. He immediately realized that this was where he belonged. Within months, he was commuting back & forth between both homes, 2 weeks at a time. About three years later, it became a lopsided situation with most of his time spent in Nashville. In 2010, he officially became a resident of Nashville, where he writes/produces music in several genres at his own and other various studios.
PERFORMING–Over the decades, Sam has performed from coast to coast, as far north as ski slopes of New England and as far south as the blue waters of the Caribbean, in many styles and genres. As a resident of Nashville, TN, he often performs in songwriter settings there. As a vocalist, guitarist and bass player, Sam started performing professionally in the late 1960’s. While still in Richmond, Sam played guitar behind both singer/songwriters Cleve Francis (also an accomplished producer/artist) and the late great Steve Yudowich from 1970 to 1971. After moving to New Jersey at the beginning of 1972, he performed (in chronological order) as a soloist and as a member of bands such as SOUTHBOUND, BONE DRY, TRICK ZIPPER, OPUS I, THE ACME BOOGIE COMPANY (which originally also included long-time friend Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez, who was Bruce Springsteen’s drummer from the 60’s all the way through his second album on Columbia Records), DEUCE COUPE (with Lisa Martin), VINI LOPEZ AND THE DISCO REJECTS, THE MIGHTY ACCENTS, PHATMAN (featuring Slick Aguilar who is the long-time guitarist for Paul Kantner and Marty Balin, as well as a long-time member of JEFFERSON STARSHIP), MAJOR WOODY & THE SPLINTERS, THE SONNY PREWITT BAND and HEY! BETTY! Currently, he still occasionally performs at various locations in Nashville, TN, where he continues to share the stage with some of the top writers and recording artists.
THE FUTURE–Sam’s primary focus is behind the scenes as a songwriter, producer and musician. His work covers a lot of stylistic ground–classic rock, country, Americana, classic soul, rhythm & blues, funk, reggae, country rock, blues, straight-out rock & roll, southern rock, folk, heavy metal, jazz, & pop music. Besides writing and recording his own material, Sam collaborates with both established and rising artists/writers in production and songwriting. He’s working with award-winning songwriter Chris Gantry on several projects as a co-writer and co-producer as well as working with other writers and performers, some well-established names & some still breaking through.
GARY TALLEY
In 1967, while still an infant, Gary Talley began his career as lead guitarist for the Grammy-nominated group, The Box Tops. Their “blue-eyed soul” hits like “The Letter,” and “Cry Like a Baby” hit the charts like a tornado, selling millions of copies, and they continue to sweep across the country on radio stations today. The Box Tops disbanded in 1970, but their reunion nearly 30 years later in 1997 was kicked off with a national tour at the House of Blues in Hollywood. Gary still tours and records with the group, contributing original songs and background vocals.
After his initial stint with The Box Tops, Gary’s soulful (and highly acclaimed) guitar sounds were in demand. He found himself playing with music carbuncles like Jerry Butler, Billy Lee Riley, Hank Ballard, and Ace Cannon at the legendary Sounds of Memphis Studio and later at Universal Studios also in Memphis.
His reputation led him to the larger market of Atlanta in 1972, where he added jingle sessions and touring to his growing number of master sessions for major label artists. While playing guitar with such legends as Pat Boone, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Dobie Gray, Freda Payne, Billy Joe Royal, and many others, Gary still (barely) found the time to write songs and teach guitar.
At the encouragement of fiend and producer, Chips Moman (Elvis, Willie Nelson), Gary headed north to Nashville in 1981. Chips hadn’t steered Gary wrong, because he soon found himself recording with Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, Waylon Jennings, Sam Moore (of the duo Sam and Dave), and others. As a songwriter, he has penned cuts for Keith Whitley, The Box Tops, James Cotton, T.G. Shepard, Fish Heads & Rice and others. He has continued writing and teaching, while at the same time playing television appearances, live events or touring with artists like Billy Preston, Sam Moore, Pam Tillis, Brenda Lee, Tammy Wynette, Rufus Thomas, Tim McGraw, Sam “the Sham” Samudio, David Lee Murphy, Bobby Whitlock, Tracy Nelson, Dr. John, Mac Gayden, Bobby Bare, Ray Vega, Deirdre Reilly, the Hombres, Jason D. Williams, James Carr, Lloyd Price, and Little Eva among others.
It is Gary’s wonderful and diverse background which inspired him to develop a unique, effective and streamlined approach to teaching guitar which is especially designed for songwriters. Internationally renown publications like Acoustic Guitar and American Songwriter have published cover stories, articles and lessons about his techniques. He includes stars like Pam Tillis, and Sherrié Austin, along with hit songwriters likeAmanda Hunt-Taylor, Rory Bourke, Monty Powell, Holly Lamar and Tom Douglasamong the many satisfied students on his roster. In fact Sherrié Austin claims she could not have written some of the songs on her first album without Gary’s lessons. As word spread throughout the trades and among the song writing community, Gary was being encouraged to share his sensational teaching approach to a broader market. That’s what led to his fun and innovative three-lesson 55-minute instructional video, Guitar Playing for Songwriters. Gary will be doing workshops and special appearances at festivals and conferences throughout 2010 to give more people access to his proven methods.
STAN WEBB
Stan Webb was born in Murfreesboro, TN., and raised in Nashville TN. He started writing songs at age 14, influenced by artists like Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Don Williams, Tom T. Hall and many others. He worked hard at his craft for years and got his first cut in 1984, by George Jones, a song titled, “One Of These Days But Not Tonight”, which landed him the award for SESAC’s most promising country writer. It also pushed him closer to the mainstream of country music in Nashville. He continued to get cuts by artists like Marie Osmond, T.G. Shepard, Terri Gibbs, The Forrester Sisters, The Osmond Brothers, Silvia, Michael Johnson, Pam Tillis, Kippi Brannon, and many others. Stan also had a cut in the movie “Thelma and Louise”, that he wrote with Pam Tillis called “Drawn To The Fire”.
His most successful song to date is “I’m From The Country” by Tracy Byrd, which earned him the 1998 SESAC Country Song Of the Year Award, and helped him get another song recorded by Tracy called “Summertime Fever” which can be found on the album “Ten Rounds”. Stan not only works with other successful writers and artists, he also enjoys writing with new young writers and artists just getting started. He loves their enthusiasm and drive,
Stan was also blessed with SESAC’s “Legacy” award in 2003, only the third writer to receive it in 75 years. Stan Webb has his own style of writing that he hopes and prays somewhere down the road, two writers will enter a room on music row, and one will say, “Let’s write a song like a Stan Webb song.” Stan says, “Now that’s what success is to me.”.
THIRD COAST TRIO
Third Coast Trio featuring “Blues and Variety with an Edge” is the collective musical effort of veteran players Rich Armentrout, Mike Mayco and David Jack. The band was originally initiated for weekly Saturday afternoon shows at BB King’s Blues Club Nashville. Rich Armentrout, a lifelong guitarist and producer since the 80’s, performed and composed with Tangent, an original jazz rock group from the Washington, D.C. area. Tangent performed shows with jazz greats Dexter Gordon and Jimmy McGriff. Mike Mayco a 30 plus year career keyboardist has toured the world with George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Aaron Tippin and Daryle Singletary. David Jack, on drums has performed all over the United States with the Forbes Brothers opening for the Dixie Chicks, Black Hawks, Eddie Money and Joe Cocker.
This is a not to be missed show and this lineup is only going to roll around once. There will be a silent auction with wonderful silent auction items from a STYX autographed guitar to tickets to Dollywoods and Dolly’s Water Park. Reserve your tickets to the show now at: http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3265694&pl=3rdlindsley&REFERRAL_ID=client
