Who are your favorite local......

[Bag]

I will say this though. I think Kenny Murdick of Bad Daze is as good of a guitar player as there is ANYWHERE. I don't think there's anything he can't play. Plus he's one of the nicest dudes you'll ever meet.

[DickShackBass]

Sanchez said:

Bassists-
Paul Rainey- The fucking Kid can play. I usually don't like when the singer goes wandering around the venue excessively, because it takes away from the stage show. (That's why the stage id\s there after all, right?) But just watching Paul freak on his bass is a show in itself. He makes pop music tolerable for even a pretentious music nazi like myself.

Andrea Weibley- Punk Rock chick on a Bass with talent. 'nuff said.

Tim Mort- He amazes me and makes me very envious of his bass playing. If I could play like him, i'd be a very happy dude.

Thanks a ton Sanchez, I appreciate reading that very much. Also, to see my name included between my own personal two favorite local bassists is awesome!

[Jones]

I think I've said this before in a similar thread but thank you Dave. That's some good company to be in. Not sure I deserve it, but I certainly appreciate it.

A few that I see missing from this post and yes I'm biased

Guitar(or anything else you put in his hands) Matt Day of Green Eggs.

Bass Adam Zimmer of Candlelight Red

Drums Josh Hetrick also from Candlelight Red

[JackANSI]

Aside from those characters I call bandmates (Dave, Jason and Tommy), which really are my main picks (Dave can wail on guitar, Jason can keep a steady time without losing any of the feel, and Tommy can pull out just the perfect amount of vocal gravel), I find these people quite fascinating to watch:

Guitar: Luis from Pushing Red

Drums: Trav from Pushing Red

Bass: Paul from Bad Daze

[THEM BONES]

Hey, a little late on this thread but to Dave P. thanks for the kind words man, much appreciated! I agree with the above that Dave himself smokes and is one of the nicest dudes out there!

Here are some of my fav's in no particular order:

The rest of Bad Daze!
also, my old Stept on partners in crime
Zimmer-bass
Day-guitars
Budzina-vocals

Chris Kane-guitars
Dalton McDonald-guitar
Jamie Kmett-drums
John Placer-drums
Oh, screw it, bands as a whole:
FedUp
Embalmed
Slacker...too many to mention!

[VENTGtr]

Thanks to Rob and JimBags. Appreciated mightily. Calv, ya man, you
certainly belong in any "tops" list. PLUS, you have a great ear for doing
sound, which just adds to the talent level.

Also, totally agree with you guys on Matt and Zimmer. I also forget
about Placer. Haven't seen him around in a while. He told me one of
the best things ever after sitting in on a tune with us one night a coupl'a
years ago. Last song of the second set. He played the tune great, got
up from behind the kit, kind of stumbled out front and said:

"If I'm drinking I'll bug ya all night to let me sit in. Never do it".

I mentioned this to himlater and he had NO recollection of it... or of
playing.

Calv's bandmates are all great players as well. Haven't seen SJ in quite
a while. One of those many things I need to remedy.

I tend to look more for people who grasp the song well. I have a friend
who's sat in with us a few times who is a great guitar player...just tends
to forget there's a song to be played rather than making sure everyone
can see the "tricks" he knows. One things to do when you're younger.
Guess we've all probably done it, but eventually, you like to see someone
focus on the band sounding good rather than just them.

Along those lines, I'd have to throw our pals Double Negative in there.
Loose, scrappy, overt-technical-prowess-be-damned, but a great, fun
<i>band</i>.

OH, GEEZ! Have to add one more that I can't believe didn't mention
(As has been stated, it's impossible to put in everyone who deserves),
BUT, MR. Jimi Hatt. Have only seen Jimi play 2-3 times, but the guy
is so versatile and can make his playing match the feel of whatever he
wants to do and is a great player. Plus, super nice guy.

[Hawk]

I only feel somewhat qualified to list drummers. I learn something from every drummer I see, so can't name ONE. Each brings something very special to the table!

Ed Murvine: I love his enthusiasm.

Woo: Very Solid Groove. Very tasteful fills. Never overplays and listens (SO important) to the rest of the band. Every note seems well chosen and well placed.

Jeff Crownover: Technically excellent. I love to hear him with U.S. Sound Theater.

Randy Schirillo (someone correct my spelling). Superb with Nail Driver (BTW look for their resurgence). Randy plays many instruments well. This seems to give him the innate ability to FEEL everything around him.

Bobby Waters: "The Groove Master". Drummers who think laying down solid blues grooves is easy ? Think again. Bobby's years of experience has blessed him with the ability to lay down perfect grooves for Felix and with Jeff. (Also great Thunderous Feet!)

Kevin Seigal: Has the ability to find the right groove FAST. Which is why he makes a good "Gun For Hire".

Randy Servello: I only heard Randy play with his band once. (Boo me). I know the chops he possesses because he is a regular at our Drummers Get-Togethers. But with his band, he provides a very solid pocket.

Todd (Silver Sunday): has fast hands and plays well to the genre.

Clint Carothers: No matter who Clint plays with, he always seems to make them better! I watch him and he feeds ff the other band mates, and they in turn seem to feed off of him. So the whole band picks it up a notch when Clint's behind the kit.

Rob Bonsel: The Whole Package. One of the best drummers East of the Mississippi. I feel fortunate enough to watch Rob grow. When we first met - WOW great chops! Then, he learned how to FEEL a song. And then he put it all together.

These are the locals who came to mind on the spur of the moment. I don't mean to leave anyone out.

If I could have the best qualities of each of the drummers I have listed - I would be the happiest drummer in the world (so would our band )

[KeithReynolds]

I dont know how in God's name I forgot about Rob Bonsell. What a fuckin drummer. Again, another guy who can do anything!!!

[bassist4life2004]

god, id make a killing in this thread if i sold chap-stick.

Anyway, figured i might as well pucker up too

Vocalists
Lexi Berich (spelling)
Steve Danfelt

Guitarists
Dalton (S.T)
Keith Reynolds (writes some really cool riffs)
Eric Smith

Drummers
Randy Wilson (even though we are in a band together and i rarely tell him that he does a great job (actually, i kinda make fun of him) he is a phenomenal drummer and a great guy to work with)

"The Bonz" Awesome drummer and a great dude to hang out with also

Bobby Watters...I still don't understand how he does some of the shit that he does, but then again im not a drummer, hes very entertaining to watch

Dave Wessels - Fuckin animal behind a kit, i dont think i need to say any more

Bassists
Dan Lukens - Great bassist to work with and a fantastic addition to our new band!

Mitch....Rockman - Really technical and one dude that really knows his shit on bass

Light Technicians/Soundmen (can't forget them)

Brett Sonnenberg can really light up a stage and make you see your way around even when you are blind.

Keith Reynolds (yet again) is an awesome sound man, and can always make even the biggest bunch of hacks sound like a CD

Lee Worthy - No explanation needed, simply awesome

Chris Knapik - Had the pleasure of working with him on one occasion and would love to do it again.

Recording Technicians

FourthDimensionAudio - honestly kicks ass at mixing and recording

And now my lips are completely dry...

[RobTheDrummer]

Vocals: Brian from the Hawks, and Jeff Clapper of The Hurricanes. Both of those dudes are amazing! I love Brian's soul(for a white boy) and Jeff's clean higher register that cuts. Great stuff!

Guitars: Chris Silva from This Calling, dude is amazing and gets better every time I see him. And Luis from Pushing Red, only dude I know that can jam note for note Dream Theater.

Bass: Zimmer from Candlelight Red, always been a Favorite! Of course Jeff Clapper.

Drums: Too many to list, they are all great! I would have to say Bill Hocherl for his never ending inspiration!

[Offlimits]

I think the best players are:

Bassist
Matt Landis - Live Wire. If you haven't seen him play check it out.

Drummers:
Ed Bubner - Live Wire.

Guitarist:
Each person has their own feelings and that is what makes them all the best.

Ok maybe I am parcel to these guys but when I am told in Florida by different people that these two are the best they have heard, then they must be doing something right.
It is great to jam with them.

[grimmbass]

All,

First of all, thanks for the props! It's great to be mentioned in the company of people like Paul Rainey and Jeff Clapper! I'd have a tough time naming just one person in each category, so I'll stick to saying that there's a lot of talent in this region. Taking NOTHING away from the good folks that have already been mentioned, I'd like to add couple of names (which have NOT been mentioned) for consideration :

Drums: Ron Brode and Dom Peruso. I've had the honor of jamming with both these guys and I can honestly say that they can play ANYTHING. Completely different styles, but MAN the capabilities! Although I've only played with her a few times, Lisa Fasenmaker also fits in this category (she played two Lies gigs with us in 2008 with TWO rehearsals!). And nobody plays with a better pocket than my Brit Invasion bro Beau Saller!

Guitar: Otto (my bro, so I'm biased), Jim Zemlock, ALL of the dudes in Flame Sky and associated persons (hey Scotty!). Other than Scott, none of these guys are "shredders," but their unique styles make them a kind of musical pure strain. Feedback, harmonics, and dissonance are intentional parts of their musical pallet. I would also mention my good bros Rick Wertz and John Charney as potentially the most versatile guitarists I've ever had the pleasure of working with...nobody plays Gilmoure leads like Rick...well other than Gilmoure!

Bass: I agree with all the names mentioned, but would add Bill Smith (best sticotto finger style I've seen), Fritz from the Ricky Lee Band (my teacher from way back and one of the best ever!), Matt Burns (who will truly bend your mind), and Dan Mulllan (master of the six string, and the only guy I've ever seen who can double White Devil's leads on a bass!).
Some new guns to look out for: Brian Beers (of the Smoke Band) was aping my best Grimm riffs when he was 15 and is only getting better by the day, and Kimi from Kitty Whip, who is one of the quickest studies I've ever had the pleasure of teaching. Hire them if you ever get the chance!

Keyboard: Harold Hayford. Case closed...the best I've ever worked with. Come see him and you'll agree.

Vocals: Too numerous to list, but Scott Walk (our new guy) truly is immune to LSD (lead singer's disease). His talent is outshined only by his laid-back, cool attitude and his work ethic. Missy Vella from Strangers with Candy has one of the best deep female voices I've ever heard, and Bob Gates from the Invasion can put balls into anything from 60's Brit pop to Yes and everything in-between. Ashley from Silver Sunday is also a true siren with incredible pitch and range.

I apologize to anyone I missed....I expect I may need to post on this tread a few more times. Bottom line: We've got a great little community here with a lot of musical Buddahs....learn from them all!

[SATAN]

Vocals: Steve Danfelt, Ken Gray, Greg Majewsky, and Wilson

Guitar: Scott Bush, Kenny Murdick, Felix and Adam Becker

Bass: Dan Lukens, and Kent Tonkin

Drums: Rob Bonsel, Bobby Waters, Greg Reigle(when he was playing drums), and Paul Veitch

Randy

[Imgrimm01]

I haven't posted in awhile but this thread is interesting indeed...

I have played with many people over the years either directly or indirectly, here are some of my Favs,

Vocally speaking: Rick Wertz , Brian Thomas of Flight 19, Lzzy Hale, and Butch & Bill from Spinebelt .

Guitar: Well I spent 8 years on stage with Otto and would be remiss is I didn't give him props for some of the best riffs ever written locally, John Charney, Bill Farrell & John Mckelvey are a few more that are great and have my respect.

Bass: as mentioned above Grimm was the greatest bands I have EVER been a part of and Kent was one of the keys that opened those locks, No One in this area touches what he can do with a bass, Matt Burns also a great player

Drums: ditto ... Ron Brode is a solid player like a machine some would say and as one of the original members of GRIMM has ALL of my respect, Dom Peruso is a solid drummer with feel and groove like no one I have jammed with & John K from Spinebelt also great .

[ZappasXWife]

Hesitated to reply as I don't want to hurt feelings of anyone left out. Also, I'm not a musician AND don't get out too much, but my faves are....

Guitar: Jason Feathers and Felix Kos
Acoustic Guitar: Dwane Edmiston
Bass: Matt Burns and Joe George
Drums: Bobby Watters
Keyboard: Harold Hayford and Marc Rossi
Songwriter: not local anymore but I think Noah from Nightcrawlers writes great songs

[gibson980]

Ofcourse i'll be favoring my band on this one for the first 3 guys...

Steve Danfelt- i'll put his vocal/stage presence against anyone for rock music

Ryan George- AMAZING bass player for just picking it up! He's only been playing bass a year give or take.

Bonsell- Amazing drummer but fucking lazy jk man, get yourself a drink after every song....

Ok for my local favs.

Zimmer on bass, must be a bald thing.
JBAGS- on drums- Love watching him pound away
guitars- Chris Silva - great leads and speed.
Kenny from bad daze, that dude can cover anything to perfection

[mjb]

vocals.... B, soulful nuff said.

guitar... rickw...... blows my mind,+ i love his sangin', felix what can you say. jason from flame sky.

Keys.... Harold Hayford..I listen to some old hawks stuff just to listen to harold..... soulful, funky..........perfect everytime, whatever it needs to be.+ his wife can cook like a mofo.

bass.......... love Bill Smith, don't think i've ever seen him play just some recordings, but i know whats up

drums..... My main man Hawk. has the ability to learn and has some good hands. can be anal at times bobby, he's the man. Rob... thats just sick talent.

theres so many and so much talent around, kind of feel wierd for just signaling a few out but they're my favs probobly.

[grimmbass]

Wow...seeing some props from previous bandmates also made me realize a person or two I forgot to name as well:

Guitar: The Daxman! The Daxinator! The Daxorama! Dax is one of the most talented (yet humble) guitarists I have ever written and performed with. He can fill the space of two guitarists on stage and studio without leaving any blanks or dead spots. Like Otto, he is a joy to write with because of his ability to collaborate and invent new sounds while still keeping catchy riffs and hooks intact! Dax probably also has the best tone of any guitarist I've ever known. I can't believe his name hasn't popped up here yet (and that I forgot the first time around!).

Don't forget Buck from Rapid Fire either....he has as many riffs as he does guitars (which means about 100,000 plus) and he shreds like a cheese grater through warm cheddar!

Vox: Bob was the bomb whistle that heralded the Grimm's musical attacks, and his voice was truly powerful! In our day, we were a force to be reckoned with not just for the music, but for the chemistry! I second Bob's props to Rick Wertz as well...the man can SING! Although Lizzy's already been mentioned on here, I have to say that it was cool to have heard her sing before Halestorm hit it big, and to know that the Grimm got to share a stage with them! I hope her voice gets heard round the world!

Bass: Aaron from Rapid Fire is a fantastic bassist/vocalist who can keep a groove while belting it out! I only hate him because he finds better deals on equipment than I do (JK, man!). I always enjoy watching him play!

That's all (for now).