Greg Earl Band
By Mark Warye
The Greg Earl Band is composed of a group of some very talented and
seasoned musicians that have banded together to perform blues music.
When they take the stage, all the music simply pours forth in a blues
style and rhythm that capture the attention of the people in earshot.
The clean and clear musical sounds coming from their instruments/vocals
tends to bring you closer to see what has gotten your attention. Once
you are closer, you will find yourself listening to enjoyable sound
of their music.
This writer heard them perform at the Melody Ballroom for the first
time and tried to capture the energy and emotions in a photo that reciprocated
back and forth between the crowd and band. The crowd responds to this
charismatic group, making you realize something special is going on
here.
The group is composed of leader/bassist Greg Earl, a very energetic
and charismatic individual with a non-stop smile. Earl has played bass
guitar since he was in high school in Vermont and New England areas
when younger; to LA, where he sought his fame and fortune in the ‘80s.
He has worked with many of the notables of the blues industry of the ‘80s.
Earl shifted his direction for a short while, going back to school
to earn his masters degree in analytic philosophy. He has never forgotten
the music that was calling from within him. To this day, the music
is still an important part of his life.
When he moved to Portland, Earl assessed the music scene to decide
what direction he wanted to go; start his own band or play with someone
else. He opted for the latter and he has played with several different
bands locally, one of which competed for the Cascade Blues Associations
Journey to Memphis. Then he decided to go his own way, concentrating
on his own musical dreams.
Though Earl does not have the burning desire for fame, fortune or
glory a youngster would have, he did get a touch of fame in his earlier
years. He learned that what is most important to him is the music he
plays. His goals are simple: He wants to play the Waterfront Blues
Festival, not for the fame, but because of the fact they have the sound
system and the supporting crew to allow his music to be heard clearly
by those attending the festival. Earl also wants to be able to entertain
people at concerts and festivals by bringing to them his own style
of blues music.
The other members of the band are drummer Drawback Slim, who has earned
a respected place in the music industry. He has played with some of
the best that Portland has to offer, as well as many other places.
He led his own band to win the 2001 Cascade Blues Associations Journey
to Memphis competition. He now lends his talents as a drummer and vocalist
to the Greg Earl Band.
Keyboardist Brian Harris is another talented solo artist in his own
right. He brings with him a history of working with many well-known
and respected artists. His musical talents derive from his experiences
in the jazz/soul side of music industry. He has had the opportunity
to have worked with many different well known artists, giving him a
diverse sense of styles.
Guitarist Edwin Fountaine is a Portland legend is his own right. He
has also worked with many nationally known people, as well as many
in the Portland area. He is the leader of his own Sumo Band beyond
playing in the Greg Earl Band.
Together as a group under the leadership of Greg Earl, they collectively
bring with them to the stage a diverse background of playing history
from a long list of bands that reads like a Who’s Who. This
background enables them as a whole to produce a clean smooth sound
of blues that captures and holds the audience’s attention. With all
the energy they produce, the audience returns it with gusto, creating
an extremely festive event for all present.
If you want to talk analytic philosophy, you will have to catch Greg
Earl at a different time and place. If you like to hear good clean
blues sounds from an energetic and charismatic band, you might want
to catch them wherever they are performing (See Bandstand).
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