Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
The main event will feature the Al Rowe Project from Seattle, WA. Al Rowe has played for over 25 years and is a winner of the "National Jimi Hendrix Guitar Competition". He is a phenomenal guitar & bass guitar player and has done studio work with the likes of Willie Dixion, as well as Andy Summer (of The Police). He is well versed in the blues, jazz, funk, jazz fusion and rock & roll. Rowe will play many of his original tunes, as well as a few numbers that will bring back fond memories for many and will mesmerize all those with in listening range. - Positively Entertainment
The blues band "Al Rowe Project" rocked Ski Bowl (this photographer had trouble standing still!) - The Mountain Times
Al Rowe Project: Briter Daze www.alroweproject.com
Producer: George C. Wilson, Mountain Top Productions, LLC, Welches, OR (george@mountaintopproductions.com)
Supporting musicians: John Caldwell, bass guitar; Doc Rhodes, bass guitar and keyboards; Larry ("Fishbone") McClure and Jeremy Clement, drums; Texas blues guitarist, Michael Williams and Goerge Wilson, Harmonica on track No. 7; classical guitar solo by Buddy Fambro, track 10. Track 13 recorded live at Eli's Roadhouse, Kent.
The first thing Al Rowe said to me about his CD is that it is not the blues we are used to hearing in Seattle. He told me to open my mind up to different blues concepts. Whoa, he was right, it is not what I'm used to hearing, but I like it. Time for Seattle to wake up and smell the coffee. Blues has never just stayed one way, it is and always has been evolving and adapting to whatever adventures the human condition had to offer. Still evolving, on this disc, for sure, going funky.
I love the way they put this together, the musical content of the disc is very good, the recording quality is excellent, and the musicians work great together. Al does not let his long-time fans down, his guitar work and vocals are flawless and creative. The tunes on this disc go from sweet to saucy and back again. Sometimes it does that a little too quick for me to catch up, my poor brain needs a little more time to cross over from Al's smooth and sultry funk to some of his acid-fusion guitar licks.
I've played the disc for friends and they told me this CD would be a great one to put on when you have a guests over, something for everybody. Liner notes indicate that 9 out of 13 songs were written, composed, arranged and performed by Al Rowe. You are sure to notice creative influences from some of Al's favorite guitar heroes included with his own smooth phrasing, but most of Briter Daze is Al's good solid groove, and I think you'll enjoy it.
- Debra Engelhardt; The Washington Blues Society
Discography
Briter Daze 2004
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
AL ROWE BIOGRAPHY
SOUND: Blues, R&B, Funk & Soul
Al Rowe grew up in Chicago, Illinois where as a youth, his musical influences began early in life. On many occasions, as a child he would watch his grandfather and Sunnyland Slim (as well as several other “veteran” blues greats) jam in the family’s living room. Al started learning how to play the guitar at the age of 7 year old and continued to evolve as a guitar player resulting from the countless hours of playing and experimenting. After discovering the playing style & arrangements of one of his earlier influences, the late Jimi Hendrix, Al went on to become the winner of the “National Jimi Hendrix Guitar Competition” in Seattle, Washington in the late 90’s.
Having played Rhythm & Blues, Blues, Jazz, Funk & Soul with some of the great musicians of our time, Al has since developed into an extraordinarily talented guitarist, song writer, vocalist, composer & arranger.
To his credit, Al has written songs for the late Miles Davis, and has worked with many of the great musical legends such as:
*James “Curley” Cook (Founding Member of the
Steve Miller Band); 2001 - present
*Willie Dixon (The Father of the Blues); Chicago,
IL - 1981/82
*John Lee Hooker; La Conner, WA - 1999
Pops Staples of “The Staple Singers”; Chicago
Blues Festival - 1993
*Joanna Conner; Opening Act/European Tour
(Germany & France) - 1995
*Edwin Starr/Studio Sessions; London, England –
1983-84
*Andy Summer (The Police); London, England -
1985
*Martin Turner (Wishbone Ash)/Studio Sessions;
London, England - 1983/84
*Wisefools; Chicago, IL - 1981
*Kingston Mines; Chicago, IL - 1982
*Jimi Mc Griff (Hammond B3 legend); Chicago, IL -
1979
*Bill Dickens (Bass guitar legend); Chicago, IL -
1982
Al Rowe continues to define and expand his own unique sound. His original compositions fuse blues, jazz, funk and rock & roll to create a tasteful and fully satisfying groove. A versatile showman who fully engages his audience, Al’s performances have been described as electrifying, soulful and full of power.
When not touring the United States or Europe, Al continues to actively mentor and teach music to kids through the nation-wide “Blues in the Schools” Program (a program he has been involved with since 2001). Otherwise, Al spends his time writing, composing & arranging new songs that always seem to have that “new edge & style” that is the signature to the Al Rowe sound. Al is able to bridge the generation gap, as his musical style appeals to not only the seasoned music aficionado, but he is also able to deliver his musical message to an appreciative, younger “college crowd”, as well.
“I have always focused on expanding my music by opening my mind to new concepts that I feel fit the theme of my music. I try to put my own stamp on it (so to speak) and make every attempt to get my audience to feel what I’m feeling while I’m playing. I hope you enjoy listening to the music as much as we enjoy playing it”.
- Al Rowe -
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