Clean Slate

The most unusual part of the Clean Slate story is their adaptability to the musical moment. From a coffee house style electracoustic duo to a danceable party band, we can bring it.

Clearly influenced by the genius of Hunter/Garcia and Dead-ish improv jam, we love to go to that zone. But we are not a Dead cover band. We have our own interpretation and arrangments and have made them our own, but haven't yet met a Deadhead who didn't love it!

Gary Brooker is a prolific and hugely talented songwriter that takes us to another musical zone with our originals. With our release of Recovery Zone this piece of our repertoire is growing quickly. This music is an Americana-Rock with some bluesy foundations, and spiritual, heartfelt messages that anyone who has struggled or suffered can connect with.

Another feature of our adaptability is the that we also play as a duo for those more acoustic venues. This is a very unusual sound, due to the percussion (shake and jingles on foot pedals and ankles) that both Gary and Vallorie play along with their primary instruments. This sound will leave you rattling your head wondering how so much dimension can come from two people!

Gary Brooker plays electric and slide guitar, harmonica, lead and backup vocals. From intricate picking melodies to a steaming hot slide guitar, to spicy licks and riffs, this will be a sensory treat. Vallorie Hodges plays electric bass with rings on her fingers and bells on her toes (actually the bells are on her ankles) and provides lead and back up vocals that have a raw, smoky quality. Joined in the trio formation by David Wood on drums for that incomparable edgy tilt. The over all impact is one of energy and heart. Double shot of espresso meets bitter sweet chocolate with Cherry Garcia on top!