Music
Press
" It isn't often that an unsigned local opening act out performs the headliner [Billy Currington]. But Friday in Bugettstown... at Pepsi Cola Roadhouse...Ford Thurston proved he's ready for the big time...
Ford Thurston the talented Pittsburgh guitarist behind rock and blues bands including The Vibro Kings, Mad Hatter and Too Tall Jones, didn't [come unprepared to play]. Having recently bought a Stetson and taken a turn to country, Thurston showcased smartly written originals from his new CD of heartland country rock, including "These Kind of Days," a song that earned radio rotation in Pittsburgh.
A charismatic dynamo on stage, Thurston demonstrated great vocal range and squeezed sizzling leads from his guitar. And when he and his...backing band covered Mellencamp, Bob Dylan and Elton John, they reinvented the classic songs in contemporary country form.
Thurston played for an hour and could have gone all night. It would have been a better show."
January 16, 2007 - Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Discography
Ford Thurston (CD) : 2006 - "These Kind of Days" and "Kentucky High" have been featured on radio in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Alabama and XM Satellite Radio.
Photos
Bio
Ford Thurston's foundational background as an amazing country blues guitarist has served him well in his writing, recording and performing endeavors in funk, pop and rock. It has been a journey marked by smashing success, critical acclaim, and loyal eclectic fans.
After an intense period of personal and creative growth, a new dawn breaks for this dynamic artist. In his self titled project, Ford Thurston reemerges with a new vibrancy, musical maturity and a country flair that draws influences from his well-rounded past.
Thurston and his band of seasoned performers take you on a musical journey that combines aw shucks sensibility with a twist of sincere sentimentality and lyrics that convey universal feelings of love- won & lost, happiness and longing. It's music that encourages the listener to ponder whether this is country, rock or pop.
Ford Thurston has gained local and regional recognition as a up-and-coming force to be reckoned with. His dynamic heartfelt style has lead to opening performances for such acts as Lonestar, Travis Tritt, Gary Allan, and Billy Currington. The last of which garnered a rave review in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. His songs have been featured on both country and rock radio stations across his home state of Pennsylvania, as well as, Alabama, Tennessee, and XM Satellite radio.
A "Charismatic dynamo" on stage, Thurston has been picking since the age of 8 and playing paying gigs since the age of 15. Thurston has played with a number of bands including, Barbara Blue, Taj Mahal, Brownie Mary and Vibro Kings. His influences draw from a wide range of artists including, B.B. King, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, The Mavericks, kd lang, John Melloncamp, Eagles, Ryan Adams, Sheryl Crow, U2, Lucinda Williams, Vince Gill, Kiss and Van Halen.
This music is sure to continue to attract the attention of radio programmers, film and TV producers and will have critics using terms like reinvented, infectious and original.
Its melody that's shakeable and music that speaks to the heart. Ford Thurston's music is as much an homage to Country's heart and the roots of the blues as it is the very definition of popular music's future.
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