O.D. Rivero

John Broderick - Bass
I was born and raised in Georgia. I grew up in the metro Atlanta area back when it was just a small southern city. My father liked swing music from the 30’s and 40’s. Although he didn’t know how to play piano, he would pick out the melodies of songs he liked and sing along. I guess I got my love of music and ear from him.

When I was thirteen I bought my first bass for $45. It was “Cameo bass”. I have never seen one since. My early influences were the Beatles, Led Zepplin, the Allman Brothers Band, Cream, and the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Each bass player in those bands had great feel and a good combination of rhythm and melody. That’s the playing style I try to emulate.

Like most musicians I started out in a garage band with my high school friends. I played in several cover bands until I graduated form high school. After high school, I started playing original music in the Atlanta club scene for such bands as Samurai Catfish, the Downtown Executives, and the Tommy Rivers Band.

After that I took a break from music to start a family. I have played in cover bands off and on since my late twenties. The most notable band was the Boneshakers, a blues and R&B band I played in during the 90’s. I am happy to be a part of the O.D. Rivero Band. I am surrounded by very talented musicians who know how to rock and have a good time.

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Gary Coates - Drums
I began performing live music as a teenager in the junior high jazz band, where I anchored the rhythm section for three years. My interests quickly shifted to heavier blues based music, and I began playing with some older local musicians outside of the Philadelphia area, doing original music in the vein of Cream and Jimi Hendrix.

Once out of college and settled in Maryland, I played extensively with local party band Desire for three years before joining Cindy Astlin and Country Thunder to tour the Maryland and Northern Virginia country-dance venues.
I moved to Georgia almost ten years ago and immediately hooked up with local rock-a-billy favorite Deke Dean and hosted the open mic blues jam at the Northside Tavern, and opened for several regional acts at the Star Bar in Little Five Points.
My main influences are sixties blues-based bands such as Cream, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck, the Stones, and The Who.

Come see us play live, I think you’ll enjoy the music as much as we do.

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O.D. Rivero - Guitars, Vocals
Coming from a musical family, my love for music was an integral part of my life since I could remember. But nothing prepared me for what I heard as a small child my first night in New York City, on WABC radio. It was Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" and I was floored! Until that moment, I had no idea music had such power and passion. Finally, in 1975 I picked up a guitar for the first time and I’ve been in love with the instrument ever since.

I've been a fan, guitarist, composer, session player, performer, producer and recording engineer in some capacity most of my adult life. During my college years in Miami, I studied and majored in music theory and was fortunate enough to learn from the great Jazz instructor Vincent Bredice, the man who taught Joe Diorio.

Over the years, I've had the great honor of meeting and jamming with some great musicians, including Paul Goddard (Atlanta Rhythm Section), Mars Cowling (Pat Travers Band) and Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick).

Stevie Ray Vaughan opened my eyes to the beauty and fire of the blues. His recordings and influence opened many musical doors for me. I’m very honored when people mention that my playing reminds them of SRV. I always thank them and gently mention that I could never even approach that level of tone and musicianship.

Music is my greatest passion and I am honored to share it with you. Thank you so very much for your support and for listening. None of this would be possible without you.