|
KEN ORTOLON
Vocals, Fender Jazz Bass,
Takamine Acoustic Guitar
Ken Ortolon, the leader of the band is our Paul McCartney lefty bassplayer, songwriter, and one of the primary vocalists.
Growing up in the small town of Columbus, Texas during the 1960s, Ken Ortolon became hooked on rock & roll, spending
hours listening to records by The Everly Brothers, Carl Perkins, Ricky Nelson, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry.
It was the bass, however, that called to him now. Inspired by that other, more famous left-handed bass player, Paul McCartney,
Ken bought a Fender Jazz bass and answered an advertisement for a bass player in the Austin Chronicle.
At the audition, he met drummer Tim Bargsley and lead guitarist Ron Nemeth. The three of them would later form the beginnings
of Red White & Blues.
Ken has written several of the groups original tunes including Carousin' 'Round Columbus, Sorry I Had to Leave You This
Way, All My Love, and It Can't Be Right, which he co-wrote with Ron. For Ken, one of the most satisfying parts of playing
in the band is to share his life-long affinity with early rock 'n' roll.
DAVID PARKER
Vocals, Blues Harp,
Fender Stratocaster,
Fender Telecaster
Alvarez Acoustic
David Parker has been around the Austin music scene since the days when he worked at the Armadillo World Headquarters way
back when Austin was really weird. A top notch singer/guitarist, and one of Austin's finest blues harp players, he
brings 25 years of musicianship to the stage.
David often takes the lead vocals, especially in his favorite R&B numbers with more raw, gritty soul than his skin tone belies.
David's lived in Austin all his life.
|
 |
|
|
RON NEMETH
Vocals, Fender E.C. Strat,
Fender USA Standard Strat,
52 R.I. Tele,
50s Jap Tele,
Epi-56 goldtop, 335 Dot,
J-200, Elite Les Paul custom,
Guild X170
Amps: Carvin 2-12 Belair,
Fender Deluxe reverb,
Fender Tone Master Stack
Pedals: Morley Bad Horse Wah,
Seymor Duncan P.U. Boost.
I love playin' quitar, I love to dig in and take off on a lead break and let the music take it to it's own place.
I am proud of the band's contributions in doing benefits to help those in need, and proud of our original songs that Ken
& I write. I consider my songs to have a soulful meaningful message. Some have unique jazz /blues blends.
I've watched the transformation of the band grow as musicians/artists. Over the years we've gotten tight and people who
see us having fun & cuttin' loose, pick up on the vibe.
I have a passion for the blues. There is all kinds of blues music. Muddy Waters says "The blues had a baby and they
call it rock n roll.
DAN'L TERRY
Vocals, Hammond
Organ w/Custom Leslies,
Korg M1 Synthesizer,
Dan'l Saturn IV Bass,
Modified 50s Rauland
6L6 Tube Amp,
Dan'l is the newest member of the band. Playing since the mid 1960s in a score of bands from New York to Texas, Dan'l fills
out the bands sound and adds dynamics with his Hammond chops and swirling overdriven organ swells.
Like David and Ken Dan'l is comfortable with several instruments although usually is at the keyboards, but he not only
plays guitar and bass (bass being the instrument he's played the longest) he builds and designs as well!
His organ and keyboard influences include Jimmy Smith, David Brubeck, Billy Preston, Booker T, Felix Cavalier, Garth Hudson,
Ray Charles, and Pigpen.
Dan'l has played in every venue from Rock to Country Wester, Blues and bluegrass, in musicals, even a symphony orchestra
(on upright). He's performed in public with the legendary "Slam" Stewart and on the John Denver Retrospective concert
with John Adams and the John Denver band. After a ten year hiatus after the breakup of Straight Ahead, it's good to see this
consummate pro back in the Austin music scene.
|
|
|
|
|
TIM BARGSLEY
Vocals, Ludwig Drums,
Paiste Cymbols
Tim has been purusing the Austin music scene since as a teen he'd hung at Vulcan Gas, Split Rail, The One Night, Mother Earth,
Steamboat,Antones, The Armadillo, Sunset Village, Battle of theBands and lots of music at the Auditorium. In those days if
you could get in pretty easy at a young age.
He always wanted to play drums and regrets he delayed getting serious about performing until a few years ago. He says
he still has yet a lot to learn, though you wouldn't guess it with audience swaying to the groove he lays down. Among the
Austin drummers he mentions that he looks up to are counted Chris Layton, John Chipman, and FrankGonzales who all have encouraged
him with counsel and tips.
Other drummers he counts as influences are Alex van Halen,
David Hartman, Nicky Bomba, Joe Yuele, Ringo Starr, Mick Fleetwood, Frank Beard, and on and on.
A PHILOSOPHY
We love the music.
We love the how the music
moves people.
How it heals.
How it lifts us.
How it makes us feel.
Playing with the intent
to simply enjoy and get lost
in the music making and song
in the moment.
To soak in the magic
musical moment,
synching in
a whirlpool of sound
and connections.
That's the joy in the music.
|
|
|
|
|
