His first exposure to the stage was in a band called Soul Kitchen. They played a few local gigs, but he got the most value from the band by gaining connections with good musicians. He next joined a band called Beggars Opera, which lasted for about 8 years. He says he's been out of the scene for a few years, but he's now "ready to rock" once again.
RICH GANDALPH - Drums and percussion
Rich is a founding member of Blueswraith. He spent his early years in St. Thomas before moving on to other parts of
Ontario. He has formal training in piano, E flat euphonium, voice, and percussion, plus he plays some guitar as well. He was a gigging musician back in the day, and his influences include Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix Experience), Ginger Baker (Cream), and, of course, John Bonham (Led Zeppelin).
*** Back in the day, I used a Rogers U.S.A. Londoner 5 piece kit in black. The Rogers company, however, is no more. Rogers, Ludwig, and Gretsch were the big three back then, so when I started drumming again, I decided to go with Gretsch. Other than a vintage Rogers Dynasonic snare that sees some studio use once in a while, I use Gretsch exclusively now. My cymbals are all Zildjian, a few are Avedis Zildjian, but mostly I use K's. I've never used anything but Zildjian, I consider them the best cymbals in the world. My choice for drumsticks are usually the Vic Firth 5A's, however, if we are playing a particularly heavy song, I use the Vic Firth Rocks.
My gigging kit is a 6 piece Gretsch U.S.A. custom kit finished in Black Glass. Drums consist of an 18X22 bass, 9X12 rack tom, 10X13 rack tom, 14X14 floor tom, 16X16 floor tom, and a 6 1/2 X14 snare with Gretsch lightning throw-off. I use a Tama Iron Cobra kick drum pedal, and a Tama First Chair throne. Cymbal choices are: 14 inch K. Zildjian Constantinople hi-hats, 20 inch K. Zildjian Constantinople medium ride, 18 inch K. Zildjian Constantinople crash, 18 inch K. Zildjian Custom Dark Crash, 17 inch K. Zildjian Custom Fast Crash, 16 inch K. Zildjian Constantinople crash. Drum heads are all coated Remo Powerstroke 3's for the batter side and Gretsch Permatones on the resonant side.
My studio/home kit is also a 6 piece Gretsch U.S.A. custom kit, but this one is finished in Dark Walnut Lacquer. Drums consist of an 18 inch bass, 8X14 deep snare, and 10, 12, 14, and 16 inch toms. The kick drum pedal is a DW5000. I use the same throne for both kits, the Tama Ergo Rider First Chair. For cymbals, I use some of the K's from the gigging set, but mostly use Avedis Zildjians. A 20 inch medium ride, a 16 inch crash and an 18 inch crash are most often the chosen few. Drum heads in use on this kit are Remo Powerstroke 4's for batters, and Gretsch Permatones for the resonants.
There is also a special drum in my collection. It's an early 7 line Rogers Dyansonic chrome over brass snare drum, serial #5XXX. I was lucky to find it, there aren't all that many of the old 7 line Dyna's around that are in good condition. This one is, so it only comes out to play once in a while.***
NOVO CHILE - Keyboards, Vocals
The origins of Nick AKA ‘Trix’ are mysterious at best. One thing that is certain is that wherever and however his existence came to be, it was an unfortunate day for pianos everywhere as his heavy percussive playing style has laid waste to an uncountable number of piano and keyboard keys.
Nick has been playing professionally in bands since he was 16 years old and the stage presence that he displays exemplifies this. He has performed with bands throughout Southwestern Ontario such as Electric Voodoo, Mechanical Farm Hands, Felonious Monk, Superfly, and a number of others as well as the occasional solo performance. His main influences are Robert Walters, Stevie Wonder, Dr. John, Ray Manzarek, and Bob Marley.
MITCH ROBINSON - Lead guitar, vocals
Mitch has played all over Ontario at various clubs and concerts. He founded Electric Voodoo, a Jimi Hendrix tribute band that is still active today. Mitch enjoys performing covers of many bands, including Cream, Santana, TheWho, CCR, etc. He also has written quite a few original pieces, and is very much into exploring his own musical styles. He has gained much exposure through playing local festivals, and has a large local fan base. Mitch also enjoys singing and he will be adding some of his vocal talents to the band as well.
Equipment :
Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty, Gibson SG
Yamaha 6 string accoustic/electric
Marshall JCM 800 50 watt amp and 4X12 cab with Celestions
Marshall 30 watt Valvestate amp
Effects :
Jim Dunlop Crybaby; Marshall Vibe; Marshall Guv'nor; Heil Sound Talkbox
DAVE VARGA - Bass guitar, vocals
Dave originally hails from London Ontario and he has many years of
both stage and recording experience to his credit. He has opened shows for people such as Prairie Oyster, The Byrds, Ronnie Prophet, Bill Durst & The Good Brothers. Currently Dave is performing with local Southwestern Ontario bands Soul Medix & Route 66 and he is recording an original project with Wuud. His list of bass influences includes: Jack Bruce, John Paul Jones, Sheryl Crow, David Clayton Thomas, Flea, and Geddy Lee.
Equipment :
Yorkville Bassmaster 400 amp
Peavey Cirrus BXP 5 string bass guitar
Fender 62 Jazz bass guitar (original)
CLICK PICS TO ENLARGE
