ByrdOnAWire

Description:

Screen Name:

ByrdOnAWire

Sex:

M

Age:

56

Studio Musician:

Yes

Level Of Commitment:

Very Committed

Years Playing Music:

45

Gigs Played:

50 to 100

Tend to Practice:

More than 3 times per week

Available to Gig:

4-5 time(s) per week

Most available:

Nights

My Bio by John Garzelloni 12 String Guitars & Vocals
My first recollection of being exposed to the 12 string guitar would have had to of been back in 1961(age 9)when a folk group trio by the name of The Rooftop Singers came out with a one hit wonder called "Walk Right In". I zeroed right in on the sound of the duel 12 string guitars of this trio, and was awed by their sound. But it would not be until 3 years later when The Beatles made their debut in the states that I took full interest in launching an attack on learning the guitar only because every red blooded American boy wanted to be Beatle and learn guitar. But it wasn't until a year later(1965)a group from the U.S. took that Beatle beat and fused it with the folk legend sound of Bob Dylan. That group launched a new sound, which was justifiably called "Folk Rock". That group simply called themselves The Byrds. It was Roger McGuinn who founded the group with members Gene Clark, David Crosby, Chris Hillman, & Michael Clarke. Roger took the 12 string Rickenbacker guitar to new heights in the sound they incorporated. The "jingle jangle" sound if you will. When McGuinn plugged his Rickenbacker 12 string guitar into my ear with their debut hit, "Mr. Tambourine Man"(a Bob Dylan tune)I was never the same again. I was still very much in my embryonic stages that year but I knew in the back of my mind I eventually would have to play 12 string guitars. I simply got addicted to that big augmented sound. And of course all of those notes that could be achieved on the 12 string guitar. In 1977, I made the full transition over to all 12 string guitars exclusively and never looked back. Now approaching 43 years of playing(approaching my 56th birthday 06/30), my act is strictly a showcase sound of the 12 string guitar. My show is basically 60's, 70's, 80's folk, folk rock, pop, and a blend of country at times. I do have a special segment/set that I pay tribute to Roger McGuinn & The Byrds. I met my 12 string guitar hero,(McGuinn)back in late 2002 at a very up close and personal show in Hudsonville, Michigan, a night to remember. McGuinn gave me his personal email address and we have been corresponding ever since. He has given me tips and personal advice ever since. My first demo CD was a collection of cover tunes basically used as a soliciting tool for gigs. Some of you out there may have a copy of it. I am presently working on a 2nd CD incorporating the sound of the 12 string guitar of my own originals and hope to have it out soon. It is all instrumentals, no vocals. For now, I am enjoying resurrecting my act which I did have in a long sabbatical for personal reasons and do not wish to elaborate on that as there is no future in the past. I do want to thank my friends/peers for the encouragement to get back on stage and perform and record again. The coffee houses, and small venues of this nature are my forte but lean towards more at the coffee houses as the atmosphere there is a more relaxed setting which I do prefer. I look at every gig as if I were going to a birthday party and my gift I bring is simply playing my 12 string guitars(presently own 3 of them)for anyone who can appreciate the beautiful ring and chime of the 12 string guitar. Hope to see you all out on the road. HighFlyingByrd At Comcast dot net. God Bless you all. John Garzelloni "12 String Guitars & Vocals"

Influences:

The Beatles, The Byrds, Roger McGuinn, Tom Petty, Leo Kottke, Billy McLaughlin, Doyle Dykes, Del Amitri, Uncle Tupelo, Dan Fogelberg, America, Cat Stevens, Neil Young.

Equipment List:

1984 Martin D-12-28,
2003 Martin J-12-16GT,
2004 Rickenbacker 360/12VP Fireglo,
Genz-Benz Shenandoah 100 Acoustic Amp/PA System,
Janglebox Compression Sustain pedal,
Ibanez PH-7 Phase Shifter,
Tascam DP-01/FX/CD 8 Track Portastudio.

Audio/Video Downloads

No files available for download.