Brian Mesko + Musician in Roanoke, VA

SEEKING

ABOUT

Brian currently resides in Roanoke, VA and is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Music Lab at the Jefferson Center.

Raised in a musical family in Little Rock, AR, Mesko began piano lessons at age 8 and switched to guitar at age 10. He continued formal lessons through high school, at which time he studied Jazz Theory & Ensemble for college credit under Michael Carenbauer (who studied under Pat Metheny at Berklee) at the University of AR Little Rock. During junior high Brian learned drums and bass, and has continued developing them professionally along side the guitar.

While completing a bachelor's degree in Recording Industry at Middle TN State, Mesko lived in or near Nashville from 1997 - 2005 and played with such jazz greats as Les McCann, Tony Monaco, Dr. Lonnie Smith, John Jorgensen and Jeff Coffin. He also worked with Roland Gresham, The Tao Jones, Sam Brooker, Greg Bryant, Chris West, Moe Denham, Nioshi Jackson and Charles Treadway.

After moving to central Virginia in 2005, Brian has been very active in the scene playing with Robert Jospe, John D'earth, Bobby Read, Charles Owens, Lew Taylor, The Rootdowns, The Nicholson Brothers, Funk45, Liz Barnes, Ray Caddell and recently Wayne Newton. He has also shared the stage with blues legend Bob Margolin, and with DJ Williams Projekt several times.

Brian thanks his wife Melissa, son Benjamin, parents and mentors for all of their love and support!

currently a member of :

THE ROOTDOWNS - funk/ jazz/ soul
"The Rootdowns"

ROBERT JOSPE GROUP - jazz/fusion/latin

GREEN EARRINGS - Steely Dan Tribute Band
"Green Earrings"

FUNK 45 - funk/ soul
"Funk45"

THE NICHOLSON BROTHERS - blues/ rock/ r & b
"The Nicholson Brothers"

THE MESKOS - acoustic duo with my wife Melissa, blues/rock/jazz

Screen name:

Brian Mesko

Member since:

Mar 26 2011

Active over 1 month ago

Level of commitment:

Very Committed

Years playing music:

25

Gigs played:

Over 100

Tend to practice:

2-3 times per week

Available to gig:

2-3 nights a week

Most available:

Nights

Influences

George Benson, BB King, John Scofield, Jimmy Herring, John Mclaughlin, Derek Trucks
Jaco Pastorius, James Jamerson, Ron Carter
Steve Gadd, Elvin Jones, Jack Dejohnette, Zygaboo
SOULIVE, THE METERS, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan

Instrument experience:

Rhythm Guitar:

Expert

Lead Guitar:

Expert

Acoustic Guitar:

Advanced

Bass Guitar:

Advanced

Drums:

Advanced

Keyboard:

Moderate

Background Singer:

Moderate

Upright bass:

Moderate

EQUIPMENT

Guitar: Ibanez George Benson, Samick Royale, Taylor Acoustic, Fender Concert Amp, analog pedal board

Bass: Ibanez SoundGear 6-string, Ampeg Amp (2 10")
Drums: Pearl World Series 4-piece, Turkish & Zildjian Cymbals

MUSIC