SEEKING
Vocalist, Lead Guitar.ABOUT
Professional Musician, professional attitude, professional equipment. Able to play about anything, arthritis permitting... Doing good, just not as fast as I used to be!
I'm a team player who sees my job as keyboardist to provide a solid foundation and flair that helps make everyone else sound their best. I truly enjoy what I do and always try to give it my best. I also expect the musicians I work with to give nothing less for our audience. As technology has finally caught up to my desire and ability to create the sounds I desire, I am very proud of my contributions to the groups I am in, but have no huge ego to be fed, making me easy to work with/for. I started playing by-ear by age 4 and my first professional gig was at age 13 in 1971 during the apex of America's Rock-n-Roll era. Throughout my high school years, I was playing 50-60 shows a year. Now playing over 100 shows a year (part-time) while heading my family, and operating my own defense industry-related corporation. Music is a safe and productive outlet for my creative energies. I don't smoke (cigars once in a great while) and I don't drink. No problem with those that do until it affects their performance.
As a very devoted husband, father and grandfather, I love it when my family gets involved in music. Working on the grandkids now!
The audience deserves to hear their favorite music the way they remember or know it without any "personal interpretations" from those with lesser abilities or equipment. I try to emulate original sounds of the original artists for the audience's benefit. Few things irratate me as much as hearing a Classic Hits original or cover band and hearing a crappy patch from a machine that CAN easily emulate the original sound. When the audience enjoys my music, I enjoy it even more.
An original artist of any notoriety can have a decent life-long career off the dozen or so songs than that made him/her famous. The accomplished cover musician generally displays far more talent and skill by emulating dozens of different artists and their hits.
Currently performing in 3 active bands (1 6-piece club, 1 5-piece and 1 6-piece church) and forming a new 12 member Show/Cover Band with full horn section for self-promoted, special events, festivals and concerts.
Select equipment available for lease to qualified artists, promoters and venues.
- Screen name:
- Christopher Baker
- Member since:
- Nov 25 2014
- Active over 1 month ago
- Level of commitment:
- Committed
- Years playing music:
- 45
- Gigs played:
- Over 100
- Tend to practice:
- 2-3 times per week
- Available to gig:
- 2-3 nights a week
Influences
Keyboard Influences include early Elton John, Pete Carpenter, Greg Rolie, Robert Lamm, Richard Wright, Rick Wakeman, Jerry Corbetta.
Musical influences include Beatles, Elton John, Chicago, Pink Floyd, YES, Moody Blues, Paul Revere/Raiders, Buckinghams, Santana, Maynard Ferguson, Stevie Wonder, Doobie Brothers, Eagles, Three Dog Night.
I regularly listen to Classical Music, Jazz, Blues, Classic Rock, Classic Hits, Motown.
EQUIPMENT
I prefer top-grade professional equipment toward the vintage era when possible. It is generally a lot less expensive to acquire, more durable and honestly, performs better than many of today's contemporary disposable gear. I don't have the spare time to learn and adapt to a new learning curve with the latest equipment. Besides, the new keyboards really have no features I can't already find on my Tritons.
2 - Korg Triton Extreme 88
1 - Korg Triton Extreme 61
1 - Korg CX-3 Organ
1 - Roland/Rodgers W-50
1 - Fender Rhodes 88 Stage Piano
1 - Wurlitzer 120A
1 - Sequential Circuits Prophet 600 Synth
4 - Crown XLS 1500 Amplifiers
1 - Mackie SR24-4 VLZ Pro PA Mixer
1 - each Behringer FX1202, Xenyx X1832USB, SX2442 Mixers
2 - TOA 480-SE 18" 3-way rebuilt speakers (large venue)
8 - TOA SD-38 15" 3 way rebuilt speakers (smaller venue, PA)
2 - TOA SDB 15" Sub-woofers
4 - Yamaha Monitor Speakers
2 - Sunn Model 8 vintage 15" 3-way speakers (vinatge rebuilt)
Electro-Voice, Shure, Sennheiser Microphones
