CV
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Bakers
Jamie Paullus Jamie Paullus continues to WOW our readers with the BEST Spokane has to offer - this month: music greats Dorothy” & Death Angel.
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Sherry Keith Mystic Photography continues her up close and personal view into the Vegas music scene with LA Guns & Bakers Dozen.
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RSO: Richie Sambora and Orianthi, Bernie Williams, and Ronnie Spector and The Ronettes to Rock the Grand Plaza Stage at The 2017 NAMM Show
The 2017 NAMM Show is just around the corner, and with it, top musical acts are scheduled to rock The NAMM Nissan Grand Plaza stage. This year will bring a variety of artists from across the sonic spectrum, with each evening offering performances from rock legends, a pro-athlete and accomplished jazz musician, and an R&B hitmaker, all in the spirit of musical diversity that can be found at The NAMM Show.
Kicking off the show on Thursday night, January 19 is rock duo RSO: Richie Sambora and Orianthi. Each a respected guitarist in their own right, Sambora and Orianthi will bring their deft fret work and monster screams to the show, marking the duo’s first NAMM performance together. Grammy® award-winner Sambora, also known for his passion for philanthropy, will offer up his world-renowned Songwriters Hall of Fame talent, addictive hooks and poetic lyrics. Platinum-selling guitarist Orianthi has enjoyed a career as a touring artist for the likes of Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper and many others, and was named by Elle
magazine as one of the top “12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists.” The pair have spent the past year touring the globe and will perform at The NAMM Show directly following a tour of the U.K., Asia and Orianthi’s native Australia.
On Friday evening, January 20, former center fielder for the New York Yankees, music education advocate and accomplished jazz musician Bernie Williams and his All-Star Band will take the stage to perform in The NAMM Foundation’s Celebration for Music Education. Williams, who enjoyed a 16-year career in Major League Baseball, is a classically-trained guitarist, Latin Grammy®-nominated (2009’s Moving Forward) musician, and designated Turnaround Arts artist a program from the President’s Committee on Arts and Humanities. Williams and band will welcome fellow music and arts supporter, Turnaround Arts artist, singer, songwriter, and “Life is Beautiful” hitmaker, Keb’ Mo’, along with additional surprise performers throughout the evening. The NAMM Foundation’s Celebration for Music Edu-
cation is designated to celebrate the many donors and supporters of the Foundation’s efforts and to encourage attendees to join in the organization’s efforts.
On Saturday, January 21, The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus celebrates its 20th Anniversary with The John Lennon Imagine Party featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Ronnie Spector and The Ronettes. As the “Original Bad Girl of Rock & Roll,” Spector is best known for a long string of classic “girl group” rock anthems such as “Baby I Love You,” “Walking in The Rain,” and the international number one smash, “Be My Baby.” The rock icon has charted material in six consecutive decades, and along the way collaborated with everyone from Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen, to Eddie Money, Joey Ramone and The Beatles. Ronnie and John Lennon first met in London during the Ronettes’ first U.K. tour in January of 1964, and in 1966, the group was personally chosen by The Beatles to open their final tour. From their first meeting forward, Lennon and Ronnie shared a close friendship with Lennon playing and singing on Ronnie's first solo recordings in 1971. The night will celebrate the Lennon Bus’ 20th Anniversary, the connection we share through music, and inspire those in attendance to continue to build a more musical world.
Each act will start at 6:00 p.m. and be preceded by a variety of performers throughout the day. The previously announced schedule is available here: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2017/ events/schedule#concerts
The NAMM Show gathers 100,000 members of the music product industry from around the world to preview new products from every category of music making. Register for badges
to experience more than 6,000 music product, instrument and technology brands, special events and live entertainment. The free badge deadline is January 4, 2017, at 11:59 pm PST.
Learn more about the NAMM Show at
www.namm.org/thenammshow/2017.
Chalise Zolezzi
NAMM
Director of PR and Social Media
Phone: (760) 438-8001
e-mail: chalisez@namm.org
About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 10,300 members located in 104 countries and regions. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
<CV> Let's start off with introducing the band and their roles
<TOMMY> Tommy Elliott (Vocals), Zach Rubel (Guitar,bv), Dave Karr (Bass,bv) and Ryan Gillan (Drums)
<CV> Tell us how you came up with the name for the band?
<TOMMY> I used to be in a band here in town called 13 and a Baker's Dozen is 13...and it just sounds cool
<DAVE> That's all Tommy's fault!
<ZACH> Sir Thomas Elliott came up with the name.
<CV> So give me a little background on each member
<TOMMY> I've played in different bands around Las Vegas for a while. Dave and Ryan where in Shine*Ola with me and I also portray Bon Scott in a AC/DC Tribute with Ryan called High Voltage.
<DAVE> I've also played around town in different bands..with John Zitto off and on for years. I was also in Shine*Ola with Tommy and Ryan and I'm currently in Cyanide with Ryan.
<ZACH> Originally I wanted to be a drummer when I was just starting out on music, but when I saw Angus Young and got introduced to Guitar playing that was it for me. Started my first band at the age of 13, went through a lot of projects and eventually moved to Nashville. Got some work as a session guitarist for different artists and was in a Funk band for quite some time, but just didn't really feel like I was living up to my expec
tations, So then I moved to Las Vegas to be with the love of my life, 4 months later was in a band with Tommy and Ryan and the rest is history.
<RYAN> I am a drummer who has developed an innovative, self-taught style over the course of 27 years. My career began in 1990 in Providence,Rhode Island. I am a drummer who plays with authority,showmanship and enthusiasm. My abilities take drumming to the next level. I have performed many genres of music such as Blues, Funk, Pop, Country, Rock, Hard Rock and Metal throughout the Northeast and Southwestern United States. I like to consider myself a Rock drummer. My main influence is Phil Rudd, the power hitting Driving force of AC/DC. I am also currently the drummer for High Voltage AC/DC Tribute, Cyanide, and have previously
worked with Kid Hollywood/SpandexNation and Shine Ola.
<CV> What brought you all together and how did you know this was a perfect fit?
<TOMMY> We have all played in different bands with each other. One day Dave and I were talking on the phone. And I said Zach and I want to put an original band together(cause we all play in tributes) and we wanted to do something else. He said he was looking to do something and that we should combine forces. Then Ryan fell in and Baker's Dozen was born. We knew it was a perfect fit after our first rehearsal, it just felt natural and like we had been playing for years with each other.
<DAVE> Tommy and I were talking..and I said Hell Yeah! I'll jump on that! I miss playing with you and the Shine*Ola days. I knew it was a perfect fit, cause the shit clicked right out of the gate. I never had a first rehearsal go that well.
<ZACH> I'm currently in a band with Tommy and Ryan called High Voltage which is a tribute to AC/DC I play Angus, and for quite some time Tom and I would always be saying lets start an original band together, we asked Ryan to play Drums, and called up Dave to play Bass for us and ever since our first rehearsal we knew we were on to something.
<CV> What got each of you into music and at what age did you know this is what you wanted to do?
<TOMMY> My parents were hippies so music was always around our house, I was turned on at a young age. One of my first jobs in Oxnard was working as a courier for this record company, young and dumb. The A&R rep I worked for got backstage passes to Pink Floyd on The Momentary Lapse of Reason tour, I got to go that night was a game changer. Then that same year I saw U2 on the Joshua Tree tour at the L.a. Coliseum..Bono sang Help from the Beatles acapella and had the entire Coliseum singing along. that power and energy. I knew that’s what I wanted to do then and there, I had just turned 19.
<DAVE> Kiss was the first Rock band I got into, It started in the Love Gun era. Then I got to see Alice Cooper live and it was all over, that's when I knew!
<ZACH> Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, and Black Sabbath those bands changed my life at the age of 12 and I knew from at that early age that I wanted to be a musician.
<RYAN> I started playing along to AC/DC records on drums at the age of 8.
<CV> Who would you consider your biggest music influences and why?
<TOMMY> Robert Plant, Jim Morrison, Mike Monroe and Andrew Wood and too many others, but. Robert and Jim I learned from my parents. and I absolutely relate to the music of Led Zeppelin. Jim was the first punk rocker, a leather clad demon who didn't give a shit and i relate to that too. Mike Monroe and Hanoi made me want to play harmonica and just put it out there and Andy was all about the Love thing, I dig that.
<
DAVE> Geezer Butler, Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith Dude!) and here's a curve ball Cliff Williams. Geezer cause he's technical but brutal, that shit will make you sterile! Tom Hamilton's killer groove's and proficient playing and Cliff's right in the pocket kick in the nuts style and attitude.
<ZACH> Like I said Angus Young was the main guitar player for me and then eventually discovering Gary Moore, Tony Lommi and Jimmy Page. All of these players just spoke to me and how each player has a different touch so I wanted to create my own style with what these other players were doing. Vibrato was a huge influence on me and when I heard Angus' vibrato I was hooked and just the way he delivers to the audience, a true showmen for sure and all passion.
<RYAN> Phil Rudd of AC/DC. He is a straight forward, in your face, four on the floor power hitter. No flash or bullshit just pure Rock’n’Roll.
<CV> Tell us about your very first show together, how did it go and how were you received?
<TOMMY>Our first show was opening for L.A. Guns at Count's Vamp'd in Las Vegas. It blew our expectations and our minds, They dug us and we were received very well..Thank you Vamp'd
<DAVE> I really can't add to that. Thank you everyone at Count's Vamp'd!
<ZACH> Our first show was so natural and I felt like we have been a band for such a long time, we defiantly have that chemistry It was truly amazing and such a great experience.
<CV> Give us some insight on the song and music writing process; is it a joined effort or does one person do all the writing?
<TOMMY> Zach and I have writing sessions every week that usually involve beer and sushi. Then we come out with the foundation of the tune. Then we hash it out with Rye and Dave till we all like it! So it is eventually a joined effort. I
write the lyrics and Zach is truly a riffmeister, we feed off of each others creativity rather well. I'm happy as hell to interpret (loudly) everything he brings to Baker's Dozen.
<DAVE> Yeah, It's a group effort pulling it together after Tom and Zach bring the song to rehearsal. then everyone has input and we're all happy.
<ZACH> How the writing process goes usually Tommy does the lyrics, I come up with a riff and we have writing sessions every week, when we have something in the works we bring it to practice then deliver to Ryan and Dave we all bring something to the table and jam it out, learn as we go.
<CV> Tell us about the recording process, anything you like or dislike?
<TOMMY> It's all about trying to not be your own worst critic and getting work done. it's very
simular to getting a tattoo, It's painful and hurt's a bit but you come out with something amazing (hopefully) that last forever. I would much rather play live though.
<DAVE> I Hate It! I'd rather be out playing, but it is a necessary evil. we all gotta do it.
<ZACH> What I like about the recording process is coming together and getting to experience the creation of a record and hearing it come to life! what I dislike about it is the waiting process on the record to be finished.
<CV> What is the motivation behind the songs your write? Do any of them speak to you on a personal level and if so why?
<TOMMY> My motivation with song writing and lyrics, is to purge myself, my soul, whatever of anger, lust,hate, jealousy, love and a bunch of emotions we all go through. All our tunes speak to me on some level, I really want them to speak to everyone else. It's about the connection.
<DAVE> That's a Tommy and Zach Question.
<ZACH> My Motivation is writing about life and try to relate with others and feel what they go through, I try to relate to peoples pains and problems they face in life.
<RYAN> What Dave said.
<CV> Tell us about the music industry today and where you think "Baker’s Dozen" fits in?
<TOMMY> It's a Business and should be treated as such, this is a job. I think we are the square peg for the round hole. but we somehow still fit.
<DAVE> Perfect Answer Tom.
<ZACH> The Music industry today is at a very weird time right now and nowadays it seems like the digital world is just taking over massively, with what Bakers Dozen brings to the table is such a refresher and bringing back old school rock and roll!
<CV> What are your thoughts on the use and necessity of Social Media?
<TOMMY> Absolutely important! It can positively help to make or break a band. It's totally helping Baker's Dozen connect with a lot more people.
<DAVE> It's a very useful tool. It gets it out to more people.
<ZACK> I think it definitely helps promote music of all types because you are reaching out to such a larger audience you can get your music out there for anyone to listen across the world. I think its a great Publicity tool.
<CV> How do you feel about music download sales; would you prefer a return to CD's and Vinyl?
<TOMMY> It's impossible to fight change and the future for that matter, but I miss Vinyl nothing like putting a record on the ol' turntable, you get music and the sound of a crackling fire. It's cool nostalgic.
<DAVE> Downloading is cool. But I seriously miss vinyl, there's just something about it.
<ZACH> I am old fashioned kind of guy and I prefer vinyl's and cds but totally understand the convenience of download sales, its such a digital age so I am for all the above as long as people are supporting the music.
<CV> Tell us about some of the other shows you have played so far, do you have a favorite place to play and why?
<TOMMY>My favorite place is Vamp'd. They
<CV> Tell us about some of the other shows you have played so far, do you have a favorite place to play and why?
<TOMMY> My favorite place is Vamp'd. They treat every band like they're Rockstars. Absolutlely the best club in Las Vegas for Rock and Roll.
<DAVE> Vamp'd!It sound's great in there, they treat us like family and it's a great crowd.
<ZACH> I would say the Brooklyn Bowl I love the atmosphere of it and the staff is great to work with and then Vamp'd because every time we have a show there its always packed and has such a great following,
<CV> Any funny stories to tell from tour life?
<TOMMY>I plead the fifth
<DAVE> None I'm willing to share.
<ZACK> Whats Touring? Haha!
<CV> What can fans expect to see at a "Bakers Dozen" show?
<TOMMY>Explosive Raw Sweaty Energy Driven Rock and Roll.
<DAVE> Nice! Good hard driving Rock and Roll. People wanna come and see a show and thats what we deliver!
<ZACH> Having a kick ass time and giving them what they deserve good ol fashioned rock n roll!
<CV> To Date, is there any one show that is memorable for you and stands out and why?
<TOMMY> Dec.30, 2016 Vamp'd, it was our first show and everything just fell into place. We gave it our all and the audience responded in kind. We couldn't have asked for a better night.
<DAVE> Dec. 30, 2016 with L.A. Guns! It was a great crowd a great venue and we had a blast!
<ZACH> Seeing AC/DC during the Black Ice Tour it was such an awesome concert and getting to see the man who got me started on guitar. Definetly was a highlight of my life.
<CV> Where do you think you are in the journey of "Baker’s Dozen"
<TOMMY> The Mines of Moria..we're gonna kick the Balrog's ass!
<DAVE> The Rollercoaster has just started..and it's the Revolution at Magic Mountain.
<ZACH> In the Beginning of something great.
<CV> What do you like to do in your down time? Who do you like to listen to?
<TOMMY> I'm a gamer, I love to cook and I read a lot. Lately I've been listening to The Damned a lot some Gogol Bordello and Hanoi Rocks. Zach's a gamer too, but only games bout MERICA!
<DAVE> Gaming, Reading and I listen to a wide variety of music.
<ZACH> My downtime is always playing guitar and writing new riffs and I always listen to laid back music kick back have an Ice cold beer, MERICA!
<CV> Are your families supportive of your career?
<TOMMY>Absolutely.
<DAVE> Yes, fer'sure. Eventhough my mom keeps asking me when I'm gonna sell all that shit!
<ZACH> Absolutely 100%
<CV> What advice would you give a band just starting out?
<TOMMY> Stay Focused! Just do what you do..be you. Cause yer influences will show naturally.
<DAVE> Don't Ever Give Up!
<ZACH> Always create and always write songs and have fun.
<RYAN> Persistence
<CV> What is your favorite thing about being on stage? What motivates you to do what you do?
<TOMMY> The energy transference..there's no better high. It's a weird profound communion. My motivation stems from being able to tell the story..as I see it, and hoping people relate to what I'm saying.
<DAVE> The energy exchange and seeing people have fun. as for motivation, I just feel at home on stage and I love performing.
<ZACH> Gives me the freedom of doing whatever I want, and delivering everything I got to the audience,It's such a release.
<CV> Do you have a ritual you do before getting on stage?
<TOMMY> I have magic underwear!
<DAVE> Two beers and I pace for about ten minutes.
<ZACH> Drink a couple of Newcastles to loosen up.
<RYAN> A redbull and vodka and I’m ready to go
<CV> What does "Baker’s Dozen" have planned for 2017? Any tours or projects in the works?
<TOMMY> To get what we got going out to everyone.
<DAVE> Anything and everything!
<ZACH> WORLD DOMINATION and we will have to see!
<CV> What would you like to say to your fans and our readers?
<TOMMY> Dave said it all!
<DAVE> We are excited for the future and we want to take you with us..are you ready to ride.
<ZACH> Thank you for supporting us much love to all and we will be making some great things happen.
