Sax & Vocals
AKA- Nickname(s):
Gary, G.
Band member since:
I think 2012 or something like that. I started subbing for Mike on and off and then stayed on like a stray dog who found its fur-ever home.
The primary function I serve in the band is:
I play tenor sax, sing background vocals, and occasionally play the harmonica (I know enough to be dangerous). Mike, Al, and Dan allow me to play percussion sometimes, too. I’m kinda hyper and the guys put up with my shenanigans. Or, at least they appear to put up with me. It helps to buy them a round of drinks as well. Comic relief is a forte of mine. My mind never shuts down!
I can fumble my way through playing:
Horn lines with many dots and flag looking things. I don’t sight read music very well. I guess I’m a work in progress…but I have a good ear.
I started playing music when I was:
In 5th grade- so, what 10 or 11 years old? i originally wanted to play the trumpet but my dad brought home an alto sax. He said, “You’re going to play this.” I was disappointed but went along with the program. I took private lessons and played in the band at Worden Elementary school. Like many kids, I didn’t like to practice but figured my parents were forking over the dough for lessons…So, I might as well.
I started playing music because:
I always thought horn sections sounded cool. Growing up in the late 70’s and 80’s, there weren’t that many horn bands around. As I began to get better and became hooked on the sax. I started listening for horns or saxophones within pop music at the time so I could emulate what they were doing. I really dug the tone of Clarence Clemmons, and Sonny Rollins, for example.
Besides Pieces of Eight, I currently perform and/or have performed with:
Brian Ray and the Rayguns, Ricky and the Rockets (briefly), Executive Monkeys, Abby Normal and the Detroit Lean, and Otis and the Shoreway Saints. I’ve filled in here and there for some other acts as well.
Music is a fun hobby. But in real life:
I work as a self-employed speech-language pathologist and like to buy and sell things as a ‘side hustle’.
Outside of performing with the band, I have a life. In my personal life:
I am married to my wonderful wife, Sharon, and have two awesome sons.
When not performing, I like:
Going on dates with my wife, traveling, and hanging out with my sons, Lou and Rocco. Sharon and I also like to make beer (Yep, she’s a keeper!). I have a motorcycle and like to take rides on it to relax and do some thinking.
My thoughts on Pieces of Eight are:
Hmmm … That’s kinda tough for one answer. Well, it’s so cool to be a part of this family. The guys are genuine and are true professionals. I’ve admired them when I was in high school and have always wanted to have an opportunity to play with them. So, when Kurt called me to do some subbing; I jumped at the chance. Everyone in the band are so talented. I’m still learning new things from them that help me be a better musician and contributor to the band. Most importantly- they’re my friends.
My favorite band related saying is:
“That was nice dancing.” – Kurt Kendig
“Can I get a wienie”- Joe B. was singing the chorus on Somekind of Wonderful and, while he didn’t really say it, it sounded like he did.
“I have no trombone.” Or, “I have no tenor sax.”- I seems Dan and I frequently forget to turn on our wireless mics.
“Errrruhhh…mmmm”- Bob unknowingly utters nonsense at us during sound check because one of us has screwed up something.
“Where’s Lazer?”
“Asshole”- Joe B.’s usual reaction to band members not following his traffic directing.
My favorite memory of being in the band over the years is probably:
There are a few. Just being around my friends and being able to make live music. It seems like something special happens every time we’re on stage together. We’re all over 50 but we act like a bunch of kids sometimes…ok, many times. Dan losing his sandals and being unable to roll up the band banner after playing a Lake County Captains after party. Watching Joe B directing traffic as we show up for gigs. Playing some really cool gigs in some really cool places.
Oh, I want to add:
Pete Wolfgram was instrumental in teaching me and many others how to play in a band as we participated in Wickliffe High School’s, Rockefeller Road Revue. He introduced me to Bob Matzen, Mike Cassadonte, Mike Butzback, and Kurt Kendig. I can’t thank him enough.