Steelbender.com: Gonzo Guitars Live: Sept. 9, 2004, Cat's Cradle- Carrboro, NC

This Article Posted: 10/26/04

Gonzo Guitars Live: Sept. 9, 2004 Cat's Cradle- Carrboro, NC
by Jason A. Barker

Back row (l-r): Jason Barker, Danny Gotham, Scott Sawyer, Will McFarlane, Jamie McFarlane, Armand Lenchek
Front row (l-r): Tommy Hartley, Dave Braswell

September 9, 2004 was a very enjoyable evening for me as I participated in the first Gonzo Guitars concert at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, NC. I feel very honored to join a group of guitar players that represents the best of what the Triangle area of North Carolina has to offer. Armand Lenchek organized the show, which benefitted WCOM radio, and did a wonderful job of presenting a diverse evening of six-string-driven music for the enthusiastic audience that was on-hand to witness the event. A concert featuring six guitar players blasting away onstage has all of the ingredients for a sonic disaster; but due to the professionalism of all parties involved including Kemp's sound reinforcement skills at the Cradle, the gathering was a triumphant melding of unique styles and showcased passionate performances by some of the finest musicians in the region.

Special recognition should go to Dave Braswell (drums) and Jamie McFarlane (bass) for providing a rock-solid rhythm section during the show. There were no rehearsals for the event; but both players handled everything with grace and turned in stellar performances. I contributed a couple of original compositions for the concert, which Dave and Jamie learned just prior to curtain call. Thanks to their musical generosity and ample abilities, the evening went off without a hitch and gave me and my fellow axemen a chance to do what we love to do best! I can't say enough about the good time that I had, and it was a distinct pleasure to watch, play and learn with such gifted people.

On a personal note, it was fun to see Danny Gotham again after a number of years and to share the stage with him was a treat. Danny was one of my college instructors while I was at the University of North Carolina in the Radio, Television and Motion Pictures department. I feel lucky to call all of these guys my friends...they are as gracious off-stage as they are onstage.

The lineup for the Gonzo Guitars concert included the following players. If you have a moment, visit their links and learn more about the people behind the guitars!

Armand Lenchek- A rockin' blues stalwart for many years (Skeeter Brandon, Walter "Lightnin’ Bug"Rhodes, Nappy Brown and Bo Diddley) who continues to display his considerable six-string talents for a devoted following in addition to working as a realtor in the Triangle area. Armand also lends his efforts to various charity events each year.

Will McFarlane- Former house guitarist for Muscle Shoals studios and a longtime member of Bonnie Raitt's band. Has additionally played with a number of other legends such as Bobby "Blue" Bland and Jackson Browne. Will can raise some hell with a Telecaster; but repents regularly as a music minister at his church.

Scott Sawyer- A purveyor of many musical genres and a sought-after guitar instructor, Scott is highly regarded for his fretwork with artists such as 5 time Grammy-Nominated jazz singer Nnenna Freelon and many others.

Danny Gotham- Danny is a diverse guitarist with an affinity for both electric and acoustic guitar stylings. His latest release is garnering great reviews.

Tommy Hartley- Death, taxes and Tommy Hartley with his trademark black Stratocaster. Tommy is the vocalist/guitarist for Trick Bag and also travels throughout the country paying homage to his idol (and lookalike) Eric Clapton as part of Slowhand.

Jason Barker- You already know about me! If not, you can visit my bio page.

Jack Briggs- Jack was a surprise guest at the Gonzo Guitars show. Besides being a builder of exquisite hand-crafted electric guitars, he plays a mean six-string and joined the cast for a fantastic finale.

Weapons Of Mass Instruction: The axes of the Gonzo Guitars hold a meeting of their own before the show