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With nearly 12 years in the band's history, and almost
3 years with it's current line up, Smokin' Gunnz has become one of the
East Coast's premiere Southern Rock tribute acts. Acclaimed for their
ability to recreate the sound of some of Southern Rock's most respected
artists, the four members of Smokin' Gunnz have road tested and honed
their sound to a level of perfection that their growing legion of loyal
fans have come to expect. Keeping with the grand tradition of the Great
Southern Sound, all the while planting a foot firmly in the future, the
Gunnz have begun to carve out their own place in the long, proud
heritage of this unique genre of American Music with the addition of
their much anticipated original recordings. Whether paying homage to the
forefathers who blazed a trail before them or creating their own musical
offerings, one listen to this group of seasoned professionals will tell
you all you need to know about their dedication to their craft.
Robert Morris: Drums, Lead Vocals
Ever
since he first climbed behind a drum kit at the age of 5, Bob has
maintained a dedication to music that is unlikely to diminish in the near
future. Being brought up in a household of musicians including both
parents and all of his 4 brothers will have that effect on a person., Bobs
dad also started him singing at age 4. After becoming acquainted with his
Ludwig's over the next several years he spent his time refining his skills
by playing and singing in a long list of local and regional acts including
Central Pa's
The
Morris Brothers Band,
which showcased all of the brother's musical talents. Bob's love for music
would eventually take him all the way to Hollywood, California in the
summer of 2000 to be featured on a nationally televised, pre-"Idol" talent
search.
Often referred to as "the busiest guy on
stage", Bob has found his place in the world not only as the singer but
also the drummer of
Smokin' Gunnz
for the last 12 years. When he's not behind the drums, Bob likes to spend
his time riding his motorcycle, hangin' with his grand daughter and
writing music with the boy's in the band. Life is good...
Terry Sherry: Bass ,
Back-up Vocals
As the
charismatic bass player for the band with a style all his own, "Shaggy",
as he's known by those who know him best, brings the thunder and the
groove to the stage every time he plugs in. With an impressive list of
bands from the heavier side of the musical universe to his credit, Terry
found a home in Smokin' Gunnz in 2002 and a kinship that he shares with
Bob as the other half of the rhythmic engine that drives the sound of the
band. Normally a man of few words, Shag can usually be found mixin' it up
with the ladies on the dance floor or stirring the crowd into a frenzy
from atop a table or bar.
When he's not
shakin' the foundation, Shag spends his time kickin' back, riding his
motorcycle and catching up on the latest that the SciFi Channel has to
offer.
Chris Della Porta:
Lead/Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Ever since he picked up his first guitar at
the age of 12, Chris has rarely set it down without damn good reason.
Playing music in his school band and learning how to sing in the choir
were also reasons why he never let the idea of becoming a professional
musician get too far out of reach. Now, as a five year veteran of
Smokin' Gunnz,
and one half of it's guitar slingin' team that distinguishes itself
every
time the band takes the stage, the idea that a young man once had is now a
reality.
With
a playing style that showcases his Southern and Yankee roots, and
vocals that add to the power of this fiery four piece, Chris's stage
presence will demand your attention and keep you coming back for more.
When he's not doing the one thing that he's never given up on he can
usually be found fixing guitars at his day job, riding his Harley or
hangin' out at home getting new ideas for dinner from the Food Network.
Mike Brady: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Back-up Vocals
Mike was born and raised in York County,
got his first guitar in 1969 at age twelve and hasn't put it down since.
By the
time he was sixteen he was playing
lead guitar in a local oldies/country band, playing VFW's, American
legions, carnivals, and every little bar in south central Pa.
Age eighteen found Mike starting a four year enlistment
in the US Navy. Stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, he had a first hand
introduction to the major southern rock acts throughout the mid to late
seventies. With a love of southern rock etched in his soul he came out of
the Navy and joined a regional southern rock band from York called
Amberjack. He stayed with Amberjack 'till the late eighties playing all
over Pennsylvania and Maryland. Figuring it was time for a change Mike
joined Disorderly Conduct, also from York. After six years with Disorderly
Conduct it was time for another change.
Mike figured it
was time to start writing and recording some of his original songs. In
2005 Mike recorded an original acoustic cd and played acoustic shows
around York. In mid 2006 he saw an ad for a guitar player for Smokin'
Gunnz. It was time to get back to his roots and kick out the southern rock
once again! The fit was perfect... Smokin' Gunnz is a well oiled southern
rock machine and Mike is a seasoned veteran having played the last 35
years in various bands with a variety of styles. Mike supplies the slide
guitar that is necessary for many southern rock songs. On some evenings
you can even see him use assorted bottles for slide. This is a sight
indeed! Sometimes a beer bottle, sometimes a glass, but his favorite is
the Jim Beam Black bottle.
All in all this
is a match made in kick-ass-southern-rock’n’roll heaven and a band you'll
have to see, and hear, over and over again, to believe....
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