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The
60s were exciting times musically in the San Francisco Bay Area
and as a teenager in Marin County—a hop over the Golden Gate
Bridge from the celebrated Fillmore Auditorium, Avalon Ballroom,
Keystone Corner and other venues—Gary Vogensen had front row
access to it all. He learned to play guitar and began hanging out
at rehearsal halls where he rubbed shoulders with the musicians
of the time. “There was so much excitement around live music
at that time…and so many talented musicians around the Bay
Area…it was infectious. I learned a lot just hanging out watching
people play”. Gary formed several bands and began jamming when
and wherever he could.
In
the early 70’s Vogensen’s career moved forward after a
chance meeting and jam session with legendary guitarist Mike Bloomfield.
“Bloomers was producing Barry Melton’s Melton Levy and
the Dey Brothers album. One evening I was invited to join in on
an after dinner jam. Imagine me, 22 years old with my Fender Duo
Sonic singing a Howlin’ Wolf tune in my pure lyric tenor voice!
Anyway, Michael was charmed and suggested that Barry add me to the
lineup for a short tour he had planned. That was my first legitimate
job in a rock and roll band and, as you might imagine, the experience
was educational in many ways!”
Bloomfield
remained Vogensen’s advocate and mentor. He hired Gary for
gigs and recording sessions and introduced him to many musicians
including Frank Zappa, Mark Naftalin, Nick Gravenitas, Norton Buffalo,
and Maria Muldaur. Later, in the mid 70’s, Maria hired Gary
for her “Sweet Harmony Review” tour where he worked alongside
the incredible guitarist Amos Garrett and legendary pianist Stan
Szelest. Also during that era, Norton brought Gary and the remnants
of Clover together for his “Desert Horizon / Livin’ in
Sin at the Holiday Inn” tour which included a taping of one
of the first “Austin City Limits”.
From
those early days, Gary has not looked back. He has toured throughout
the U.S. and abroad with many local and national acts including
The Elvin Bishop Band, Angela Strehli, Maria Muldaur, Norton Buffalo,
Michael Bloomfield, Commander Cody and the Airmen, New Riders of
the Purple Sage, Boz Scaggs, Steve Miller, Etta James, Tracy Nelson,
Judy Henske, Louann Barton, Rosie Flores, Rick Danko, Lloyd Price,
and others.
While
Gary is best known as a versatile and proficient guitarist, his
new CD “Don’t Tell Me About Love” spotlights his
talent as a lead singer. His voice is beautifully pure, strong,
and articulate, and it marks a return to the beginning of his musical
career.
“I
sang long before I played guitar,” says Gary recalling his
life growing up in San Rafael, California, during the 60s. “My
mom says I sang in tune before I could talk! I learned the principles
of music theory and vocal arranging while singing in church, high
school and college choirs. If I had to narrow down a list of vocal
influences the list would have to include the George Jones, The
Mills Brothers, the Beach Boys, Ray Charles and a million other
Country, Soul, Gospel, and R&B singers”.
Jesse
Ed Davis, one of the most versatile session guitarists of the late
60s and early 70s, was Vogensen’s earliest and strongest guitar
influence. “I was always drawn to good Fender Telecaster players
and Jesse Ed was one of the best. He was rough and raw and he played
from the hip. Every note he played on the first three Taj Mahal
albums was perfect. At one point, I sat down and copped all of his
parts on those three records….his approach has had a lasting
impact on my playing”.
Today,
Vogensen divides his time between The Gary Vogensen Band, work with
The Angela Strehli Band (“One of the best bandleaders I’ve
ever worked for!”), and the New Riders of the Purple Sage (“I’ve
been with them almost 20 years! New Riders founder, John “Marmaduke”
Dawson, is retired in Mexico, but the songs live on! My lifelong
friend, multi instrumentalist and singer Russ Gauthier, is now at
the helm and together we keep the ball rolling.)
In
addition to giging, session work, and producing local artists, Gary
also maintains The Gary Vogensen School Of Guitar, a thriving Northern
California teaching practice. “In many ways teaching is the
best thing that’s ever happened to me. I enjoy it immensely
and it’s allowed me to be more selective in terms of gigs”.
“I
have been blessed to have worked with many great musicians and singers
in many different styles over the years. I’ve jetted off to
exotic locations, rubbed shoulders with many of my heroes, and lived
the life of a gypsy” says Vogensen. “I’ve settled
down now and this CD project reflects my vision of what music is
all about. It’s simple, it’s pure, a bit of pleasure,
a bit of pain, a bit of gravity, a bit of levity, and…….you
can dance to it!”.
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