Eric Walter
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Rico's Blog
Poems, stories, photographs, videos, & travel diaries

Switchback

20/2/2015

 
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EW at Quixote's in Aurora, Colorado, 1999.
In 1999, around the time my son was born, I started playing in a jam band in Denver. The band, dubbed Switchback by my friend Doug Goodwin, included rhythm guitarist Steve Jemison, bassist Chris Wangelin, drummer Rich Chavez, & myself on lead guitar. All save for Rich sang, though Steve handled most of the vocals. We all shared a love for the music of the Grateful Dead and covered some of their songs as well as songs by Neil Young. The majority of the music, however, was original.
Steve, a gifted songwriter, wrote most of the songs although Chris contributed tracks as well. We played extended jams that were free and energetic, funky and psychedelic. We weren't always brilliant but we were pretty fearless. Steve and I both played acoustic-electric guitars but I used a few effects on my leads. Chris played fretless bass. Rich, a muscular, former-Marine, played with great skill and boundless energy on a kit that seemed as big as Carl Palmer's. (Our load-ins and breakdowns were famously arduous.) Our music was once described as "energetic acoustic groove". The band did not remain together long, perhaps six months, but it was a pretty fun ride while it lasted. During our time together, we played several times at Quixote's in Aurora, which was then the foremost Dead-centered bar on the Front Range. Lots of tie-dye and long hair. Our gigs lasted over four hours and people danced to the end.  We also played once at The Buffalo Rose, a legendary biker-friendly venue in Golden. A few days after us, the headliner was Blue Oyster Cult.

The track featured here, "Neighbors", was recorded at The Bluebird, a well-known venue in Denver. We were performing as part of a four band showcase. The song is a funky instrumental composed by Chris Wangelin, whose dynamic bass playing is the centerpiece. I loved playing this one am happy to have this recording.

Mike Adams

10/3/2014

 
I posted this previously elsewhere but would like to share it again here.

Michael Adams
1949 - 2013


This world lost a very fine man when Michael Adams passed away on September 26, 2013. Mike was a highly regarded poet of Colorado who had roots in the ancient hills of Appalachia and the steel mills of Pittsburgh. A skilled and prolific wordsmith, Mike was also a fierce and passionate defender of the Earth. He was a devoted husband to his beautiful wife, Claire, and a caring friend to many people. I had the good fortune to collaborate and perform with Mike on many occasions during the 1990s when I lived in Colorado. He was an inspiring colleague who challenged me and kept me honest but, above all, he was a gracious, generous friend. I will always remember his strong, clear voice and the sweet tones as his fingers danced along those banjo strings. He will be missed but never forgotten. 
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    Eric Walter

    A poet, musician, and teacher whose work is inspired and shaped by his love of travel and his deep regard for the natural world.

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  • Home
  • Nikki
  • Books
  • Music
    • Indalo Wind
    • Eric Walter - Native American Flute
    • Hawk's Reply
    • The Chime of Heart Trio - When Flowers Fall on the Rain
  • Bio
  • Contact