Almost eight years ago, some friends and I put together a
Christian blues band called Sky Blue. Sky Blue has been one of the great joys
and successes in my life. We have now played over 150 dates and expect to do
many more. We just keep getting better all the time.
But my deep background is country. I’m just a country boy at
heart. My dad was a country singer who would remind you a lot of Merle Haggard.
My early influences were mainly Grand Ole Opry people from the fifties and
sixties.
Recently I decided that rather than try to take Sky Blue in
a more country direction, I needed to start another, totally new band that
would play not only some of the songs I grew up with, but original music that
would take advantage of the influences that are dear to me. They tell me I
sound like Johnny Cash and I love Marty Stuart. Waylon Jennings opened my ears
and I can’t remember a time without Bob Wills. Lynyrd Skynyrd and Marshall
Tucker made a big impression on me as well.
I found some other guys who were sympathetic to the cause
and “After Taxes” was born. We are going to have a band launch party on Friday,
July 20 at the Oakshire Clubhouse at 95th & Nieman. This is just
across the street east from the Oak Park Mall. The address is: 9555 Nieman
Place, Overland Park, KS 66214. Food and drink will be provided and we will
start playing around 8:00, so come around 7:30.
Please RSVP so we will have an idea of how much food to get.
We will pass the hat to cover expenses.
