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Laura Pratt (vocals, percussion) has been singing for as long
as she can remember -- probably since the time
she started talking. Her family is very musical,
and music has always been a big part of her life.
Like many of the new generation of country fans,
her ears were opened to the music in college
when she heard the Dixie Chicks. "Their
music was much more interesting than the stuff
I had been listening to on the radio." That led to interest in other
artists: Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Tim McGraw,
Faith Hill, Jo Dee Messina, Gretchen Wilson.
Like the rest of the band, Laura finds this
music fun to perform and she's excited to share
that with an audience.
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When JD Whittaker (guitar, vocals) was 18, he spent the summer with a record player and an old Gibson borrowed from his brother-in-law and learned to play folk and sixties hits. Through the Everly Brothers and the Byrds' tunes, he got interested in country harmonies and guitar playing and started listening to Buck Owens and George Jones. In the 1990s, Union Station made him sit up and listen to bluegrass for the first time. JD hosts the weekly "Stacked Wood" old-time jam during the non-summer months. This past year, he's discovered a lot of contemporary country he likes. "People love this music and when you play something they know, they're appreciative."
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Jim Pedersen (bass, vocals) has tons of experience playing bass in bands throughout New England, from hard rock, bands with original material,
and most recently classic rock. Prior to joining True West, he held down the bottom end in Cabby Joe, a popular local classic rock band.
Jim's always been a fan of country music...he counts Alabama among his favorite country acts...and when he became available we were fortunate to
have him join us.
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Mike Spencer (drums, percussion) started playing in
1991, inspired by friends wanting to play music
to what they had written. We're lucky to have him
(and his great new kit)! Country music has been
a favorite in Mike's house since he met his wife,
Brooke. Dwight Yoakam is an old favorite along with Willie
Nelson, Marie Chapin Carpenter, and Allison Kraus. |
John Kelly (guitar and mandolin, vocals) brought us all together and keeps us on track.
He has years of New England band experience, both on stage and behind the mixing board.
He keeps True West sounding fresh with his upfront lead playing, attention to technical detail,
and vocal arranging. John sings lead on a few songs and joins in singing backup.
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