beginning

I started playing the guitar at the age of 7 in Buena Park, California. My dad was an avid music fan. It was all about country, bluegrass, western swing and more. I guess that's where I first recognized a guitar and what it was. My brother ( Dennis Reed ) started playing it first. He had a few bands and I guess I wanted to be like that. Girls always liked musicians. Well, maybe not flute players, but a guitar...yeah. I began playing and recording little things with my brother in our bedrooms. Graduated to gatherings. I gained acceptance. Not bad for painfully shy. Next came real shows. Nervous beyond description. Then live radio. More performing. We did various folk festivals, contests and shows. Won some awards, placing 1^st & 2^nd in guitar and mandolin at the Topanga Banjo & Fiddle Contest-'75 & '76, Cal State Fullerton Banjo & Fiddle Contest-'74, '75, '76 , Follow's Guitar and Banjo Festival-'77, '78, '79, '80. We did McCabes in Santa Monica with Dog in a Hole. An interesting mix of dudes and hairstyles. Well, the race was on.

later on

I found an electric guitar. I experimented with a few different band configurations before settling on a trio. More room for my solos. Funny how a painfully shy guy can change overnight. I began performing with my little trio the effects. We did a number of showcases in Orange County including The Woodstock, Radio City and many others I can't remember. Later on I joined a punk band-The Psychotic Fungus. We were decent and I had the upper hand as I could actually play my instrument. It was cool, though, as the other guys had a certain command of their stuff that only raw, new and fun feelings can bring to it. We played some LA clubs like The Starwood, Club Lhasa, Madame Wongs, The Grand and once again, many others that I fail to rememeber. Hey, its like if you remember the 60's then you weren't there syndrome.

much later

In the late 80's and early 90's I started doing more lucrative projects. Which meant, I needed the money. I did a stint with Pat C. Pink that allowed me to work all day at a factory and then drive 50 miles each way to a local (?) Marine Base to play. Pat really knew how to book the gigs and that is one thing that I have never been able to do consistantly. Give me a talented player that can also market well and I'll give you whatever I have in my pocket, cause that's a rarity. The two just don't mix. Sorry for the hard left there. I also started doing more stage and studio work which allowed playing with the likes of Dick Dale & the Deltones (king of the surf guitar), Ian Tyson (of Ian & Syvia fame), Jackie Deshannon (60's pop icon), J.J. Cale (Clapton's After Midnite writer) and many others that I CAN remember, but will not devulge due to legal issues and restraining orders.

even later

I started playing with a band-The Lobster Repair. Was a great introduction to legal drugs, loud parties and gigs with nudity. Sometimes theirs, sometimes ours. We lasted about 3-4 years and even did a single: No Stinking Badges. I miss those dudes. I also did a mini-reunion of the effects, which meant we got together for a birthday or something. Lastly I went to the dark side and had a 3+ year stint with the country band Marc Corey Lee & Del Rio which resulted in 2 CDs, numerous gigs playing with the likes of Tracy Byrd, Ian Tyson, Diamond Rio and many others. Most importantly, it meant buying lots of cowboy shirts. Seriously, I made tons of friends and have a lot of good memories. I just have seizures when I see a 10 gallon hat.

now

In my delicate age now, I have decided that doing acoustic music again might be fun (which means amps are heavy and gigs are fewer). I am trying to play more with my little project the Frette Brothers. We have a few gigs here and there. The old folks seem to like us. I've played live and recorded with Sandii Castleberry. She's a great local singer-songwriter with a flair for marketing. Cool. I have also been supporting my brother Dennis in various concert settings. I have also guested on several CDs recently recorded including the freeradicals, Dennis Roger Reed, Charlene Johnson and Psycadelicatesin.  I am now working with super signer-songwriter duo Joey & Robin Latimer in the mountains of Idyllwild. I've met a number of great players on the hill, including Bill Plummer, Paul Carmen, Barnaby Finch, Chuck Alvarez and many more. Lastly and the hardest part is the recording of my first solo project. I have a number of pieces that need further polishing and of course money would be nice. Maybe a nice kick in the ass would do too.

some reviews

A selection of reviewer's comments on Don's playing: "…fiery, compelling guitar work…"Mike Bohem-LA Times, ", "…tuneful, rich tones from Don's guitar give the work presence and distinction…"Jim Washburn-LA Times, OC Weekly Magazine, ".

what i play

acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, octave mandolin, slide guitar, dobro, lap steel, banjo, bass, dulcimer and more!

contact

To contact Don Reed for booking: live performance, studio work and more-please email me with the title Don Reed Booking.