NEIL TEIXEIRA | ||
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Plays: Bass, vocals. Musical background: At 7 years old, my aunt took me for guitar lessons. I hated it...too much of a TV head. In High School, I found a passion holding two sticks together and making as much noise as possible. This eventually worked out to a brief stint as a drummer. BY 21, I gathered a number of musicians for a party, noticing there was no bass guitar. A rental from a friend, an amp and a book and I was playing the bass blues. The rest is , how you say, history ?? With a few tips from friends, and some vocal lessons, thanks to Mike and Nancy, I am proud to be part of rhythm and harmony which is The Dawgs. Best known for saying: "I need a coffee…" "Hey, wanna try something new ?” Influences: Far too many to mention. With percussion, everything from light rock to hardcore alternative. For the bass, I have always been fascinated with the talents of Roger Waters, John Entwhistle, Geddy Lee, John Taylor and Tony Levin. I still listen to disco to “feel” where the bass and drums make your feet move. Now, I listen to pretty much anything with a harmony or a beat and find great pleasure in singing along or tapping my hands on the steering wheel.
Most likely to order: Wings ( honey garlic ), Fish and chips, Grilled Chicken Caesar, Lime and Lager, Gingerale, shot of Southern Comfort, no Grand Marnier, please Role within the band: I have a unique gift of knowing or easily learning the words to almost every song written ( ok, that’s exaggerating a bit ) and I take full advantage of singing to my full potential with The Dawgs. Aside from the vocals, I have the pleasure of sharing the rythym section via the Bass Guitar. My feel for Mark’s drumming style tends to enhance my rythym attack and keep me bouncing on stage. When the beat goes down, I feel the music all over and can’t help but move around and “shake my bon-bon” to the nausea of the rest of the band. Most embarrassing moment on stage: Too many to mention; losing my hat repeatedly, hitting the microphone with my teeth, forgetting the words to"Blister in the Sun" and having the audience scream the first lyric at me...thank god for guys who enjoy a good laugh. What I like most about playing with The Dawgs: I have been given the chance to evolve as a musician as well as an individual. Mike, Mark and Bernie allow me the freedom to be myself and find my groove while sharing the spotlights. We have a strong sense of respect and understanding for each other’s needs on as well as off the stage. A fortunate bunch as there is no sense of egos to be dealt with and everyone seems to feed off each other’s energy, giving us fantastic stage presence where everyone is equal and appreciated. I continue to enjoy listening to everyone tempt themselves with something new and being surprised when a guitar lick, vocal burst or drum fill catches my ear and you can see the entire band smiling. We’re friends with family, including each other. Gear (for you 4 stringers): I now play an Ibanez Sound Gear, in hopes to educate myself to a 5 string ( If you haven't done it yet, its harder than it looks ) - the bass is a little synthetic ( nothing that cannot be equalized out ) but it is one of the lightest basses I have ever played. Anyone who tries my bass comments about how easy it is to play. My cabinet - Yorkville 400 watts Bass cab with EQ and Scorpion horn (bigger is not always better). |
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