   TOM COLTON - Lead Vocal and Lead Guitar
With 30 years of performing and recording experience, Tom Colton echoes familiar guitar licks ranging from the likes of Brian Setzer to rockin’ country sounds of Brad Paisley and Keith Urban. His lead vocals are strong and smooth with hints of Elvis Presley and Raul Malo (The Mavericks). Tom has produced 3 CD releases. He recorded a full length solo CD recorded at Short Order Recorder and engineered by Jeff Murphy (Shoes) entitled Welcome the Rain, introduced in 1994. He was chosen best guitarist by Gand Music & Sound for their 1997 CD release, Chicago’s Finest Fingers. Tom formed Kampfire Kowboys in 1999 and recorded his 2nd CD, Somewhere Blue, also recorded at Short Order Recorder. Released in 1999, Somewhere Blue received many rave reviews in the local press. Tom produced and wrote his 3rd CD titled “Stand Still” for Kampfire Kowboys. Stand Still was released in May 2000, and received rave reviews from the local press and music industry in general. In 2001-2002, Tom was lead vocalist for “Big Guitars from Memphis,” which played numerous concerts and festivals in and around the Chicago area. From 2003 through 2004, Tom played lead guitar for ”Band on the Run,” a Paul McCartney Wings tribute band. He also recorded the guitar tracks for the band’s demo. Tom is presently working on a new original CD entitled "Trick or Trail" which is still in production. In the meantime, he has re-introduced Kampfire Kowboys in a new country music show. In addition to the band's original songs, the band will play country & western music of the past and present. . More about Tom...   Dave Piper - Bass/Vocals Dave Piper - Bass Guitar and Vocals
In the Fall of 1997 Tom met up with his old friend Dave Piper who took a special interest in recording the bass lines for the new project. Dave contributes a fine seasoned bass guitar that pounds right to the heart. With 22 years of performing experience, this Fort Lauderdale, Florida import performed numerous live shows there with the band Omni. After moving to Chicago in the late 1980's, he formed the band Release, which played the Chicago area for many years. Dave also books local shows featuring his friend, Patrick Moraz (former Yes and Moody Blues keyboardist) Dave played bass for “Big Guitars from Memphis” for six years and played numerous concerts and festivals in and around the Chicago area. In December, 2006, Dave teamed up with Tom Colton and Scott Hendricks to form The Volcanoes. The Volcanoes played a variety of classic rock & roll tunes and performed many club and festival dates. Now Dave returns to Kampfire Kowboys to carry on the Kowboy tradition by insuring that the rhytmn section keeps pounding and roaring out those great country tunes!
   Nick Gee - Drums
Finesse, power, smooth, solid, reliable, professional, dynamic and musical. All words used to describe Nick Gee. After year of banging on pillows, tabletops, pots & pans, boxes and an old snare drum, Nick knew that music was no passing thing. His mother capitulated and bought his first “real” drum set at age 16 on the condition that he “take it seriously.” Now, some 20 years later, he’s done that and more. He performed countless live shows and on numerous recordings for original bands such as Side of Beef and The John Tucker Project as well as powerful cover acts Ferdi Vilas, Orion, and Speed of Sound. Nick also shared the stage with popular acts such as Lynch, Vierside, Loveblasy and The Insecurities. All these experiences have qualified Nick as a drummer who adds life to a song and engages and excites audiences. While playing drums throughout the years, Nick has worked as a finish carpenter to become a master stair and handrail craftsman. All of his knowledge of wood, stair building and percussion culminated into what he calls the “Scarab Drum Rack.” This amazing piece is a uniquely functional custom wood rack system far different from anything else available as of this writing. Nick claims that besides being quick, easy and relatively compact, the Scarab is hand-crafted, furniture quality and made to order. Nick’s number one fan and harshest critic, his wife Thea says, “as long as he plays with zing.” He does that and more! Read more about Nick at www.myspace.com/drummernickgee.   Ray Henaughan - Fiddle/Vocals
Ray has been playing in numerous country & bluegrass bands almost his entire life, most recently, "Workin Class Band" which performed for over 15 years and logged numerous shows all around the Chicago area. Workin' Class was the 1997 Wisconsin State Champion in the True Value/Jimmy Dean Foods Country Showdown, the largest country talent competition in the world. Workin' Class was nominated for "Best Country Artist of the Year" in the Chicago Music Awards two years in a row.
Ray also plays with a local Bluegrass band and enjoys dueling with that group from time to time. He also enjoys spending time with his musically talented family and performs with his church band every Sunday. |
