Welcome to The Spurs USA
Traditional Classic Country Western Music at its BEST
BOB
Spurs drummer, Bob Jones, lives in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Bob’s played drums since age ten. He played his first show out when he was only fourteen playing contemporary rock (now referred to as “Classic”), but in later years focused mainly on blues and country. Bob has been in business around the Berkshires for years, from antiques to contracting. Married and loving life in the Berkshires with his family, he’s never made his living as a musician, but finds playing relaxing and fun. He is best known to his band mates as BOB JONES!, a result of fans calling out his name when he is introduced on stage. Who knows why? "People love Bob mostly because he is laid back and unassuming but has a rich and powerful Cash-like baritone voice when singing Cash's songs and others tunes" says O’Neil of his friend. He also has a wicked sense of humor.
ANDY
Andy Gordon started on the recorder in 4th grade, but the teacher took it away when he used it to dig in the sandbox. He then switched to the trumpet, and the teacher took it away when he put dish soap in it and tried to blow bubbles. Around 12 Andy tried the banjo and stuck with it because he loved fast bluegrass picking, esspecially when a kid told him that musicians get paid by the note. Later Andy started playing pedal steel because he loves corny old country tunes and the strong sexy sound of the instrument. He has been playing both ever since. Andy plays the banjo & petal steel all over the place. In his words, "Anywhere I can get a gig!" He has never given up his day job but is a hardcore weekend warrior who can be heard each week at rehearsal lovingly shouting, "...more tunes!". You just have to love this cool guy.
Meet The Spurs USA
JOHN
The band features local favorite John Barrett on bass. Many of you may know him from a band he played with for years in the 60’s, Rhythm Dukes, opening for bands like The Grateful Dead, Albert Collins and The Flying Burrito Brothers, and the list goes on. They also played hundreds of Bay Area gigs on their own. John is a long time Great Barrington resident and man about town. John's fan base can fill a club to overflowing, as he is so well loved and full of talent.“John won’t say much about himself, he is basically shy, so we will say it for him. He is a really cool cat with a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that we all respect and love. He can play almost any instrument, sax, piano, guitar, but he mostly loves and plays the bass. He is multi-talented in so may areas, from electrical wiring to making movies, too many to list. Suffice it to say he is the go to guy.”
DONA
Growing up in the tail end of the 60’s in the bay area of California with a guitar in my lap at age 10, not a bad idea. Hitchiking to Golden Gate Park and venues to hear the best music ever, Dona wrote, sang, played and lived her youth through music. The guitar set aside for a while she started using her vocal chords in bands, choirs, and her front porch with friends. She raised her only child, Olivia, to love it all and to do it all and as a result she currently has an indie /punk/original band of her own in Nashville. "She inspired me and when The Spurs gave me a shot, I jumped at it. Most grateful." Although Dona Sue is the stage name the band playfully gave her, her full name is Dona (Frank) Federico. Aside from playing music Dona dedicates much of her time and life helping to rescue animals with The Capital District Humane Society.
DWIGHT
Lead singer and guitar player, Dwight O’Neil, hails from Memphis but now lives in Canaan, NY. Dwight is a craftsman and artist, both of music and stained glass. Dwight owns a home studio business called October Mountain Stained Glass which called Pittsfield and Great Barrington home for years before moving in-house. Dwight played his first gig in 1968 at age 17 and has been playing ever since. He took a break to raise his kids with his wife, Karen, but music was never far from his heart. Dwight’s major musical influences have been Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, and George Jones. He also plays lead and rhythm guitar for the band but it is his genuine southern vibe that keeps fans wanting more and more of this fine musician.
We are so proud to have fiddle player, Paul Rice, in the group. It really gives us a chance to showcase our band in some different variations with Andy Gordon, on banjo for some tunes, and Paul on fiddle and vocals. Once you hear him play and sing, you will, like us, want more Paul! He is also a great mandolin and dobro guitar player and has a chance to showcase his many talents with The Spurs USA. Paul Rice is a popular figure in MA. He has been playing and teaching music in The Berkshires for over 25 years, many of the band mates he played with back in the day are still making music with him in one band or another. Daytime you can find him at Wood Brothers Music helping you with a purchase, some seasoned advice, or giving music lessons.
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PAUL
Now that you know a little more about us, we hope you will come and see us sometime and experience a little bit of what country was like back then, and is like once again. People are always telling us that they love traditional country western songs and remember them fondly from their past and now, the present.
