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Jeff's Musical History

You might be wondering what happened to Jeff. Why is he in a wheelchair? Why is he on stage? What’s his story? Oh, believe me, he does have a story! But that’s not what I want to tell you about here. I want to tell you about the musician, the artist, the music lover, the band leader, the music director, the set list maker, and the inspiration that fuels our passion for what we do in LunaFish. Jeff got bit by the music bug along with millions of other people when the Beatles played on Ed Sullivan. He was three years old. He discovered Jimi Hendrix when he was six. He was introduced to Frank Zappa when he was 9. Pink Floyd entered his life when he was 12. And his first live concert was Led Zeppelin when he was 16. The Grateful Dead was around for every musical milestone, creating a solid jam style foundation for his musical education. He picked up a guitar at 17, and worked to hone his craft with friends, jamming and recording everything they played. Over the years he played in several bands: R, The Amateurs, Guilt Trip, Clump, and Morality. Click here to see Jeff playing Too Rolling Stoned

The LunaFish Vision

Jeff had the idea for LunaFish for years, and in 2007, started putting the band together. He had a clear vision for what he wanted LunaFish to be and sound like; he wanted that San Francisco, psychedelic jam sound. And he nailed it on guitar. You can see some of his killer guitar playing here on our site. Check out the videos.

The Medical Accident

What we didn’t see coming was the blow we all would take in 2011 when Jeff went in for a surgery, and after several medical errors, came out four months later, unable to walk, talk, or move. But his mind was and still is all there.

Moving On

So, while he slowly learns to make his hands and body do what he wants, he leads. He inspires. He creates the set lists. He tells us which songs we’re learning need more work. He tells us when we need to just relax and play. He is on stage with us because he belongs on stage with us, taking his rightful place as leader of the band. If you are digging what we are doing, he is the man to thank!

From a young age, Chris loved to perform and sing.  From choirs to stage productions to fronting bands, she has been a force on stage.   Vocalists ranging from Billie Holiday to Janis Joplin, from Robert Plant to Chris Robinson, inspire Chris to give every song her all when telling the story of the lyrics.  Connecting with the audience and bringing them into the energy of the band is one of her favorite tasks as front person.

The original drummer of LunaFish, his dedication to the vision has remained steadfast, and all that experience shows up in the music! Bill's influences include Ringo Starr, John Bonham, Hal Blaine, and Jim Gordon.  At a young age, Bill got his first drum set when his mother got tired of him hitting her kitchen table with butter knives.  His love of music, a driving groove, and an incredible sense of timing give him the beloved band nickname of "train conductor".   Bill uses Tama B/B Star classic Performer drums, Pro Mark Sticks.

Much like Jeff, Joe was influenced by watching the Beatles on Ed Sullivan.  He has spent most of his adult musical life playing in various bands, perfecting his guitar and vocal skills.  He has a deep passion for songwriting, and the connection with an audience that enjoys his compositions gives him the most pleasure.  A long-time friend, musical brother, and fellow musician, Joe joins LunaFish with the intent to continue writing and performing original music, and good rock and roll! Joe plays Ibanez, Schecter, Variax Modeling, and Ovation guitars, Line 6 Helix Amp Modeler.

Another original player from the beginning, Mike has brought his love of music and intensity for perfection to LunaFish as the bass player.  Bassists such as Getty Lee, Chris Squire, and John Entwistle continue to drive Mike to be better and better with every gig.  He practices extensively, with the desire to be that much better at the next gig.  Solid and melodic, yet fluid and exciting, Mike and Bill make a fantastic rhythm section! Mike plays Alembic, Rickenbacher, Ibanez, and Ovation basses, Mesa Boogie amps.

Rich hails from a musical family, so his influences started early.  Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Neal Schon, and Jimmy Page struck a chord for him, and he has been wowing crowds with his guitar playing for years.  He plays to give people an emotional journey, and his emotionally charged guitar playing and musical interpretations make that crystal clear.  One of the newer members of LunaFish, he brings a fresh dose of guitar excellence, and with Joe Davis, the double guitar harmonies are out of this world! Rich plays Ibanez, Kramer, and Fender Guitars, Marshall, Mesa Boogie, and Line 6 Amps.

Howard comes to LunaFish with a love of prog rock music, with influences such as Yes, ELP, Tony Banks, and Todd Rundgren.   A lifelong player, he brings an energy to the band to round out the wide musical experience and joy LunaFish has in playing music.  His musical knowledge and sense of humor have been a welcome addition to the band.  Howard plays Nord Stage 3 and Hammond Sk-Pro Keyboards.