..Tony, hails from Roswell, New Mexico but has been in the Denver area for nearly twelve years singing and playing his self-taught style of guitar since turning fifteen years old. Having hosted numerous open stages around town, Tony has been able to provide aspiring local musicians with the inspiration and support to procure their own songwriting. To MEDINA he brings the same inspiration and value.
Shon is currently one of the busiest guitar/bass teachers in the Denver metro area and began playing guitar when he was 14 years old. His love and passion for music is apparent in the way he performs and approaches the instrument. Shons eclectic style includes blues, rock, jazz, funk, and acoustic open tuning flavors.
Stan has been singing and playing the drums since the age of eight. Moving to Denver from Kansas, Stan began playing in his high school band but quickly found his way (and more freedom) in the discovery of his love for writing and singing his own music. Never to be daunted by the music scene or it's ever changing existance, Stan always followed his muse, always eager to be challenged with music, no matter what the style.
Like Stan, James Han found is way into the Musical Hearts of anyone in earshot of his incredible musical abilities and personality. His heart truly resides with those few who play because they love music. His songwriting and instrument talents can be found on his profile http//www.myspace.com/jameshan. James quickly found his spot with Medina by showing up to the Open Stage, willing to play with Tony and Stan. From there musical events of historical purportions began to unfold.
Not very long later, a bright new talent walked into an openstage Tony was hosting. An amazing singer song writer/performer known as Dave Preston. (see his profile at www.myspace.com/davepreston.) His own music, backed by Tony on bass (switch) and Stan on drums and backing vocals, gives a new and continously fresh perspective without ever compromising talent. His singing style, also very difinitive, brings a savory texture to the sound of Medina. After a humorous discussion, Dave would easily become the bass player/vocalist with Medina.
Shon and Tony met coincidentally at a music store, started playing in March of 1997, forming Mean Old Man who played many venues in the local Denver area. Looking for a change and the chance to create a contrast to Mean Old Man, Tony and Shon met up with Stan, James and now Dave for the seamless evolution into MEDINA!
The chemistry was quickly apparent with Tonys passionate vocals and dynamic guitar stylings, Shons textural and melodic feel playing, and Stans unique vocal harmonies and tribal approach to hand percussion. James' inviting improve style and solid jazz/blues approach gave his keyboards a perfect place in the music of Medina. Upon the welcome of Dave Preston, Medina immediately became a musical force, with the Vocals now in at least Three parts, guitars expertly placed, drums paving the road with keys and bass guitar rounding out the group, all styles, genres, and audiences will find something not found in other bands: Great Music, Friends and an Honest Organic Chemistry.
Ironically, MEDINA had played at least six shows before even attending a formal practice together.
Slaus Brown-Paul, a long time friend of the band, found himself with Medina by just wanting to create some great music. His skills as a guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and producer were the meat-and-bone of the early Medina Shows. Influenced by many guitar heroes, Slaus soon became one to the members in Medina, honoring them with performances and flawless collaboration.
In early 2004, with the help of Slausl, MEDINA recorded The Burning Point CD, an acoustic based vacation and having just finished recording and producing The Consciousness of S.A.R.A.H. a two-disc set of songs recorded throughout the past several years.
With the New line-up, strengthening it's sound everyday, MEDINA is now playing around the local Denver music scene to a fast growing fan base that remains eager and faithful.
The future holds many things for MEDINAtake a listen
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