GERALD LEE AMES
Puyallup, WA
"Experiencing life, sharing through music"
GERALD LEE AMES has heard the music since a very young age. Raised in the small mountain farming community of Winthrop Washington, GLA has musical roots born in the Methow Valley's natural beauty and serene quality of living.
Gerald caught the country music bug around age five, playing his fathers Silvertone Spanish Guitar and looking at the black and white photos of Mr. Mel Bays chord shaped hands. Serious lessons began a few years later under the guidance of cousin and local guitar legend, Albert Ames from the Cascade Country Boys. "I remember, Albert would sit down and masterfully play Chet Atkins and just about every country artist of that time. Magically creating all this wonderful music. He's an incredible guitar player.
Admiration led to serious study. Gerald, or nickname Jay could be found always near a guitar and amplifier practicing feverishly to master the instrument. He cut his practice teeth on the Eagles, Skynard, Elvis to CCW, Cream to Cash, Hendrix to Hank Williams, the Who to America, Led Zep to Croce, VH to John Denver, Rush to Alabama and everybody or any body who he viewed as a master of the instruments. Primarily a rock player as a teen. Eventually roots lead home to GLAs first influences and upbringing. "It's wise to have an understanding of a great many styles of music, this leads to creating your own identity and walking your own path."
Modern country music influences would include great giants, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and Alan Jackson. "I've taken a liking to Montgomery Gentry too, they had a great show in Puyallup."
In 2006 rising country artist Gerald Lee Ames stampeded into the country music arena with the back to basics country rock Okanogan debut "Open Roads". "It was by design to break it all down and get back to country basics on this release. It was time to get the fiddle out."
NEW FOR 2008 "Cascade Country" features GLA’s song writing strengths and sheds light on the musicianship and humanity of Ames. Spanning both generation and genre, the most recent cumulative effort shines bright under the life inspired audio ramblings of several songs from the previous PRCo 2007 release “Walk thru Fire.†We went out live in support of Walk thru fire and began to forge a group sound. "Cascade Country" is the cd 12 song representation of the group live sound and a closer true representation of a live GLA sound for 2008. There is no denying the polished rock influences on this album any less than the country slide guitars and steele sounds. GLA /Cascade Country players include Donn Garrett drums, Chris Falskow at bass, Dennis Jackson lead guitars, Monica Strickland bk vocals, and more..........
The NEW PRCo GLA "Cascade Country" is due out early in 2008
GLA's 2007 release "Walk thru fire" and the 2006 "Open Roads" are available through CD Baby and itunes via the current commercial website with Puyallup Records Co.
PRCo and GLA are acitve finacial supporters of the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Partner In Hope, and the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity field/finacial contributor. Please give generously to these much needed community organizations.
For a FREE easy online guitar lesson click the band link above (broadband) Bring yer guitar.
CLICK ABOVE LINK www.geraldleeames.com
NEW! "You're Like Heaven" Ringtones available
