Kat
Scot
Gary
Jessie
Karl
Gary Reece
(lead guitar, keyboard, and vocals)
- Scholar. Sage. Mystic. Visionary. Gary is an obscenely talented multi-instrumentalist
who is equally proficient on keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. Originally from the
suburbs of north Dallas, he honed his chops as a drummer in high school marching band
and jazz band and listening to records by Rush. It was also during this time that Gary
exploded as a multi-instrumentalist. He was a key member in Tres Hombres, a well known
original group in Carrollton in which each player doubled or tripled on other
instruments throughout the set. He was later lead guitarist in the pop/rock cover
band, Goochie Malone, who received special mention in the local media for their
performance at a high school talent show. As an itinerant musician, Gary played
with a litany of musicians and bands in the Carrollton/north Dallas area including
the acclaimed Blues Brothers Tribute band and Lake Dallas progressive rock group,
Silent Thunder. He later went on the road with Capitol recording artist and
progressive power trio, Flyte. After a year in Phoenix, AZ playing keyboards
with contemporary Christian group, Straightway, he enlisted in the US Army to
see the world. Military assignments to places such as Panama, Monterey CA, and
South Korea afforded Gary many opportunities to play including an award winning,
morale boosting performance for the troops in the shadow of the DMZ in South Korea.
After settling in Austin, TX in 2003 Gary stayed busy with various projects including
producer and musical director for 2003 Nashville Star finalist Kristen Kissling;
guitarist for original tex-mex/pop/rock group Raised By Humans; guitarist/keyboardist
for Austin’s premier 80’s cover band Red Alert; and most recently commuting to Dallas
to play keyboards for Thunder Road, the Bruce Springsteen tribute band.
Influences - As a multi-instrumentalist, Gary’s influences vary widely. But one common thread is that he likes music that is deep and expansive; with equal measures of powerful rhythms, rich keyboards, and soaring guitars. In no particular order, Gary's musical journey has been greatly affected by: Led Zeppelin, The Who, Rush, Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, Ravi Shankar, Elton John, Journey, Supertramp, Eric Johnson, Steely Dan, The Cars, Steve Vai, Thomas Dolby, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, and the general synth explosion of the 80’s. Kathleen "Kat" Cairns (lead vocals) - Having recently relocated to Austin, Kat’s music career has taken a new and exciting direction. A little history: Kat was raised on a steady diet of Texas blues, and Patsy Cline twang, along with solid rock sensibilities. Singing since the age of 10 she found herself drawn to Southern rock, where real life, powerful rhythms, and the fine art of storytelling all come together. Kat brings to her music today 15 years of voice training, a firm foundation and the strong sense of history and form. Her 2 critically acclaimed CDs are receiving worldwide airplay, prompting Blues Revue Magazine to gush “Cairns remarkable voice is as tough as Angela Strehli and as nuanced as Bonnie Raitt.” She began singing professionally in 1990 and received a phenomenal response from audiences with her rough and tumble voice and her engaging, energetic style. Her vocal styling have often been compared to those of Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Grace Slick, and Melissa Etheridge, yet she delivers the fresh outlook that only a new generation of bluesy rock singers can capture.
Influences - Hard to put in any order, so, just randomly listed: Pretenders, Bonnie Raitt, Heart, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Lynryd Skynyrd, Patsy Cline, Peter Gabriel, Irma Thomas, Squeeze, XTC, Linda Ronstadt, Robert Palmer, Journey, Billy Joel. Jessie Sanchez (drums, lead vocals) - A professional drummer for over 20 years in the Austin, Texas music scene, Jessie Sanchez, "J.J." as called by friends, is a versatile and seasoned drummer; well versed in Country, Rock, and Rhythm & Blues. Throughout the years he's performed with many Austin area bands such as "Star Trail", "Leading Men", "Van Wilks", "Chuck Koble & Diamondback", "Peoples Choice", "Pete Benz", "Rio", “Music City recording artist Derryl Perry”, "Haywire" “Lost in Austin” “Platinum”
At the age of five he knew he wanted to play the drums. His father was a drummer/vocalist for several bands in the mid-Michigan area for years. This inspired Jessie to become the drummer and vocalist that he is today. Jessie’s first stint in the recording studio was in 1976. He was just nine years old when he recorded a “45” rpm record with his father's gospel band "The Sounds of Nimbus."
From 1996-1998 he toured Texas and the Southwestern United States with "Chuck Koble & Diamondback" in a national sponsorship with Budweiser’s “In Concert” series. The tour caught the attention of “Yamaha” (Drums) and “Zildjian” (Cymbals), which lead to Jessie’s endorsement deal with both companies. On the tour, the band opened for and; or performed with recording artists "Martina McBride", "Ty Herndon", "Asleep at the Wheel", "Eddie Raven", "Wade Hayes", "Diamond Rio","Toby Keith", "The Marshall Tucker Band", "Dr. Hook", "Trace Atkins", "Trisha Yearwood", "Jerry Jeff Walker", "Terry McBride and the Ride", "Gene Watson", and "Darryl Singletary". In the spring of 2003, Jessie went on the road with Music City recording artist, Derryl Perry. With Perry, he toured the US playing the A-clubs and casinos.
Currently, Jessie is the drummer/vocalist for Austin's premier 80's cover band, "Red Alert" performing the very best in 80's dance, pop and rock. Jessie also does fill-in work with some of Austin's top variety bands as well as some occasional studio work.
Influences - Jessie’s drumming influences are very eclectic but will start with his Father Jesse Sr.. Seeing his Father as a “Singing Drummer” while growing up had inspired Jessie to become just that - “ A Singing Drummer”!
Other drummers/singing drummers include: Don Henley, Phil Collins, John Bonham, Steve Gadd, Steve Smith, Brian Prout, Mike Kennedy, Eddie Bayers, Paul Liem, Tommy Aldridge, Larry Londin, Manu Katche, Jeff Porcaro, Todd Sucherman, Dean Castranovo and too many more to list!
Jessie proudly uses : Yamaha / Gretsch Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Audix Microphones, Gibraltar Rack System, Vic Firth, Behringer Mixer , and Shure Microphones Scot Johnson (bass, lead vocals) - Scot began his professional music career at the tender age of 13, playing bass in a variety of country music clubs in Colorado. After playing in Jazz bands throughout high school, he attended world famous Berklee College of Music for 2 years studying audio engineering and performance. During a summer break in Austin, Scot joined a local cover band and went on tour for the first time playing all over the southern United States. Since that time he has played for a variety of successful bands including The Occupants, Random Order, and Brave New World. As one of the founding members of Red Alert, Scot brings over 25 y ears of live performance experience to the band.
Influences - - Scot draws on a wide variety of musical influences and styles. He is particularly fond of music from The Beatles, REM, Radio Head, and U2. In addition, he loves cool jazz, particularly the work of Miles Davis. Having cut his teeth in live music during the 80s, Scot really enjoys bringing that music back to life for old and new audiences alike. Karl Friedrich (lead guitar, vocals) - Karl was born and raised in Pittsburgh PA and took up the guitar following in the footsteps of older brother Bob. He’s been playing guitar for over three decades. While residing in Pittsburgh he studied under the direction of legendary Victor Lawrence. Vic is credited with training, among a huge list of world class guitarists, Pittsburgh’s guitar virtuoso Joe Negri (Mister Rogers Neighborhood).
With electronics and acoustics as hobbies, you’ll always find Karl tinkering with gear, building something, or taking something apart. Sadly, he’s suffering from G.A.S (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) a dreaded and incurable disease that afflicts an alarming number of musicians enslaved to high-tech industries. In attempts to keep his G.A.S in remission, you’ll often see Krazy Karl’s liquidations occur frequently on eBay. Karl has experience as a recording sound engineer and has recorded, mixed, and produced various compositions for his bands and other musicians.
Influences - Karl’s roots lay in the late 60s and early 70s classic rock. Some of his primary influences have been the likes of Tom Johnston (The Doobie Brothers), Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Ronnie Montrose, Dickie Betts (Allman Brothers Band), Jimmy Page (Led Zepplin), Robin Trower, and Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath). He’s been in rock bands since his early high school days, continuing through college and beyond starting in his hometown, to Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC, Portland OR, and now finally in Austin TX since 2000. Over the same period he’s contributed his musical talents on acoustic guitar in worship services. Besides playing the guitar, he plays the bass and harmonica and sings lead and backup vocals.
Influences - As a multi-instrumentalist, Gary’s influences vary widely. But one common thread is that he likes music that is deep and expansive; with equal measures of powerful rhythms, rich keyboards, and soaring guitars. In no particular order, Gary's musical journey has been greatly affected by: Led Zeppelin, The Who, Rush, Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, Ravi Shankar, Elton John, Journey, Supertramp, Eric Johnson, Steely Dan, The Cars, Steve Vai, Thomas Dolby, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, and the general synth explosion of the 80’s. Kathleen "Kat" Cairns (lead vocals) - Having recently relocated to Austin, Kat’s music career has taken a new and exciting direction. A little history: Kat was raised on a steady diet of Texas blues, and Patsy Cline twang, along with solid rock sensibilities. Singing since the age of 10 she found herself drawn to Southern rock, where real life, powerful rhythms, and the fine art of storytelling all come together. Kat brings to her music today 15 years of voice training, a firm foundation and the strong sense of history and form. Her 2 critically acclaimed CDs are receiving worldwide airplay, prompting Blues Revue Magazine to gush “Cairns remarkable voice is as tough as Angela Strehli and as nuanced as Bonnie Raitt.” She began singing professionally in 1990 and received a phenomenal response from audiences with her rough and tumble voice and her engaging, energetic style. Her vocal styling have often been compared to those of Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Grace Slick, and Melissa Etheridge, yet she delivers the fresh outlook that only a new generation of bluesy rock singers can capture.
Influences - Hard to put in any order, so, just randomly listed: Pretenders, Bonnie Raitt, Heart, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Lynryd Skynyrd, Patsy Cline, Peter Gabriel, Irma Thomas, Squeeze, XTC, Linda Ronstadt, Robert Palmer, Journey, Billy Joel. Jessie Sanchez (drums, lead vocals) - A professional drummer for over 20 years in the Austin, Texas music scene, Jessie Sanchez, "J.J." as called by friends, is a versatile and seasoned drummer; well versed in Country, Rock, and Rhythm & Blues. Throughout the years he's performed with many Austin area bands such as "Star Trail", "Leading Men", "Van Wilks", "Chuck Koble & Diamondback", "Peoples Choice", "Pete Benz", "Rio", “Music City recording artist Derryl Perry”, "Haywire" “Lost in Austin” “Platinum”
At the age of five he knew he wanted to play the drums. His father was a drummer/vocalist for several bands in the mid-Michigan area for years. This inspired Jessie to become the drummer and vocalist that he is today. Jessie’s first stint in the recording studio was in 1976. He was just nine years old when he recorded a “45” rpm record with his father's gospel band "The Sounds of Nimbus."
From 1996-1998 he toured Texas and the Southwestern United States with "Chuck Koble & Diamondback" in a national sponsorship with Budweiser’s “In Concert” series. The tour caught the attention of “Yamaha” (Drums) and “Zildjian” (Cymbals), which lead to Jessie’s endorsement deal with both companies. On the tour, the band opened for and; or performed with recording artists "Martina McBride", "Ty Herndon", "Asleep at the Wheel", "Eddie Raven", "Wade Hayes", "Diamond Rio","Toby Keith", "The Marshall Tucker Band", "Dr. Hook", "Trace Atkins", "Trisha Yearwood", "Jerry Jeff Walker", "Terry McBride and the Ride", "Gene Watson", and "Darryl Singletary". In the spring of 2003, Jessie went on the road with Music City recording artist, Derryl Perry. With Perry, he toured the US playing the A-clubs and casinos.
Currently, Jessie is the drummer/vocalist for Austin's premier 80's cover band, "Red Alert" performing the very best in 80's dance, pop and rock. Jessie also does fill-in work with some of Austin's top variety bands as well as some occasional studio work.
Influences - Jessie’s drumming influences are very eclectic but will start with his Father Jesse Sr.. Seeing his Father as a “Singing Drummer” while growing up had inspired Jessie to become just that - “ A Singing Drummer”!
Other drummers/singing drummers include: Don Henley, Phil Collins, John Bonham, Steve Gadd, Steve Smith, Brian Prout, Mike Kennedy, Eddie Bayers, Paul Liem, Tommy Aldridge, Larry Londin, Manu Katche, Jeff Porcaro, Todd Sucherman, Dean Castranovo and too many more to list!
Jessie proudly uses : Yamaha / Gretsch Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Audix Microphones, Gibraltar Rack System, Vic Firth, Behringer Mixer , and Shure Microphones Scot Johnson (bass, lead vocals) - Scot began his professional music career at the tender age of 13, playing bass in a variety of country music clubs in Colorado. After playing in Jazz bands throughout high school, he attended world famous Berklee College of Music for 2 years studying audio engineering and performance. During a summer break in Austin, Scot joined a local cover band and went on tour for the first time playing all over the southern United States. Since that time he has played for a variety of successful bands including The Occupants, Random Order, and Brave New World. As one of the founding members of Red Alert, Scot brings over 25 y ears of live performance experience to the band.
Influences - - Scot draws on a wide variety of musical influences and styles. He is particularly fond of music from The Beatles, REM, Radio Head, and U2. In addition, he loves cool jazz, particularly the work of Miles Davis. Having cut his teeth in live music during the 80s, Scot really enjoys bringing that music back to life for old and new audiences alike. Karl Friedrich (lead guitar, vocals) - Karl was born and raised in Pittsburgh PA and took up the guitar following in the footsteps of older brother Bob. He’s been playing guitar for over three decades. While residing in Pittsburgh he studied under the direction of legendary Victor Lawrence. Vic is credited with training, among a huge list of world class guitarists, Pittsburgh’s guitar virtuoso Joe Negri (Mister Rogers Neighborhood).
With electronics and acoustics as hobbies, you’ll always find Karl tinkering with gear, building something, or taking something apart. Sadly, he’s suffering from G.A.S (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) a dreaded and incurable disease that afflicts an alarming number of musicians enslaved to high-tech industries. In attempts to keep his G.A.S in remission, you’ll often see Krazy Karl’s liquidations occur frequently on eBay. Karl has experience as a recording sound engineer and has recorded, mixed, and produced various compositions for his bands and other musicians.
Influences - Karl’s roots lay in the late 60s and early 70s classic rock. Some of his primary influences have been the likes of Tom Johnston (The Doobie Brothers), Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Ronnie Montrose, Dickie Betts (Allman Brothers Band), Jimmy Page (Led Zepplin), Robin Trower, and Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath). He’s been in rock bands since his early high school days, continuing through college and beyond starting in his hometown, to Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC, Portland OR, and now finally in Austin TX since 2000. Over the same period he’s contributed his musical talents on acoustic guitar in worship services. Besides playing the guitar, he plays the bass and harmonica and sings lead and backup vocals.