Mendocino Quartet 6-23-16
Steven Bates playing with the Mendocino Quartet at the Kate Wolf Festival Thursday, 6-23-16 on the Arlo Forest Stage with Gene Parsons, David Hayes and Gwyneth Moreland.
Four professionals, all veterans of the international music scene. Individually, each is a gifted musician, vocalist and songwriter; together they represent a collaboration of 2 generations of Mendocino County’s own. The four members of The Mendocino Quartet share a deep love of music and a joyful performance style. When they take the stage, prepare for toe-tapping, knee-slapping, hand-clapping, finger-snapping and maybe your boots on the dance floor!
David Hayes on upright bass and vocals: a member of the Van Morrison Band for most of the last 4 decades, David is also a veteran of Jesse Colin Young’s band and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. David is also a popular musician-for-hire who has played with Ray Charles, Tom Waits, John Lee Hooker, and dozens more. David has over 250 recordings to his credit and has circled the globe many multiple times on tour.
Gene Parsons on guitars, banjos and vocals: a multi-instrumentalist with the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers, Gene is also a veteran of hundreds of stage and studio performances including with artists such as The Rolling Stones, Randy Newman, Arlo Guthrie, Sheryl Crow, Elliott Murphy and The Everly Brothers and numerous others. Gene is also the inventor of the String-Bender. Originally designed for his friend and musical compatriot Clarence White, the String-Bender is one of the most sought-after customized adaptions for electric and acoustic guitars the world over.
Gwyneth Moreland on accordion, guitars and vocals: an acclaimed songwriter and vocalist whose solo work and tours have taken her to stages all across the U.S. and a featured spot on shows such as NPR’s “Music City Roots: Live at the Loveless Cafe.” Gwyneth released her third full-length album Ceilings Floors and Open Doors in late 2014 and it was immediately embraced by Folk radio. Its lead single debuted on the Folk chart at #3 and was a #5 most played song for the month of January, 2015. Produced by bandmate David Hayes, the album also charted, landing at #31 for January and remained in the top 50 for succeeding reports.
Steven Bates on guitars, mandolin and vocals: leader of the Steven Bates Band, a favorite in clubs from Hollywood to his hometown on the Mendocino Coast, Steven is in-demand for dozens of performances every year. Steven is also a veteran of many studio sessions with producers such as Bill Bottrell and Calvin Turnbull and with musicians all along the West Coast.
