The Following article authored by Rick Shultz, a featured writer for a Sacramento music publication called "Inside Magazine" highlighted Avalanche's journey through the years. Though, there have been many different faces of Avalanche, The band was one of Sacramento's best loved. The article titled "Light at the End of theTunnel" as follows:
In 1966, Sacramento spawned a band made up of five local musicians who had dreams of stardom in their eyes. Even more than stardom, however, was the dream of making records. That dream. of course, is shared by everyone who plays music and many accomplish it. Many others fail along the way and the dream remains a dream. But as we close 1980, some 14 years from 1966, that local band known as Avalanche has realized their dream and has released their first record, a 45, on Bull Records. Led by Gene Thorpe and Colin Hobbs, Avalanche's record release is a story worth looking at. The fact that there is still a Avalanche is amazing in today's crazy world of Rock and Roll. A few years ago, Avalanche itself was almost a memory. After years of drifting about on the road in the Midwest, Avalanche was given up for dead. Internal strife and poverty had scuttled one version and excessive road fever wiped out another. At one point, Avalanche was kicked off the agency's roster for being too crazy to handle and came close to being banned in several western states. Like a man without a country, Avalanche became a band without a home. Still the desire was stronger than the despair and the show went on. Returning to Sacramento, Thorpe and Hobbs took the band down to the basics and began a rebuilding program that took them through the dive bars and lounges, places they thought they'd played for the last time years ago. Gone were the bright lights, the road crews, the agents and the money. But there was still a little magic left as bit by bit and player by player Avalanche rose again. Today's Avalanche is a far cry from the Avalanche who returned to Sacramento with it's tail between it legs some time ago. The biggest addition was the musicians. Bassist Buddy Harpham, Guitarists Steve Westmoreland and Gordon Tice, and drummer Gary Edwards have joined Thorpe and Hobbs in the best Avalanche Yet. Currently working the top clubs in Sacramento as well as the schools, Avalanche is selling records. Available in all Tower Records stores and the Record Factory, Skip's Music and the Vox Room. Also, to go along with the promotional push, it is rumored, Avalanche is due for a segment on Channel 3's "Weeknight". Thus, today finds a band with an old tradition living a new life. The energy that seemed lost is back now and stronger than ever. Some old friends and many new ones, together make for an exciting and entertaining events when the band strikes up a tune.
Influences
My Wife Betty, who is my greatest inspiration and fan.
Music is my life's passion. Music can move and inspire us. Music evokes emotions that can drive us to tears or can raise our spirits in exultation. It is my mission to promote and produce music that uplifts the human spirit and gives honor to God, the Author of music and of life itself. I welcome all musicians and bands who would like to be a partner in this network, but please, do not submit inappropriate material.
Sounds Like
Tice has a very distinctive vocal who's musical styles are reminiscent of The Eagles, Loggins and Messina, Doobie Brothers and Boz Scaggs.
J. Gordon Tice began his musical journey in the late 60's in Sacramento, California. He started out playing in club bands throughout Sacramento and outlying areas. He became known within the rock and roll circles as one of Sacramento's premier vocalists. In 1978, Tice became a member of the long standing band, "Simultaneous Avalanche". This gave Tice the opportunity to share the stage with some of the most incredible musicians in the area. Tice began writing songs and penned the tune, "Califonia Rock and Roll", that would become a Rock and Roll anthem in an era when polyester and platform shoes reigned supreme. "Avalanche" survived the disco era by remaining true to the bands calling and became an endelible imprint on Sacramento's Rock and Roll generation. Gordon is now bringing his passion for music to the central valley practicing attentive recording, solid engineering and creative production.
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