Myself - sax/vocals, Rich Smith - keys (a.k.a. Big Sexy), Lou Harlas - bass, Bono Saunders - drums, special guest Chris Borin - trumpet (whenever we have enough money to pay him)
Influences
Stevie Wonder, David Sanborn, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Dexter Gordon, Michael Brecker, Babyface, Take 6, Pat Metheny, Sting, Grover Washington, Buddy Miles, Andreas Vollenweider, Kenny Loggins, Tower of Power, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Mike Gage, Tom Cade (grandad), Al Jarreau, Wayman Tisdale
Sounds Like
I haven't spent much time listening to him, but someone once said that I sound like Stanley Turrentine. I like to think I'm on the road to having my own distinct sound; however, I would say that I sound like a mix of Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, David Sanborn, Grover Washington, and Dexter Gordon. That's quite a musical mutt, isn't it?!
When asked why he wanted to play the sax at the age of 11, Patrick Gage innocently replied, Because girls really like sax players. Almost 25 years later, he is still playing and has only just begun to tap the deep roots of his talent.
Patrick began his professional music career in the Dallas area performing with Professor D and the Playschool. During this time, he spent two semesters studying jazz at The University of North Texas.
In the late nineties, Patrick freelanced with a variety of local groups where, through numerous connections, he earned an opportunity to play at Blue Cat Blues with the legendary Buddy Miles. Upon hearing the young saxophonist, Buddy said, Oh yes! We will be working together again soon. As a result, Patrick spent the next two years touring the country with The Buddy Miles Express playing a long list of high profile venues: New Yorks Chicago B.L.U.E.S. and The Cutting Room, Bruce Springsteens The Stone Pony, The House of Blues in New Orleans and Los Angeles, Ronnie Van Zants (lead singer for Lynard Skynard) Freebirds, and the notorious Sturgis Bike Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, where they opened up for Grand Funk Railroad.
In addition to playing with the Buddy Miles Express and opening up for Grand Funk Railroad, Patrick has played in other groups sharing the stage with singer Jennifer Holliday and R & B group The Spinners, who were famous for their hit Disco Inferno.
After leaving the road, Patrick returned home to Dallas and continued freelancing until landing a spot in Dallas acclaimed Inside Out, where they opened up for Loverboy on New Years Eve 2003. Patrick is also a member of The Pathway of Life Church band, which is also home to some on the best musicians in Dallas such as Bobby Sparks (keyboardist for Kirk Franklin, Roy Hargrove, and Marcus Miller), Dwayne Heggar (bassist for Dallas staple Emerald City), and Keith Banks (one of Dallas' top drummers).
Thanks for the b-day post. Don't worry that you can't do the fancy stuff...at least you remembered. I think you're the only person to send me b-day wishes via MySpace...I appreciate it a lot!
Hey, are we going to get together for a Cowboy game or not?!? I look forward to seeing y'all.
Pat...sorry I haven't returned your call from the other day. I have been extremely busy...as we all have been I'm sure. Anyway, just wanted to let you know I hadn't forgotten about you. Let's get together for a game soon. Cya.
