My real name is Gary Tremel and I love to flatpick fiddle tunes. I played in Rock bands since I was 12 years old and most of the way through high school. I started playing in commercial Country bands after I got out of the Navy in 1974 and was introduced to Bluegrass/flatpicking in 1975. Dan Crary was probably my biggest influence at the time. I made a living playing in the bars over the next ten years and attended college by day whenever I could. By 1985 I had graduated from the University of Montana and got accepted to Army OCS. I served eight years as a commissioned officer before embarking on my next career as a Harley mechanic. I played in some weekend Country bands from 1994-1998, but it was hard to keep it up while working full time as a mechanic. The "Harley mechanic" thing took me to five different states and eventually a full time job with H-D in Milwaukee. The music had taken a back seat for a long time, but wasn't completely forgotten. In 2007 I bought a proper flatpicking guitar and started practicing the standard jam tunes again. I had hoped to find a couple of flatpickers to get together with on a regular basis, but it hasn't been easy. In the meantime, I bought some basic recording gear to record rhythm tracks and then started recording the solo tracks while practicing.
There have been a few flatpicking contests along the way: Two third-place showings at Fiddlefest in Grove, OK. A second place showing at the 2008 Oklahoma State Championships. And recently, first-place at the 2009 Kansas State Championships in Lawrence, KS. I entered the National Flatpicking Championships in Winfield this year and placed second again in the 2009 Oklahoma State Championships.
This site is just an outlet for the amateur recording I do at home and maybe a place to connect with other folks who enjoy flatpicking. Ultimately, I'm looking for a couple of flatpickers that live near me that want to get together and pick for the sheer fun of it. Thanks for listening.
Hi There, We started a Facebook site and wanted to let you know about it in you case you have one too and would like to join us there as well as at Myspace. For the link... Just Click here----->
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Hey Gary, Thanks so much for the add. Among the different styles I love Flatpicking though a very mediocre flatpicker. I am a Texas Guitar player when accompaning fiddlers. I have spoke with Russ Barenberg and reminded him of his days with Flying Fish label and Fiddler Fever days. Love his solid picking style. Especially Ashoken Farewell with Jay Unger. I will enjoy visiting your site and hearing your fine tunes as well. Have a great day. Danny Z
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