RT Carter

Bio:

I have been at music along time. My first band was formed in 1964 in Hayward, Ca We started with my good friend Dave Reedy playing (not kidding) pots and pans, myself on Guitar, and my other good friend Rich Dordan playing guitar. To say the least we were unique. Dave soon set aside the pots and pan and pickup a bass quitar and amp, and off we went. We found someone who could sing, Danny Aylla, and Bobby Fisher played drums. We called ourselfs The Jackson Street OFF Ramp. Honestly ,we played stright for 6 years, hundreds of gigs, Schools, Clubs, Rec. Halls, Roller Rinks, Pizza Parlors, Bars and even festivals. Wow, was that fun. Veitnam came knocking at the door, and four years of hell passed quickly. Hello, 1973 Rich and Dave and I got back at it. Less schools, more bars. lot of them. We were the 9 to 1:30 am band. Then we took a detour. Rich got a banjo, we found a mandolin player, and world class singer and quitarist, Desire McGee, and we became the Woodshed Bluegrass Band in 1979. Thats the only band I ever played with that made good money. We played tons of festivals, beer halls, you name it we played it. We always had a packed house playing Honky Tonk, Bluegrass, old country music. It was a kick. I moved to Santa in 1986 and left the band. Next stop, The Poet and Patriot Irish Pub. A life changing event. From the Poet's open mike, which is still the best around, has evolved numerous groups, Old No. 7, Toothless Grin, Long Tall Drink, Whiskey In The Jar, The No Marys, John's Garage, Minutes To Midnight, Pour House and more. What else can I say. I've been lucky to play in all those bands. So far, life is one long G cord. RT

Member Since:

March 27, 2010

Influences:

I was influenced most by Bob Dylan and the folk music scene of that era. When I began playing guitar I pick up a Dylan song book and discovered that some of the songs I loved by Peter, Paul and Mary were written by Dylan. Now I play all sorts of string music and always include some Dylan music.

Sounds Like:

The only music I really listen to faithful anymore is the music that people I know have written. So many good song wirtters that are unknown, and may never be know, who should be listened to. Only so much room at the top, and they of course already have a hugh audience. Better to listen to the music of your friends, in my opinion.

Record Label:

The RT Carter Studio