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BLESSED LIGHT :
Bio :: News :: Photos :: Merchandise :: MP3's :: Booking :: Licensing
The creative
force behind Blessed Light, singer/songwriter/guitarist Toby
Gordon, came into this world on June 17, 1977. His parents,
Linda and Jim Gordon, had been involved in the hippy-Christian movement
of the ?70s, and were talented folk musicians. Toby was alienated
from most of the television and pop culture that ruled the minds
of his generation, and so instead, his childhood was colored by the
classic folk, pop, and rock influences of the late ?60s and
early ?70s. Under the musical guidance of mother and father,
Toby formed the basis of his passion for music.
Most of his childhood was spent in North Bend, WA (about an hour
east of Seattle). This dark and mysterious landscape of the Northwest
has gained infamy through the work of Director David Lynch (as the
site where ?Twin Peaks? was filmed). North Bend is a
special place as unusual as legends claim. The backdrop surrounding
this quiet logging town is gorgeously epic, yet an ominous feeling
hangs in the air. Every brook, tree, and flower radiates a haunting
beauty like that of an ancient forest in a faerie tale. As has become
evident in his songwriting, Toby would not be able to shake the memory
of this place.
Toby?s unique upbringing and the eerie environment of North
Bend are two forces that greatly influence the sound of Blessed Light.
Of course there are many other contributing factors, and predictably,
the end result is not easy to describe. Although the band is not
fond of drawing comparisons, they understand that it is inevitable.
When asked to characterize their sound, they agree that the music
shares elements with artists such as the Moody Blues, ELO, George
Harrison?s early solo work (namely ?All Things Must Pass?),
and pre-disco Bee Gees.
The story of how Blessed Light ?came to be? begins seven
years ago. At the time Toby was living between Seattle and Olympia
while playing in the band Delta Haymax. Their sound was reminiscent
of ?50s and ?60s pop, although a bit rough-hewn. Through
a mutual friend, Toby met bass player German Nuestro, who he quickly discovered shared his enthusiasm and dedication for music. German
was recruited to play bass for Delta Haymax and the group went on
to release an LP in 1997. The band achieved a moderate amount of
success within independent music circles, but ultimately Toby and
German decided to move in other directions. In 1999, together with
a different drummer, keyboardist, and second guitarist, they formed
Blessed Light. After years of playing together, Toby and German have
developed a nearly telepathic interplay that remains one of the core strengths of the band today.
Since the formation of Blessed Light, members have come and gone.
For over a year now, the stability of the current line-up has endured
and will continue to do so. Justin Beard, a childhood friend of Toby?s
from Issaquah, WA, plays the drums. (Incidentally, Justin was also
in Delta Haymax for a short while). Maria Leon Guerrero, the fourth
member of the band, adds texture and melody on the keys. Recent live
performances have been at notable Seattle venues such as the Sunset
Tavern, the Crocodile Caf?, and the recently defunct Sit and
Spin.
In the past year, the band has retreated into a woodshedding period
as opposed to playing live in order to complete the recording of
a full-length album with producer Phil Ek. The band hopes to release
the album in November of 2003. Furthermore, Blessed Light is in a
happy relationship with Mill Pond Records. If all goes well, they
will release an album per year and tour extensively.
BLESSED LIGHT :
Bio :: News :: Photos :: Merchandise :: MP3's :: Booking :: Licensing
News:
Blessed Light is currently working on their new album and it should be ready for your ears to hear soon. We'll have more details for you soon!
Photos:
Merchandise:
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Blessed light
Love Lights The Way CD
mp001
Price : $12.00 (Shipping within U.S. included)
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Blessed Light
1 inch Button
Price : $1.00 (Shipping within U.S. included)
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MP3s:
Songs featured from "Love Lights The Way"
Booking Info:
Ben
Strehle - theblessedlight@yahoo.com
Promo materials: hi-rez artwork and radio spots available from the Mill Pond promo page.
Licensing Info:
Mill Pond Records
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