FMI Friends- Musician's Websites

Jim and Inge Wood
Jim and Inge perform primarily as a duo and present an eclectic mixture of folk and fiddle music that reflects their diverse backgrounds. Jim is a five-time Tennessee Fiddle Champion and twenty-eight year veteran of the professional Nashville music scene. He also plays mandolin, banjo, guitar and Upright Bass. Inge, a native of Costa Rica, performs on guitar, bouzouki, and fiddle, and sings a wide range of both original and traditional folk songs in English and Spanish. Jim and Inge are also very committed to helping others to learn and offer a wide array of educational tools.

http://www.jimwoodmusic.net/index.php

Nancy & Phil
"Mellow music with a snap." Old standards, traditional country, original songs & more in a folk country style with a hint of jazz. Nancy and Phil Halpin began singing & playing together in 1970, the year they were married. Nancy handles the upright bass & vocal harmonies backing up Phil's outstanding vocals & guitar as they perform an acoustic-style show with warmth and a hint of jazz (swing, snap, etc.).

http://www.nancyandphil.com/

Alex Valenzi & The Hide-A-Way Cats
Alex Valenzi is the greatest boogie-woogie piano player and the most distinguished Jerry Lee Lewis Brazilian disciple. The band plays storming sets always blowin' the houses down with their mix of traditional rock 'n'roll and original material. Rounding out the band are Fabio Brum - guitar, Leandro Negri - slap bass and McCoy - drums

http://www.alexvalenzi.net/home_en.htm

The Ultra Kings
The Ultra Kings hail in their live performances with high energy blend of Rockabilly, Rock and Roll, and Honky Tonk. The Ulta Kings have played with the likes of Sleppy LaBeef, Rosie Flores, Ray Conda and his Ricochets, Wayne Hancock, the Starlight Drifter, as well as backing Billy Lee Riley.

http://bikeage51.tripod.com/ultra/newhome.html

Esprit World Jazz
Alright, here we go cookin’ and a groovin’. Each band member is a veteran musician with a diverse musical background. Together they create a stew that blends into a sound euphoria. "FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!!
“I can't believe what a groove you guys had....Honestly, I was so stoked by that music--and your collective energy--I could have listened all night!" L.L. Check'em out folks.

http://myspace.com/espritworldjazz/

Barkin Barney & the Tall Boys
Great original Country /Americana. After many years of playing back-up for “Headliners” in the music business, Barkin Barney decided to sit down and tell his own story, writing his own songs. He hand picked a band from players who answered his call and REALLY “lucked out”, with some real “Giants”. We love’em.

http://www.myspace.com/barkinbarney

Jamie Aaron Kelley
Jamie Aaron Kelley is truly amazing. He is the very first person in history to memorize every song that Elvis EVER recorded in his career and then sing them all in public to prove it! The Record was finalized at 7:05p.m. on Sunday, August 15th, 1999! Graceland presented Jamie with a certificate for honoring Elvis' memory! The first time that has ever been done...

http://www.jamieaaronkelley.com/main.htm

Jim Anderson’s Monk-music.com
From Madison, Wisconsin Jim is a very talented musician, songwriter and all around great guy. "I just completed 2 CDs for National Public Radio's RPM challenge. The challenge was to create an all original 10 song album within the month of February. I got motivated and decided to do two ! Featured here are some of the songs off these 2 albums.

http://www.monk-music.com/index.htm

NUDIE & THE TURKS
Home based in Price Edward Island, Canada. Formed in the spring of 2005, Nudie and the Turks took their vision first to the streets, busking anywhere and everywhere…this lead to an East Coast Music Awards showcase; no small feat for a three month old band. After playing the clubs and a 6 month residency at the infamous Elm Avenue Social Club, they decided to follow Willie Nelson's Maritime Tour in 2006, busking for the people going in, then playing a show in each city. Four shows into the ten city tour, Billy English (Willie's percussionist/drummer) joined them, playing snare drum. They then got on the bus, hung out with band and crew, and were asked to play the end of tour party in St. John's. As well as seeing a few shows backstage, an invitation was extended to come to Texas to play Poodie Locke's (Willie's tour manager of 30 + years) club outside of Austin.

http://www.nudieandtheturks.com/home.php

Brad Colerick
Colerick’s music blends Americana, Folk and Country to create smooth, catchy melodies that seep into your heart with a single listen. His finely wrought, plainspoken lyrics find the poetry in everyday language to celebrate the often forgotten moments that make life worth living. “My California” contrasts the dreams of a mid-western boy with the reality of LA, a wry reflection on the perceptions and misconceptions of the Golden State. Its loping beat and chunky rhythm guitar take us down Sunset Boulevard with a perfect combination of wide-eyed wonder and smoggy cynicism.

http://www.bradcolerick.com/

Grass Mountain Hobos
The Grass Mountain Hobos are a gathering of backwoods friends who can be described wholly as a gang of hard working, light hearted foot stompers, who have an almost religious enthusiasm for good old fashioned hand made home-grown music. The Hobos have taken their own beliefs of a simpler life grown in the living rooms and fields of western Prince Edward Island and brought them to life on stages across the Maritimes. People of all ages enjoy the nostalgic sound and look of the Hobos...

http://www.grassmountainhobos.com./

The 454’s
With Rey "The Shark" Torres on Vocals and spankin' a mean Upright Bass, the 454's are Fast, Loud, Rhythmic, and always turning heads. Since 2004 they’ve ripped, roared and shredded through every backyard, Bar, Club and concert they’ve ever hit. Their spirit is to put the ROCK back into ROCK-N-ROLL. Their influences of Rockabilly, Punk, Rock and Country are very apparent in the music they write…

http://www.myspace.com/the454smusic

The Sugar Daddy’s
THE SUGAR DADDYS were formed back in 1995. Since then, they have been playing their brand of rockin', swingin', charged up rockabilly to packed houses from coast to coast and overseas.

http://www.myspace.com/thesugardaddys

Keslering Ridge
The Keslering Ridge Bluegrass band are one of our Bluegrass buddy's north of the boarder up in Ontario Canada. Check them out. They sound great and have a lot of fun.

http://www.kesleringridge.com

Rhythm Dragons
Anthony Vincent & the Rhythm Dragons are Arizona's own hollow body blasters, playin' Rockabilly and big bottom instrumentals.

http://www.rhythmdragons.com/

I-10 West
We have a wide range of styles and sound. The only thing I can say we sound like is I-10 West. So come to a show and take a ride from coast-to-coast on the I-10 west train and see what we are all about.” I-10 West is out of Phoenix, AZ. Check'em out on MySpace below.

http://www.myspace.com/i10west

Gerry's Walk-A-Billy Bass
Greetings from Cape Cod, Massachusetts and Bassist- Gerry Watts. ”I started playing drums while in my twenties. I loved playing but it just wasn't my instrument. One day, I picked up a bass, started fooling with it &...music poured out....

http://www.angelfire.com/ma/rockincatbass/

The Universally Famous Rocket Surgeons
Hailing from Breckenridge, CO with master bass blaster Brett Lomoro they say, ”Come Catch a Smokin’ Train with Us”. Check’em out on Myspace here.

http://www.myspace.com/ufrs

Thile, Instrument Technician
Thile, Instrument Technician

http://campus.murraystate.edu/staff/scott.thile/index.html

Musician Resources

”A” Sharp Music Method
Since 1997 over 1,000 students have taken music lessons at our 3 different locations. We started as a very small school but have grown to become one of the largest music schools in the area. We are dedicated to providing positive professional instruction to students of all ages and levels. As a parent we realize you have a choice between several different music schools. All studios are not the same. We constantly renovate and improve our facilities and provide ongoing training to our staff to ensure we are always providing our students and parents with the best experience possible.

http://www.musiclessons4all.com/

THETA SOUND STUDIO
Because the world needs your music!
Established in 1977 by Songwriter / Composer / Producer, Randall Michael Tobin, Theta Sound has evolved into one of the most versatile and comfortable recording and post-production facilities in the Los Angeles area. Located near Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, Theta Sound services the composer, songwriter and recording artist as well as directors and producers of film and television projects. "An environment where you can do your best." ~RMT. Please join us for the TOUR...

http://www.thetasound.com/

Planet Rockabilly
The Ultimate Source for Everything Rockabilly

http://www.planetrockabilly.com/

2000 Guitars Database: Fantastic Musical Instruments, Inc.
Great Selection of Fantastic Instruments at Bargain Prices

http://www.guitarsite.com/database/Stores/rec/7400

TalkBass.com: Bass Guitar and Double Bass Community Forums, Gear Reviews, Tabs, and More
Bass guitar and double bass online community. Gear reviews, expert advice from all corners of the bass world.

http://www.talkbass.com/

Music Staff.com
MusicStaff.com enables parents, students and musicians to find music teachers, music schools and music lessons anywhere in the United States by zip code. Our international search locates teachers by country.

http://www.musicstaff.com/default.asp

Bluegrass Music: Bluegrass Festivals, Bands etc. featured at Bluegrassworks.com.
Read about bluegrass bands or search for upcoming bluegrass music festivals and concerts at Bluegrass Works. We are the number one resource for news and information for bluegrass music, blue grass musicians, and fans.

http://www.bluegrassworks.com/index.php

Jazzitalia - Just Friends
Jazzitalia - Just Friends

http://www.jazzitalia.net/LinksMain.asp

Rockabilly Radio
The Voice of Rockabilly. Request your favorite Rockabilly song, Featured Artists, Rockabilly News.

http://www.rockabillyradio.net/

A WORD OF CAUTION: RockabillyBass(dot)com

“Though once a boon to slappers all over the world (and once my very favorite upright-related site), I can no longer recommend Rockabillybass.com or its message board. The board was taken over by a commercial user (in fact a good NINE MONTHS before they bothered to inform the board's users of the change), and a number of its moderators are customers and vocal proponents of the board's commercial owner - far from the impartial voice that is the cornerstone of moderation itself. There are still some great people, ideas and conversation left over there, but the site's current slant is clear. If you're looking for objective opinion and debate, approach with caution.” Brent Norton - Owner, Norton Customs

“Originally, Rockabilly Bass dot com appeared to be a great slapper resource. I even wanted to become a 'Sponsor'/ Advertiser. I followed their directions and sent in a nice banner ad per their specs. However, I never heard back from them even though I had sent several emails nudging them for a response. Then I started noticing that the comments on the forums were mainly coming from only a few 'Founding' members who had a definite ulterior motive. These guys are now 'Moderators'. At the time I just felt that they had lost their objectivity to give unbiased advice. A while later I noticed that the site was actually being run by a competitor, "Upton String Instrument Co." (Upton Bass) Check out the copyright at the bottom of the home page. Nobody likes being fooled. Of course, I immediately deleted all their banner links from our site. Call me silly but I don't like to be tricked into advertising for a competitor." Chris Ehst – Manager, Fantastic Musical Instruments

FMI Partners

Eastman Strings
Eastman Strings is widely recognized as a leading maker and distributor of fine stringed instruments and bows ranging from fractional size instruments for young beginners to outstanding master instruments and bows for advanced and professional players. Over the years, we have striven to supply musicians with the best possible quality at reasonable prices. The wide variety of instruments available from Eastman Strings includes Chinese, German, and Eastern European lines. All are distinguished by their quality materials and expert craftsmanship. Instruments by Eastman Strings are crafted using traditional methods and materials. Aged tonewoods and quality hardwood fittings are fashioned by hand by talented craftspeople under the guidance of master luthiers in precisely the same manner as the famous German and French workshops made them a century ago.

http://www.eastmanstrings.com/

The Music Link
The Music Link is a wholesale manufacturer and distributor of musical instruments. Our goal is to bring you the most highly-crafted instruments with respect to longstanding musical traditions, accurate historical designs and unbeatable value. Since 1997, we've established ourselves as a premier manufacturer and distributor of instruments nationwide. What began as a small operation in a garage in Brisbane, CA has developed into a massive musical instrument corporation with warehouses on both sides of the U.S.

http://www.themusiclink.net/

Fishman Transducers
The Fishman revolution got its start with acoustic instrument pickups. Larry Fishman's first product to market was the BP-100 acoustic bass pickup, which was created to solve his own personal amplification needs as a jazz bassist. Larry's drive to make himself heard while retaining an incredible tone carries over in Fishman products for the violin family, banjo, mandolin, harp/piano and more.

http://www.fishman.com/products/acoustic-instrument-pickups.asp

Saga Music
Saga Musical Instruments has steadily grown to be one of the largest importers and distributors of stringed and fretted musical instruments in the world. For close to 30 years Saga has been a global pioneer in the successful development, marketing and distribution of high-quality student and professional level musical instruments. We have traveled the world, often to remote destinations, in search of skilled and proven manufacturing sources to meet our quality requirements and supply demands. So when you purchase instruments, parts or accessories from Saga, you know you’re going to the source... for the finest quality musical instruments on the market today.

http://www.sagamusic.com/

Greg Bennett Guitars
For almost 40 years Samick has manufactured product for the leading brand names in the guitar business. In the process, we learned a great deal about not only what goes into a great guitar, but how to produce it at an affordable price. We also realized that the ability to produce quality product at an affordable price was only half the equation. There needed to be an all out effort to develop a powerful new identity for the product and our company.

We needed an entirely new line. For this enormous task, we called on Greg Bennett, an industry marketing and design veteran of almost 30 years. Greg’s experience in high level marketing positions with the industry’s leading manufacturers and retailers, coupled with a formal design and performance background, made him uniquely qualified. The challenge was to take the majority of credible design or style categories and design product that in effect paid tribute to the original designs while creating a new and unique perspective.

http://www.gregbennettguitars.com/index.html

Concord International Group
We are committed to manufacturing Christopher® Double Bass, Cello, Viola, & Violin, Concord® Cases & Accessories of the highest quality for the student & professional market. Our company was founded in 1987 with an office in Elk Grove, Illinois and manufacturing facility in Beijing, China. Over these 18 years, we have grown to become one of the largest string manufacturing facilities in China. Concord® has made a significant investment in quality woods, aged in a controlled environment in our plant. Our expertise in woodworking allows us to create and form our own veneers for our instruments. Attention to detail including the arch on the top and back of our instruments gives instruments a superior tone and lasting durability.

http://www.concordgroup.com/

Music "Notes" for Thought


Although FMI is non-political in nature, in the light of the political environment in the U.S., we are compelled to speak out. FMI supports the Voice of Freedom ,"The Constitution for the United States of America" and Common Sense by Thomas Paine. We carry this torch of freedom and liberty along with true American Patriots, enlightened by the genius of our Founding Fathers, who want to get our country back on track. We find that U.S. Congressman, Ron Paul along with many others, express this viewpoint as well. Inform yourself, think for yourself then act!


Other Links We Like

Gifts From A Distance - http://www.giftsfromadistance.com/ Our mission at Gifts From A Distance is to create a unique shopping experience that shares with the world. A portion of the proceeds from each sale is donated to charitable organizations.