A blend of American Roots in the styles of Rock, Jazz, Blues, & Folk.

13 MP3 Songs in this album (55:07) !
Related styles: POP: Pop/Rock, JAZZ: Jazz-Pop

People who are interested in Steely Dan Bruce Hornsby Steve Winwood should consider this download.


Details:
If you're looking for the quintessential example of the working class musician, then the Portland based keyboardist / composer, Fred Stickley, may just be your guy. For every pop superstar living la vida loca with a major label deal, there are a thousand quality players such as Stickley making a living in the less-glamorous segments of the music industry.

A native of Eugene Oregon, Stickley moved to Los Angeles spending more than a decade in the music biz mecca. He studied at a prestigious school that focused on composing and arranging music for film and television. He also founded and wrote music for two bands, comprised of some of LA's best players. Perhaps the highest profile gig Stickley had during those years was playing in acclaimed singer/songwriter John Hiatt's band.

Returning to the Northwest to break from the LA scene, Stickley spent much of his time writing and producing music for media spots and music libraries. While the industrial jobs paid the bills, Stickley hungered to do music that fed his creative desires, not just those of his corporate clients.

"All About Horses," Stickley's debut album went a long way to satisfy those needs for self-expression. "Horses" is a polished work that more than holds its own as a commercial release. From the disc's catchy opener, "In the Long Run," to the Steely Dan-ish "Hope in Ways," to the souped-up soul of "Shine the Light," Stickley mixes in eclectic elements of jazz, latin, and pop, with impressive results.

King Beta, Stickley's current original music project, has been attracting a noticeable following over the last year. Packing them in at The O'Connor's Vault in Multnomah Village, King Beta is looking forward to the release of a new CD this Summer.

Most recently, in honor of the Obama Inauguration, "Time for a Change," was one of 15 songs selected out of hundreds, for CD Baby's "Obama Playlist."