...in the beginning
Redvette’s "genesis" was in 1981...
Started by Joe White and Kevin Luce, after deciding the band they were playing for at the time was not happening. Joe started as the bass player and lead singer, and Kevin as the only guitar player. Joe came up with the name on Highway 101 heading back into Redwood City after a totally lame rehearsal with their soon to be old band members. Kevin caved on the name after Joe persisted. This came to be a major part of Joe ’s personality...Nag until they cave! and Joe came to say years later..."I wish I would have listened more to LUCE".
They then hooked up with Kevin’s friend, drummer Grant Walthall. After a very short time Joe decided he would rather sing exclusively, and they snatched-up Joe ’s long time friend Jack Gleason from another local up and coming band to play bass. Jack and Grant soon became THE tightest rhythm section of any band of the era. Although Kevin thought the band was perfect as is, Joe was wanting a little more, and finally convinced Kevin (though the nag factor) that the addition of Tim Girard on keyboards would not diminish the bands rocking energy but add to it immensely. Tim’s musicality and vocals took the band to deeper well, and his general delinquency with motorcycles and explosives actually helped garner the band all of the local “bad press” necessary to provide Redvette an authentic Rock and Roll reputation.
The music of Redvette is cherished by many, and was considered to be way ahead of its time.
The members of Redvette hope that you enjoy their music and invite all of the old friends, fans, and crew to use this site as a gathering place to remember the good times, bitch about the bad times, and relive...for a bit...the rockin’ 1980’s.
Joe White Jan '06
Started by Joe White and Kevin Luce, after deciding the band they were playing for at the time was not happening. Joe started as the bass player and lead singer, and Kevin as the only guitar player. Joe came up with the name on Highway 101 heading back into Redwood City after a totally lame rehearsal with their soon to be old band members. Kevin caved on the name after Joe persisted. This came to be a major part of Joe ’s personality...Nag until they cave! and Joe came to say years later..."I wish I would have listened more to LUCE".
They then hooked up with Kevin’s friend, drummer Grant Walthall. After a very short time Joe decided he would rather sing exclusively, and they snatched-up Joe ’s long time friend Jack Gleason from another local up and coming band to play bass. Jack and Grant soon became THE tightest rhythm section of any band of the era. Although Kevin thought the band was perfect as is, Joe was wanting a little more, and finally convinced Kevin (though the nag factor) that the addition of Tim Girard on keyboards would not diminish the bands rocking energy but add to it immensely. Tim’s musicality and vocals took the band to deeper well, and his general delinquency with motorcycles and explosives actually helped garner the band all of the local “bad press” necessary to provide Redvette an authentic Rock and Roll reputation.
The music of Redvette is cherished by many, and was considered to be way ahead of its time.
The members of Redvette hope that you enjoy their music and invite all of the old friends, fans, and crew to use this site as a gathering place to remember the good times, bitch about the bad times, and relive...for a bit...the rockin’ 1980’s.
Joe White Jan '06
posted by Jacky G. at 11:51 AM
22 Comments:
Actually, that was JOE writing the initial "BLog", as he's kinda the webmaster untill he starts "Naggin" and quits. The real purpose and intent here is to provide a forum for us, our families, and friends to remain connected.
Listen to the (RedVette) music! It's all about livin' and Lovin'...through good times and bad...with Hope for the future, and without any encitement of "Sensless death and destruction" that a lot of deficientcy motovatied music seemed to preach at the time.
People hear it today even and dig it for it's tightness and energy.
I'll be trying to get us together again...as often as possible...to relive some of the best times of our lives.
Gotta Go! More later...Keep Rockin'
(The Real) Jacky G.
"Ahead of our Time"? Joe's not kidding! Back in '83 some of the "Reviewers" of our Music chastised us for the use of Tims Synthesizer with the Rock/Metal sound of the era...which did bum us out because we were tying to be on the cutting edge of the Music happening then, and being told otherwise by those we (Stupidly) thought really knew the scene is what eventually led RedVette to crash. We thought we had a Classic Rock sound, and with Tims Hammond (ala Deep Purple/Santana,etc.) plus a modern garnish of Synth-technology with contemporay songwriting, and that had been shot down by the "Powers that Be".
Well, it turns out we were on track, because the best selling album the following year was Van Halen's "1984" with Eddie writing their compositions using a polyphonic synthisizer.
Hind sight is 20/20...we were so close to breaking into the "Big Scene"...if only we'd kept our eyes on the Road, Hands on the Wheel, and our feet on the pedals...I know we'd still be together today. But, when you Fly High the air thins and your head spins, and when you drive fast the road can meet you quicker than you can turn sometimes, and we'd spun-out and crashed by the end of '83.
The real opportunity to re-group was when we did our first reunion in SF at The Stone in '87. "Hit Parader", an International Music Industry publication had been forwarded a RedVette Record by one of our distributors and givin it a FOUR-STAR **** rating in their January 1986 issue. We had a great reunion...everybody came and saw us Rock as we could...but for being "Asleep at the Wheel", when such a review could have opend so many doors to the future, it simply didn't happen.
The next time we'd play together was (My) Batchelor Party in Aug. '89 because getting us together was way cheaper than a stripper and lots more fun! It was at Joe's Recording Studio in Sausalito (Muthers Recording) , and I think everybody showed up because they thought we'd HAVE a stripper!
A little side trivia: The first RedVette gig was a bachelor party at our "AML" rehearsal studio in East Palo Alto...that featured two strippers...and that's all you'll hear about that!
The next reunion we did was a Private party (Terry & Gails Wedding Anneversary) in Redwood City August '95 that had Jacks high-school budz "Bootleg" and Mike Fresquez Satriani Tribute "SFO" (Satch Fans Only) open. For being un-rehearsed otherwise, it went great.
Summer of '98 we all got together again at Muthers Studio, including former members of USA (Undernoureshed Sexual Athletes?)featuring Sam Man on Drums, Allen Teman on guitar, and Joe on Bass/Lead vocal...and that was a Great time! Hi-lite of the nite was THEIR ROADY'S...Frank Motly, Jeff Tomlinson, Tim Brown, and Doug "HorseDick" Sowers playing "I'll wait all day for you to Cum in my Face"...damn near as good as USA could do it!
Well, it's been too long now...I'm workin' 'em...they'll break soon as they will and come together again for a show. And the next time will be better than ever...as has been every time since the beggining...for, as Dr. Ritchie Moore said, "It's only a matter of time".
The original "RedVette" Album was dedicated to the memory of my deceased Brother and Father, and it was what helped me get through those best...and worst...of times.
I Reflect on the past, live for today, project toward the future.
My "Calling" in this world is The Bringing of People Together. It's what motivates me to do what I do.
What would it take to bring it all together again for another Reunion?
Impossible is only a degree of difficulty.
Untill again soon, Peace!
Keep Rockin' Jacky G.
That must be my UNDER-study Tracy T-BONE Girard...I used to get his ex-girlfriends and he got my ex-bands...that make us BOTH "Schlogz". Yep...I ommitted Tracy from earlier comments, but only because I try to save the best for somewhear around the end (no metaphor implied). Tracy and I used to jam (He's also a very good guitarist) at the Pulgas water temple on thursday nites with a generator untill it grew into a regular beer party and the San Mateo County Sheriff shut us down for having hurt their feelings for not inviting them. Actually, Joe's Band USA had a lot to do with wreckin' that the nite when Me 'n Trace showed up at one of our jams and they were already there with Kegs and a few hundred people...not exactly the "Moonlite Temple Jam" we'd earlier procured...but ANYHOW...I'll be in Redwood City gign' with Mike Fresquez and SFO (Satch Fans Only) June 24th '06 at The Fox...let's hook-up and BS 'bout why maybe NOT EVERYTHING that ever happend around a Rock Band should be included in a public forum for how it relates to the Statue of Limitations...and hey, you are what you eat...T-BONE!
Lastly...Soul Street Missionaries, whom I gig with around Georgia, has several songs used in the B-Slasher flick "Jack O' Lantern" that's currently available at Blockbuster...bag it to view, and you'll see me playing in the band-scene/Party flash-back. One of these days I'll get a speaking part!
Ciao, it's me...Jacky G.
YO! Dudes & Dudettes...The next RedVette reunion is targeted for July 4, 2007 (Kevins B-Day!)at the Currently "Under Construction" revised location of Club D.G. Woodside, CA pending A) Everybody commin' around to agree on the Date, Place, and Time. B) The new and exciting "Club D.G." being completed in time for the event. C) Somebody offering us an incredible amount of Money to simply show up at some other locally awsome venue (The Old Keystone?)& "Slam The Set" without us having to hassle with otherwise being the coordinators of the event. Actually, we have some interesting offers pending so tune-in periodically to the site www.RedVette.com for the latest up-dates.
Ciao for now, it's me...Jacky G.
P.S. "Kat" is definetly invited!
Very Cool! I'm glad to hear you'll make it, as well as feeling "The Love" as I do, and as is professed for The Music of RedVette by those previous posts.
But All-yall (plural of "Yall") should know That of ME! After all, I am "Keeper of The Flame", not to mention a stash of those RARE & COLLECTABLE RedVette Red-vinyl records, and some other nostalgic paraphanalia (Gig posters, tickett stubbz, Photoz, VIDEOS !!!, etc.)...so your preachin' to the choir...But it's really still MY favorite record to "Spin" too...Yep, I'm an 80's Rocker hold-out to the bone! Dispite that I do still play 50'w-60's & 70's Oldies, The Blues, Some Jazz 'n Pop. The good stuff is truly timeless.
But Tape, and Records are NOT!!!
Actually, I'd strongly advise everyone to record The RedVette Record to CD, then stash the Record in a cool, dry, dark & Safe space...right along with your Guns, Money, etc. that are safely kept. It's just the right thing to do!
Soon now, RedVette Reunion '07 Bumper Stickers will be available for prudent plastering in places for all to witness, plan attendance, and "Make the Scene" by coming to the event!
Tell All to "TAG THE BLOG" sos we can evaluate a head-count for the Gig!
We'll have special RedVette ticketts procured here online, that are numbered for A variety of things to be "Raffled Off".
And again, I encourage All those with a story to "Blow Groceries" on this blog with YOUR (hopefully pleasant, considerate of The Statute of Limitations, NO "Hear-say", and PLEEZE keep it tactfully clean!) RedVette experience(s)past, present, and projected.
Just "Tag-up" here at on Jacky G's Blog at www.RedVette.com for the latest info & postings...WORLDWIDE.
Lastly, We've lost contact with one of our most dedicated (AND Notorious!) S.L.& E. Roadies!!!
FRANK MOTLEY...Last heard of recovering from a bad car wreck...Frank, will you please tag-up!
Elsewise, someone have 'em Call "Sluggo" at USA Hqs. The phone number is still the same.
'Till next time...Keep Rockin'
Ciao, it's me...Jacky G.
Jacky G. here at "Mission Control"...Earth-date July 4 2006...preparing for "Lift-off" of our Worldwide promotional campaign (GO MESH, GO!).
We're counting-down the days @ 365 from today to one "Splash-down" of a Musical Reunion featuring compositions written and performed yesterday AND today by The Original Members of RedVette:
Joe White, Kevin Luce, Tim Girard, Jack Gleason, and Grant (Slam) Walthall.
SPECIAL GUESTS TBA.
Your participation TODAY is required if we're to get the "Commin' Back Again" July 4 2007 RedVette Reunion launched and flying.
The gig is a year away...but we don't have all of that time to make it happen...time is of the essence!
And time keeps on slippin away...
We must get ticket pledges "Up-Front" to make this Rocket fly to splash-down on our target date of July 4 2007...a year from today.
We only need 800 pledges and they'll let us do the show there in the main theatre, so come one and bring ALL...and let's get this party started!
Joe & Kevin don't believe you want to see us do it again, "That was yesterday, and this is TODAY". But, Timmy and Grant are ready to Rock!
Jacky G. says "Impossible" is only a degree of difficulty...and I want "Joe White & RedVette" on that Marquee downtown a year from now...or bust...and then maybe somebody else can get "The Kids" back together one more time!
Ahhh...the rivelry never ends.
WHAT SAY YOU, PEOPLE ???
MAKE YOUR PLEDGE TODAY !!!
Go NOW to www.foxdream.com or call The Fox Theatre Redwood City at 650-369-4119 and make YOUR pledge for tickets, then "Brag" about it to everyone you can!
Ciao, it's me...Jacky G.
Hello Jack
I try to send e-mails since 5 days.
But the e-mails, that I send,
comes back again and again.
At the 31.07.2006, Lea-Letizia was born!!!
I have sent you pictures.
The pictures have come back unfortunately.
Greet your family and my sister Jill of me.
I miss you.
Many greetings from Hamburg (Germany) from your brother and biggest fan
Ronald
To whom it may concern...which would basically be everyone with any interest in the content of a discussion regarding the original members of RedVette getting together again sometime future to NOW to play some music in a public performance...I have been forwarded the following message by Joe White to post upon this forum:
[ From Joe White and Kevin Luce,
We love and respect all the other members of the band, the folks that used to help the band, and those that used to come to the shows. We very much appreciate any interest from new RedVette listeners. However, it is not within our means or inclination to participate in a RedVette reunion concert.
For those of you who still have RedVette on your listening list, thanks. Allot of people made tremendous sacrifices to get that record made. - And the fact that our music is still vital to you is incredibly moving.
Thanks again ]
Jack here again, I reciecved that and will have posted effectivly @ Hi-noon Saturday August 5, 2006 as requested by Joe.
July 4th 2007 is a target date with me for making some music happen...hopefully including RedVette somehow...somewhere in Northern California...with a bunch of my old friends and Family from out there,and everywhere, and also including people I've never met before...with the humble endeavor of entertaining them for some good moments in that space and time that we can come together.
You know, "The Who" just announced a new world tour featuring those members remaining alive that will play it...20+ years after "The Who Final Tour"...so I say to all yet again, "Impossible" is only a degree of difficulty...".
I continue to invite comment to this forum regarding RedVette, it's members, music, and moments past, present, and future, and I will proceed toward that "Target Date" for the week of July 4th. 2007 with those plans that invite all...including Joe & Kevin...to come to wherever "The Party" winds up being for a Celebration of Life, Living, and Loving of Good Times!
So stay as "Tagged-up" as you can.
Ciao, it's me...Jacky G.
I love you Jack, and we are thinking of you very mutch!
Im at home again, feel good.
we (Thomas and i would like to hear your music!!
I ask mama if she had the music from your.
Or you send a cd? It would be great!!
ciao, your little sister bine and new Boyfriend Tommy
I got in the car with a friend the other day and he pops in this cdr. As each song plays I get more blown away. I ask my friend who it was and he said RedVette..I said who? I start searching the web for info and find the band page. I've since added the band to our website: http://www.aordreamer.com and got in touch with Jack, who's a really cool cat. I hope that the RedVette album gets a cd release one day so people can hear the talent.
Stay cool Jack!
T.C.
Well here it is-2006-and I'm just now checking out this site...Wow! What a bunch of Hot Young Studs! Damn! An amazing trip to yester-year where the music was always good, and the friends were always ready to hang out...on a Tuesday! Hope life is just as much fun, and being older and wiser just means you plan it better! Take care, Martha
Jack! Check out my new music player on My Website I have been #1 on Garageband Blues Chart for over a year now!
If you sign-up REDVETTE on IAC (Click on the flashing red X and it will take you there) I will upload the redvette tunes and put the player on your redvette website. BTW another redvette album just sold on Ebay (Nova Scotia to Switzerland) for a bunch.
Big Love - JW
driving home northbound on 280 when i saw a pick-up truck with a "redvette" bumber sticker. brought me back to being a little girl pretending to be a big girl, rockin out with a vodka something in my hand at some gig in palo alto. wow. damn. good memories, good times. you guys still out and about? if not, ya should be. xo, linda
hey Jackie G, and LINDA,
I was driving north on 280 last night coming from BB's house in Saratoga. Hi Linda. I guess that bumper sticker thing works .
Joe sang "Amazing Grace" at Patsy's mom's memorial inside the St. Pius Cathedral. I don't know about any one else but Iwas crying.
Went and saw "Diamond Dave" at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz last weekend. He rocked the house.
Hey Linda...If it wasn't "Horse-Dick Doug" driving that pickup truck with the RedVette bumper-stikker on it...it musta been Jesus himself.
I don't know anyone else with the bravado to make such an assertion...Apparently, even "HE" would like to see the RedVette Reunion happen!
Is this a sign?
Could this mean that we find ourselves here...with this message from "Son of Mary" today..."On a Mission from God"?
With regard to some of the Blogz prior posts, It may seem to some that I can only hope for a "Devine Intervention" to get this Rocket even near the launch-pad...
But, I'm a believer!
"Impossible" is only a degree of difficulty...
Keep to the code, mates...Witness the sign (RedVette bumper-stikker) and proclaim YOUR faith TODAY!!!
Inquring minds all want to know if The RedVette Show can possibly GO...
Log-a-blog...log-a-blog...
There's no way it'll ever fly, without your praises and your cry!
(C'mon baby, Work with me here!)
Log-a-blog...log-a-blog...
Ciao, it's me...Jacky G.
P.S. No, I didn't write all of any of the tunes, and they never let me sing a lot.
Greetings Jacky G!
Oh my god! I love it! Thanks for reminding us of such a wonderful time.
Whats up brother Debra and I are sitting here after looking at the site and I guess I need to forward a updated photo and bio. Sorry honey...lol Hope you got the Corso dvd. Let's make the hang soon. Who loves you ya brother!
Grant Slam
and Debra L. Mejia
02/10/07 Sat.
Friends, Romans, Countrymen...We're "Headed for the Lake!!!".
Is it a RedVette Reunion? Not yet, but I am still workin' 'em to do one...hopefully this year!
I'm producing 5 days of Music at Putah Creek Resort from Wednesday
July 4th thru Sunday July 8th. It's a campground with Boat Docks, Lodging, Restaruant and Bar located
at the Northwest end of Lake Berryessa south-east of Napa Wine Country.
The Bar there is run by former RedVette Roadies John (Muffin) & Rick (Muff) Rasmussen who know how to keep the party going well, and we'll also have some friends (off-duty Peace Officers and ERT's) helping us keep things cool to provide a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.
There will be afternoon and evening music throughout those 5 days at the Bar and outside patio areas, with the big "Putah-Fest Jam" sunday afternoon outside.
I have tenatively confirmed performances by The Teman Brothers Band(Roadrunner/NRG/Head-On), Full House (Rocco/Corso/Walthall), SFO
Satriani Tribute (Fresquez/Yruri), Powerage (AC/DC Tribute), Bootleg
Southern Rock, Blues & Boogie originals with Guitarist Mark Gravs (Stauffer/Sodini/Cass),
The Shotz 80's Classic Rock w/Stevie Satain (Me/Fresquez/Yruri/Washburn),
Greg Castro's Band "The Soul Feeders", and others, including possibly some people I jam with in Georgia R.V.'n it out there to play in the lake as well!
I'm also still working on some "Hold-outs"...whom we all know and love...but nearly everybody I've jammed with over the last 25 years or so will be there doing their music from the good-ol-days thru to today! That's a real extensive talent pool to draw from for the Big-Fat Greek-Toga Yank-Fest Finally-Jam
on Sunday afternoon, so expect our versions of Santana, Stranglehold, and Green Grass & High Tides to go on like...Forever...during the day shows.
PLEASE HELP US ESTIMATE THE PLAN FOR ACCOMODATIONS BY LOG'n-A-BLOG AT WWW.REDVETTE.COM RIGHT NOW...Right here!
Your already ON-LINE so go for it.
DON'T WAIT FOR VAN HALEN TO GET it BACK TOGETHER...We'll be at that one too if it EVER happens, So start planning this good-time-getaway NOW to make the scene with all of us getting together THEN to camp out & party with YOUR Crazy Love!
Jack Gleason, Roman Ambassador of Sparta
aka M.A.D.JAX (Mobile Automotive Diagnosis)
aka Jacky G. (Rock Talk Co-Host & Bassist at Large)
Be be advised that due to unforseen problems with the venue that this event is canceled.
We hope to try again next year. Jack worked his heart out and spent a bundle of his own cash to put this together, it truly sucks!!
Well, I'm still up here in Butte, Montana playin' blues and country music every Friday night at the Silver Dollar Saloon. I'm still playing the Telecaster that I built while I was working at the Zon guitar shop in Redwood City. Got twelve inches of snow last night. Looking forward to Spring so that I can take out the old Triumph motorcycle (yes the same one) and do some TT riding.
Kevin
p.s. TT stands for tavern to tavern
time to blow the dust off this website Jack!
I just moved and blew the dust off the RedVette album so thought I would check out your site for any updates...nothing since 3/4/07??
come on mister..I enjoy your wacky writing style!
Jack, you still playing? haven't heard a peep from this website in a long time.
hope all is well
Kat
Jack, thankyou for your enthusiastic dedication and hard work in making what has turned out to be a pretty damned good site. I just listened to some of the tunes that you uploaded and really enjoyed them. I haven't heard them since they were recorded. I never received copies of the music that we recorded after the original album. Probably my fault, but I really liked "promised land" and the others from that time period. Tim's keyboard playing really did alot of good for the band. He's as good as anyone and gave the whole band a great sound. Grant's drumming is so good that it simply cannot be ignored by any listener. Your bass playing is just where it should be at all times. And Joe...all I can say after looking back is that it has become obvious to me now that we were playing with a world class singer, with world class songs to match. Thankyou all for some of the most important memories of my life.
Kevin
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