Artist description Blackberry Pie is a solo-artist, studio effort where the writings and music of John Hutchings have been presented. Most of his songs have been complimented by the generous help of friends (B.J. Seay & Shane Hughes). Although a cameo appearance to play a song with gigging friends is not out of the question, their creative energy has been invested in the studio to keep the music fresh and fun.

Music Style A hybrid of folk, jazz, and rock, with an underlying twist of blues.

Musical Influences Paul Simon, Jorma Kaukonen, James McMurtry, Woody Guthrie, Acoustic Alchemy, Steve Howe, Eric Clapton, Neil Schon, Rodger Hodgson, Neil Young, Steely Dan, John Prine, Bob Dylan, Grateful Dead, Dave Mathews, Monte Montgomery and everyone else who plays an instrument from their hearts and souls.

Similar Artists Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Counting Crows, Hot Tuna, James McMurtry or John Prine. However, the style presented here is distinct, so we can only hope you say it sounds like "Blackberry Pie".

Artist History John started playing bass guitar in 1978, and the transition to acoustic guitar came soon after. By 1982 John had written a number of songs and was introduced to B.J. Seay while at a friend's house in Stillwater, Ok. After playing together for several years, B.J. moved to Austin and John moved to Houston. Musical efforts dwindled and family life and career commanded most free time. Then, in 1995, John felt a strong desire to start playing and writing again. That creative spark came to a screeching halt on Oct. 6, 1996 when a car accident almost caused the loss of his left forearm. Luckily, it was able to be repaired (with extensive hardware) and it became a form of physical therapy and sheer determination that playing guitar would continue as part of his life. Recovery from his accident led to recording, which created more time playing and writing new material. In 1998 John produced his first album on mp3.com using the band name Groovology. That effort was soon backed up by rekindling the friendship with B.J. They were able to collaborate between Austin and Houston to produced the album Turnaround, released in August of 2000. The band name made the transition from Groovology to Blackberry Pie and during the making of Turnaround, John met Shane Hughes, whose vocal talents are of professional caliber. A collaborative endeavor ensued and John and Shane have produced an album which will be released in April of 2001.

Group Members John Hutchings, Jr. & B. J. Seay

Instruments John Hutchings, Jr.: electric, acoustic & classical guitars, bass, vocals, harmonica, and drum programming - B. J. Seay : acoustic & electric guitars, bass, etc. - Shane Hughes: lead vocals on I'd Write You A Song

Albums TurnAround (2000)

Additional Info Equipment List: Martin 000-1 Acoustic, Fender American Standard Strat (modified with Seymore Duncan humbuckers), Gibson Les Paul Custom, Epiphone Dot Deluxe, Ovation 1639 Acoustic, Takamine EG-124C Classical Guitar, Ibanez Soundgear SR820 Bass, Boss DR770 drum machine, Alesis SR-16 drum macine, Yamaha MD-8 minidisk 8 track recorder

Location League City, Texas - USA

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