Artist description Singer/songwriter whose material is evocative of the guitar-oriented folk-rock sounds of the 1970s.

Music Style Acoustic Rock, Folk, Country, Blues

Musical Influences Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, Beatles

Similar Artists The Byrds, Counting Crows, The Wallflowers

Artist History Making debut as a solo artist. Recorded previously as vocalist and guitarist for The Cretins. Their single, "Kick Some Attitude", garnered extensive airplay on southeast Texas radio stations in 1985. Since returning to California in 1999, Gaither has recorded one single and two full-length CDs -"Mariposa County Line", released in 2000, and "Happytown", scheduled for release in January, 2002. He is performing locally with recording partner Steve Oliveria at various northern California venues.

Group Members Gaither Drake. Touring band includes Steve Oliveria (bass). Guest musicians on studio recordings have included Gene Parsons, a former member of The Byrds; 1998 Grammy Award winner Alex deGrassi and a host of talented northern California musicians.

Instruments Guitar, piano, organ, drums, bass, harmonica, pedal steel, mandolin, banjo, tympani, bells, chimes.

Albums CD single "John-John" (1999); "Mariposa County Line" (2000); "Happytown" (2002)

Press Reviews "Very melodic, well-rounded songwriting", Glenn Peart, KZMU, Moab, Utah."Mariposa County Line is a worthy record with the kind of thoughtful songs that I think go over well among our listeners. Congratulations on a well-crafted recording", George Graham, WVIA, Pittston, PA. "Mariposa County Line is a wonderful new CD. ("Another Place in Time" is) a nice, gentle piece. ("Falling Star") is a real beauty; you can feel the emotions that went into it", Tom Yates, General Manager, KOZT, Fort Bragg, CA. "His voice reminds me of Phil Ochs", Gene Parsons, (The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers). "A nice, diverse sound and collection". Marty Scarbrough, Program Director, KASU, State University, Arkansas.

Additional Info If CD is purchased by mail ($ 15, including postage to: Gaither Drake, 748 South Oak Street, Ukiah, CA 95482) purchasor will also receive a FREE copy of Gaither's CD single, "John-John". Mail order version has better sound quality and improved graphics.

Location Ukiah, CA - USA

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