Artist description Guitarist/singer/songwriter with a tendency towards melodic rock with the occasional interesting twist. A wide array of influences, so songs are an eclectic mix of rock styles favoring psychedelic pop, Led Zeppelin-esque guitar riffs, and acoustic ballads.

Music Style Guitar-oriented rock music.

Musical Influences Beatles, Led Zeppelin, XTC, Jimi Hendrix, The Rutles, Neil Innes, Patto and Ollie Halsall, Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel and Gabriel-era Genesis, Todd Rundgren, The Who, Jeff Beck, Eric Johnson, Aerosmith, Frank Zappa, King Crimson, Ravi Shankar/Northern Indian classical music in general, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Dixie Dregs, and many others.

Similar Artists Different comparisons are offered from everybody, but Beatles and Led Zeppelin influences are suggested most frequently.

Artist History More than you probably want to know about Ken Thornton... Grew up in Chicago suburbs. Almost completely self-taught guitarist (and drummer). Influences from all sorts of music. Played in guitar-oriented rock and fusion cover bands from the late 70s throughout the 80s. Began writing in the mid-80s - mostly fusion-oriented guitar instrumentals and simple rock/pop tunes. Relocated to Bloomington in 1987. Taught guitar and music theory for five years. In 1988, formed "A Chewy Pie" (written H.U.E. and the greek letter pi) and took on a lead vocal role for the first time. Had a repertoire of originals and covers, tackling songs by Jimi Hendrix, Eric Johnson, The Dixie Dregs, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, etc. The band changed their name to Deadpan Jester and recorded a self-titled eclectic rock album in 1994, but they split up soon after in 1995. Late 90s, became lead guitarist for Geoff Beran's live band and played guitar/drums on some of his recordings. In 2000, formed an unfortunately short-lived original three-piece band called Vooom; joined the Sediments on lead guitar, kazoo, and the occasional vocal; played guitar live with musical hero Neil Innes(!); and went to England to play guitar and drums for some shows with The Rutles! What a lucky bastard! In 2001, decided to record a solo album using mainly songs written for Vooom and playing nearly all of the instruments. In 2002, completed solo album titled 'Venus de Milo, Please Raise Your Hand'. Still playing live with The Sediments and Geoff Beran. Currently deciding what to do next and fiddling around with first guitar synthesizer...

Instruments Vocals, guitar, drums, bass, mandolin -- also a bit of a hack on piano and sitar

Albums Venus de Milo, Please Raise Your Hand (2002); Deadpan Jester (1994)

Location Bloomington, IL - USA

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