Meet Them Boyz

tom: Drums, Vocals, This and That, Electronic equipment? He's got the stuff alright.

Tom Medlin 

Born in 1949. Started playing guitar in 1964 - sitting in front of the TV w/ guitar when the Beatles first appeared on Ed Sullivan - know they were only playing three chords but couldn't figure out which three. About 40 years later I finally discovered they were playing four chords (I Saw Her Standing There).

I grew up listening to rock'n'roll, R&B, ... thru the 50s then 60s and early 70s - still my favorite music to listen to and play. Not a Deadhead per se but influenced by them anyway. Played in bands off and on for 40 years- everything from Chuck Berry to Wes Montgomery - guitar, bass, keys, mandolin (OK, only two songs), vocals, and now, w/ HLF - drums. Learning to play the sax in my spare time these days.

HLF is, quite simply, the most fun band I have ever had occasion to play in.

rog: Rhythm Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Pinky Poodle.

Roger Anderson 

Born in Statesville, NC in 1967. Roger always had a great appreciation of many varieties of music. Roger met Peter Fritsch, a German who gave him his first real lessons on playing guitar. After this whole world of music opened up to him.

With the influence of Rogers long time friend Abe Reid, he began his journey into roots music and his appreciation for the Blues. Roger traveled and played with Abe in many clubs in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Abe was a big influence on Roger encouraging him to create his own style. This experience carried over into his relationship with another good friend and blues musician, Matt Walsh. Playing guitar along side Matt has continued to evolve Rogers individual playing style.

Now working with this group of great guys, HLF creates a sound that really cannot be classified into one style or another. What they play together is best defined as "what we like."

mac: Bass Guitar, Laid back 'tude, Twisted Ideas, Wife that cooks amazing food.

Walt McGervey 

Born in Pittsburgh in 1958 Major influences: Jack Bruce, Willie Dixon, Don van Vliet, Miles Davis. Pressed into service when no bass player was available for a newly formed Punk Band - in 1977 learned to play on the fly and learned all the songs by rote. Not too difficult it was a punk band after all. Played in a 5-piece jam band from 1979-1982. Electric jazz while at art college 1981-1983. Fronted a folk noise band 1984-1987.

Relocated to North Carolina - met Roger Anderson, Scott Sharpe, and Abe Reid while teaching at Mitchell College and realized Statesville had a rather vibrant underground blues scene. Joined top-40 Alternative Band - kicked out for sitting in a chair while playing. Continued to play in various ad hoc groups until finally getting together with Roger in the spring of 2003 - began weekly sessions which evolved into the formation of HLF.

Its arguable we play an eclectic mix because were eclectic individuals. Each of us has our own unique musical path; the group gives us an opportunity to share our music with one another and mold it into something new. It might not be groundbreaking stuff, but it sure is fun.

HLF has been a wonderful opportunity to stretch-out, refine and expand my bass playing and have a heck of a good time doing it (and they let me sit in a chair).