http://bigguitars.com/site/index/ en keepmebusy@conspriatordesign.com Copyright 2010 2010-03-26T02:03:10+00:00 http://bigguitars.com/site/big_guitars_from_memphis_in_austria_and_denmark_2011/ http://bigguitars.com/site/big_guitars_from_memphis_in_austria_and_denmark_2011/#When:02:03:10Z Big Guitars from Memphis is getting ready to release a new album in summer 2011 with a tour of Europe in early 2012. Rick Lindy and John Ivan have been busy with their Duo. check out www.JohnIvan.com for more info News 2010-03-26T02:03:10+00:00 http://bigguitars.com/site/big_press/ http://bigguitars.com/site/big_press/#When:00:55:45Z They aren't really from Memphis, but their music sounds like it. Big Guitars From Memphis plays a variety of country, rockabilly, bluegrass, and great standards.By ERIC SCHELKOPFKane County Chronicle They aren’t really from Memphis, but their music sounds like it. Big Guitars From Memphis plays a blend of rockabilly and country music. “We play some things at breakneck speed,” said John Ivan, lead guitarist in Big Guitars From Memphis. “We keep it going, but we’re relaxed doing it.” A former member of the power pop band Off Broadway, which scored a hit in 1979 with the song “Stay In Time,” Ivan formed Big Guitars From Memphis in 1988 with John Pazdan. “I wanted to play this style of music,  American music, mixing together country, jazz, blues and rock and hillbilly music,” Ivan said. Rounding out the lineup is singer Rick Lindy, Turner guitarist John Pazdan and drummer Sal Monaco. Big Guitars From Memphis is a band that cannot be labeled easily. Ivan admitted some people don’t know what to make of their music at first. Once they start listening they really warm up to it. “You can see them being won over,” Ivan said. “That gives us a good feeling, to be able to win over the audience, and we’ve been doing for over 20 years” Big Guitars From Memphis also has won over people like The Who guitarist Pete Townshend, who had heard the band when he was a guest on Kevin Matthews’ radio show a few years ago. While on the telephone waiting to be interviewed, Townshend heard the band playing in the background, and made the comment, “How did those big guitars get up so early and play so well…they sound great!” Ivan was honored by Townshend’s compliment. “When people you really respect say something good about you, it gives you the confidence that you are doing something good,” Ivan said. Along with playing all around the Chicago area, Big Guitars From Memphis also tours frequently in Europe, where the band has found many appreciative fans. “They really like this kind of stuff,” Ivan said. News 2009-02-02T00:55:45+00:00 http://bigguitars.com/site/our_shows/ http://bigguitars.com/site/our_shows/#When:00:55:32Z Big Guitars from Memphis puts on one of the most comprehensive shows from around the area. We are the place for American music, twang guitar, and lots of fun. 2009-02-02T00:55:32+00:00 http://bigguitars.com/site/about_us/ http://bigguitars.com/site/about_us/#When:00:53:37Z BACKGROUND & CREDENTIALS Formed by Atlantic Records’ "off broadway" guitarist John Ivan. Rick Lindy on vocals, John Pazdan on Turner 5string, and Sal Monaco on drums HONORS -Winner of MUSICIAN Magazine’s Best Unsigned Band contest -Nominated two years in a row as Best Country Act by NACA’s National Conference -Nominated for Best Group of the year by Chicago Music Awards HAVE HEADLINED Navy Pier Concert Series, SXSW Music showcase, Harley Davidson 90th anniversary, Molde Norway Roots Fest, Molde Norway Blues fest, Nibe Fest(DK), Skanderborg Fest(DK), European tours including: UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Faeroe Islands, The Park West, Sheffield Garden Walk, New York’s Central Park summer stage, Schuba’s, World’s Largest Block Party, Taste of Chicago, World’s Largest New Year’s Eve Party (Hyatt), Milwaukee Summerfest, Minneapolis State Fair, Dubuque Riverfest, Rockford on the Waterfront, Racine Harbor Fest, Taste of Minnesota, Naperville Last Fling, Halsted Street Days, Wisconsin State Fair, Palomino Club(Winnepeg), Wauconda Fest, Elmhust Fest, Elmwood Park Fest, Oak Park Fest, River Grove Fest, Crystal Lake concerts, Schaumburg concerts,Geneva Fest, Lindenhurst Fest, Moline Riverfest, Ottawa Riverfest, Wicker Park Green Fest, Wilmette Fest and the list goes on… AS WELL AS OPENED FOR MAJOR RECORDING ACTS Dwight Yoakum Buck Owens Junior Brown Billy Swan Roy Orbison Johnny Cash Rodney Crowell Dixie Dreggs Fabulous Thunderbirds Hellecasters Kinky Friedman Billy Bremner Son Seals Lonnie Brooks Big Town Playboys Steve Forbert Kevin Welch Hal Ketchum The Jordanaires Kelly Willis Robert Gordon Flying Burrito Brothers Jo-el Sonnier Monte Warden The Bodeans The Carter Family Marshall Tucker Band RECORDINGS Ten Most Wanted (2000) Plan 9 (1998), Best of…(1997), Eightball (1996), Sevens (1995), Mighty Combo (1994), Big Hat (1993), Welcome to Muscle Country (1992), Twang City (1991), License Plates (1990) PEOPLE ARE TALKING "The only band I’d get out of bed to see… and made a dream come true." Lin Brehmer, WXRT Chicago "How did those Big Guitars get up so early and play so well…they sound great!" Pete Townsend (The Who) as interviewed by Kevin Matthews "the best guitarist in the midwest…" Steve Dahl, WKQX Chicago "Truly a fabulous musical experience and quite simply… they rock." Buzz Kilman, WLUP Chicago "...Chicago’s top roots-oriented band" Chicago Magazine "As long as there are bands like Big Guitars playing, there will be a reason to go out and hear live music" Dave Hoekstra, Chicago Sun Times "Big Guitars plays with the attitude of a young Johnny Cash" Myron Cohen, Wembley Arena Promoter "...sure are different from other bands, I loved it" Kyle Lehning, President of Asylum Records & Randy Travis’ producer "Your sound is fantastic" JR Ewing & Lt. Nelson (actor Larry Hagman) at the Harley Davidson Rally "Songs played with fire and intensity, Chicago has finally spawned a top notch act." Illinois Entertainer "Heard a two song demo and booked the band immediately along with the Dixie Dregs and the response was great." John Ertl, Festival Events, Inc "Here are some great musicians in Chicago…it sounds darn good…a suitcase and a guitar…that’s fun" Kevin Matthews, WLUP Chicago 2009-02-02T00:53:37+00:00 http://bigguitars.com/site/book_us/ http://bigguitars.com/site/book_us/#When:00:51:59Z If you’re interested in booking Big Guitars from Memphis for your next event, please call Bass-Schuler at 773-481-2600. We look forward to hearing from you! 2009-02-02T00:51:59+00:00