Jackson Cavender's Bio
I was only 4 years old when I picked up my first guitar. I couldn't play, but as I watched my uncle and grandfather perform I knew I had to learn. My grandfather was a touring musician in the 1930's. He later built a recording studio, where I would dream of playing in a band, and somehow knew that music would be a large part of my life.
I actually committed to guitar when I was 14 years old. I bought a $150.00 Les Paul copy, and a practice amp at a pawnshop, made friends with a drummer, and we started to write songs. The only thing missing was a singer. By default I was elected and vocals also became one of my passions, actually singing more than playing guitar. Inspired by bands like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, The Eagles, and Van Halen, we would play anywhere, anytime for anybody. Keggers at Boyd lake, any living room where there was a party, or school auditorium available would fall victim to us paying our dues.
I played my first paid gig when I was 16 at Aims Community College in Greeley, CO. I started playing local clubs in Loveland, CO and started to tour when I was 19 years old. I landed a publishing deal with a possible record deal in 1985, using songs I had written while playing in a band called Nobody's Fault. It was a good band, soon to be destroyed by our youth and egos (mainly mine). Mike Orr ran sound for the band, later switching to bass, as we put together a band called Centerfold.
In 1987 I moved to the Denver area, and founded the band Passion along with Mike. We immediately went on the road. After 10,000 cans of hair spray, 2 tons of foundation, and enough spandex to cover Oprah's entire body, the band finally fizzled. Mike and then I left the band. I played in other bands such as Sybil, Captain Tripps, Daily Planet, and Tick 60, all the while waiting for the perfect band. As I searched, I built a recording studio at my house, and recorded a solo CD titled Cage. I had worked with Ty in Tick 60, and we both wanted to work together again. Ty had also been talking with Danny, who was looking for a new project, and who's talent I had admired for years. We then decided to get together, and start rehearsing while searching for a bass player. None of us thought Mike would ever play a cover song again, and were reluctant to ask him. We finally asked him, and upon hearing the member line up, he joined immediately. After a short rehearsal period, the band was off and running. We found we have as much fun off stage, as on stage, as I have suddenly found myself in a band full of comedians.
Please stay posted for my ongoing learning experience with the music business.
