Dead Ringer: Classic Rock Aged to Perfection
Ed Hart - Guitar
Eddie Hart is the newest member of Dead Ringer. Eddie adds his own style of lead guitar work, as well as solid rhythm guitar and lead vocals.
Eddie’s interest in music began around the age of 5 and during the 60’s it played an important role in his daily activities. Eddie developed his singing skills listening to pop music and singing along with groups like the Beach Boys, Four Seasons and the Beatles. Eddie began playing guitar at the age of 10 and as his biggest inspiration to playing lead guitar he credits to Santana’s Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen. "The thing that really struck me about Santana was the expression that came across with his style along with the dynamics and structure. It had a spiritual element to it. You could tell he wasn’t just jamming and playing anything, it had structure and he was going somewhere with it and the way he put it together was very expressive and dynamic. I’ve always appreciated guitarists who do that. Larry Carlton is another example."
Eddie also enjoyed playing many tunes by Chicago and whatever other groups were popular at any given point in time. Along with playing in several pop bands with friends in junior high and high school Eddie played in a swing band that played hits from the 30’s, 40’s & 50’s. In college he played in "Clockwork" which had a horn section, and in the mid to late 70’s he played in several local trios "The Vibrations" and "Penthouse".
Eddie appreciates the unique sounds and characteristics in a wide range of musical styles but enjoys those that are percussive and mix elements of rock and jazz the most. (By the way, throw some horns in there) He is the perfectionist in the band, having played on the road with a high caliber show group named "Opus" that thrilled audiences throughout the US and Canada. "An example of the skill level of the group was one of the songs they did "live" was Bohemian Rhapsody. And they did it note for note, lick for lick, all harmonies, -everything. And it was like that with all the music. They did Beach Boys and Four Seasons medleys and had strong vocals. It was very evident that they put a lot of thought into their shows."
After coming off the road and settling down in the early 80’s Eddie became the choir director and active in the various aspects of the music ministry at his local church. In the 90’s he played a short period of time with the group "Two for the Show" and in the 00’s he’s played in a swing group "ClasSax". With his career as a financial consultant, in raising a family and his church activities Eddie has plenty to do. "It’d been over 20 years since I’d played music like this. But when these guys asked me if I was interested in playing, I had to say yes. We’re all friends and get along real well. We’ve all been doing this long enough now we know what we’re doing and why we are doing it. We’re not looking to be stars someday or dream up our own songs, but what we do we want to do very well. We’re doing it for the music, to play some really good music and have a good time doing it. And I’m having a blast!"
Eddie’s been using his Fender Strat and Gibson Explorer with a Mesa Boogie along with his Alvarez acoustic with the band, initially leaving his Les Paul at home. "These guitars help round out the sound of the band but I may bring the Les Paul sometime." Listen for Ed’s Memorex solos on the Steely Dan cover tunes.