Dec Cover Story

December 2007

Smokin’ Gunnz, Deep Fried Southern Rock

by Rachel Rocks

— Photos by John W. Grenoble / Cyclic Impressions Photography

Smokin Gunnz is a 4 piece Southern Rock powerhouse from Central Pennsylvania that prides itself on bringing only the finest jaw dropping performances to the people each and every time they take the stage. They have been in the area for the past 10 years, during that time they’ve made some changes. Jim Sheaffer, the original founder of Smokin’ Gunnz, unfortunately died suddenly of pancreatic cancer. Mike Morrison and Craig Seaman continued to play and finish out the year just so Bob Morris and Terry Sherry could find the perfect replacements. Before his passing, Jim suggested Chris Della Porta should fill in on guitar, and so he did. Mike Brady is the most recent addition, and throughout it all they’ve still been providing “Deep Fried Southern Rock” to anyone who’s willing to listen.

Bob Morris is a native of Hershey, PA. He came from a family of musicians and sat up to his very first drum set at the age of 5, ever since then, it was a romance that he would not forget or put aside. He is the thunder foot behind the drums, but also he has the whaling voice sounding like Skynyrd’s very own Ronnie Van Zandt. There aren’t too many bands that have a lead singer/drummer, so I’m sure it’s not the easiest thing to do, but Bob is absolutely amazing. Bob’s talents have even landed him on national television in 2000 on a show called, ‘Your Big Break.’ You had to look and sound like someone famous, and Bob resembles Ronnie Van Zandt so closely, that he landed himself a solid runner-up position. He has his voice mastered to where he can sing anything with no limitations. Bob is also a well accomplished song writer with songs of pure originality and of course that “Southern Fried Pride.”

If Bob isn’t a solid enough anchor there is also Terry Sherry, the bass guitarist and back-up vocalist. Terry has been playing music is whole life and it truly shows with every performance. He’s been hammering out bass lines in numerous bands throughout our nation and beyond. He’s very humble so I’m not allowed to elaborate on any of that info, but trust me, he definitely has the experience to back up his talent. With Bob stuck behind the kit it leaves Terry at the center of attention. Terry knows how to put on a show, but be careful, watch your fingers as he walks across the bar, or climbs up on top of speakers, I’ve never seen him stay on stage the entire night, he’s everywhere! Terry is by far, the perfect bass player for this band. Just watch him play, and you will see why.

Chris Della Porta plays both the lead and rhythm guitars, plus he helps out on vocals too. Did I mention Smokin Gunnz’s 4-way harmonies!! Amazing!! Chris got his first taste of music at an early age by listening to his mother’s record collection. Then we he saw guitar playing on MTV in the early 80’s, it wasn’t long before he picked up the guitar himself. He took lessons for a while, but he’s pretty much self-taught and still learning more tricks everyday. Chris is a repairman at Triple R Guitar, so he has learned a lot about playing guitar from talking with other musicians, including the late, great, Jim Sheaffer. Even though Smokin Gunnz is the first productive band he’s been in, he’s still been playing for 26 years, and he will amaze you. As the youngest dog of the bunch he’s still learning new tricks, so you definitely want to keep your eyes on him.

Another amazing lead and rhythm guitar player of the band is the newest addition, Mike Brady. He was born and raised in York County, and he got his first guitar in 1969, and he hasn’t put it down since. He’s playing in numerous bands since he was 16 years old. At 18 he found himself enlisted in the US Navy. (We thank you for your years of service and commitment to our country.) He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, where he had his first introduction to some major southern rock acts, where he got a love of southern rock etched in his soul. Finally in 2006 he saw a Wanted Ad for a guitar player for Smokin Gunnz on our website, www.pamusician.net. The fit was perfect…Smokin Gunnz is now a well-oiled southern rock machine. “It was a match made in kick-a**-southern-rock heaven.” Mike and Chris both share the lead guitar roles playing a lot of them in perfect unison. By the end of “Free Bird” not only do they fall over, but you’ll fall over too. That’s only one tiny example of how amazing these two guitarists are together on one stage. Mike has also become their musical director, creating their set lists, and arranging their originals. They really don’t know what they did without him for so long.

Back in October Smokin Gunnz were able to pull off a Lynyrd Skynyrd Dedication like no other at The Ox in New Oxford, PA. The whole show was a complete reproduction of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “One More For the Road” live album from 1976. Helping to make the stage complete were Joe Seaman, Craig’s son, on guitar, Chris Novak on keys, Alana Blythe and Shelly Miller as back up vocalists for a total of 8 members. They made it feel like it was the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, way back in 1976. They played for the entire hour and a half. People were so blown away on Friday that they came back on Saturday with their friends. They had all the parts and everything went just right. Jeff Waddell even said, “I think Skynard has something to worry about.” They are hoping to pull off this amazing performance again in 2008, they’re just looking for the perfect venue. Keep an eye on their amazing, updated website that is designed and maintained by Ted Williams. Their website has undergone some major changes and if you haven’t checked it out lately, go check it out today.

Smokin Gunnz also wanted to make sure and thank Vicki Morris for taking care of all the “small stuff” t-shirts, taxes, ads, sponsorship… All those little things take up quality time from focusing on the music and they couldn’t do what they do without her.

Of course they also want to thank their fans. Without you they wouldn’t be. The entire band has only one goal, and that is that their fans enjoy listening to their music as much as they enjoy bringing it to you. They are dedicated to bringing only the finest performances to the stage. I am sure that after you have experienced Smokin Gunnz live, the only thing you’ll think is, “Where are they going to be playing next?” They have a lot of dates in the month of December, but a very special show, December 29th they will be performing at Tubby’s in Duncannon. They will be filming a DVD for their special Smokin Gunnz promo DVD. Come out and support them and help them and you make history.

With the onset of a new year, be on the lookout for new cover material as well as new original material from Smokin Gunnz as they continue to grease their well-oiled Southern Rock machine.

You can check them out at www.smokingunnz.com or become their friend at www.myspace.com/smokingunnz.

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