Reverend Stickman
San Diego, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 1996 | SELF
Music
Press
“The Reverending Story is designed to explain the strange workings in my past lives,” says North Park resident Reverend Stickman of his musical stage show debuting June 24 at Swedenborg Hall. “The idea behind the production came from the fact that my songs are generally stories from some place or time in my life. I’ve never been much for writing love songs, but I do have some wild tales to tell during the show.”
The multimedia production includes film footage, spoken-word skits, dancing (“of a sort”), and several guest performers, including a choir. The debut event also serves as a release party for the accompanying nine-song CD, Half Alive: Stories from Under the Black Hat. “We actually cut 13 songs in a six-hour studio session,” says the folk-blues rocker. “The concept behind the recording was to lay down the basic tracks — bass, drums, and guitar — live in the studio and then add vocals and solos via multitracking. ‘Half Alive’ stems from the fact that it was recorded that way.”
Produced by Sven-Erik Seaholm at Kitch ’n Sync Studios and mastered by Paul Abbott at Zen Mastering, the CD features a full band, with Stickman covering 6- and 12-string acoustic and electric guitars, slide guitar, and lead and backing vocals.
So, how did the Reverend attain his ministerial credentials? It all started with two friends who wanted him to officiate their marriage. “After quite a bit of preparation — i.e., writing a money order — and profound thought — i.e., drinking — I became a mail-order reverend. I can marry, baptize, and perform legal unions, but I do not preach, and I’m not affiliated with any single religious belief. All faiths and denominations are honored, even if not always understood.
“Spirituality is something we can all feel.... Religion divides us from each other.”
Reverend Stickman can frequently be seen walking through Balboa Park with his guitar and Jack Russell terrier, or hanging out at the Stage Saloon downtown, where he appears nearly every Saturday night from 7 to 8 p.m.
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- San Diego Reader magazine
"...an amazing talent. Combines strong guitar playing with melodic and memorable hooks. A can't miss..." - Rocket magazine
"The Belly Up show was definitely a reminder of how much talent San Diego has to offer.If you have a chance to see Reverend Stickman, do it!" - My Week Music Magazine
Discography
Reverend Stickman-Half Alive 2010
has 2 tracks,'Forty Dollars' and 'Time Machine', receiving airplay on 102.1 and 94.9 FM and some internet stations
Reverend Stickman-Christmas 2009
Reverend Stickman-False Idols 2008
Reverend Stickman-Bad Habits and Good Karma 2007
Bviolin-Stretch Reach 2010
Bviolin-How This Weighs On Me 2009
Cathryn Beeks Ordeal-Mood Swings 2010
Verge of Distortion-Horology 2010
and many more including Bob Bartosik, Charlie Imes, Daphne Denniston, David Brown and Sequoia Neptune.
Photos
Bio
Reverend Stickman's work in the studio and with other touring acts as well as his own unique brand of music has garnered extensive radio airplay and TV appearances, 4 San Diego Music Award nominations including Best Blues Album of 2015, San Diego Best Songwriter of 2011 and numerous awards and credits for arrangement, production and performance on 23 different CD releases in just the past 5 years. He performs with many artists as a hired gun (guitarist) both locally and touring around the country, playing genres ranging from beach and folk to world fusion, pop and hard rock. But it is his award-winning original music that really shines through.
The music of Reverend Stickman inspires and amazes. Fantastic chops rarely seen on an acoustic guitar. Thoughtful songs that reward the careful listener as well as the casual fan with interesting harmony and a variety of musical influences. Never just the same thing twice with different words, but completely different approaches from song to song. Really compelling lyrics that engage people with honest storytelling, sometimes dark and cynical, sometimes sweet and faithful but always with a sense of humor that gets the crowd involved. And the onstage banter of the Reverend is always fun and unpredictable, keeping the audiences laughing and listening.
From coast to coast in concert halls, theaters, lounges, bars, coffeeshops, and living rooms, those who have seen Reverend Stickman perform come away not only impressed, but whistling or humming a melody line from their new favorite song.
Band Members
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