HiWay Diner
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play lo-fi play hi-fi  Mama Don't Allow
HiWay Diner is my acoustic project. It started out as a Guitar/Mandolin duo with myself and David Gerow, who's currently with Sneakin' Out, based in Portland, OR. Our whole idea was to book gigs with just the two of us, and have NOTHING in mind to play! We would just go up and improvise around tunes that most people already were familiar with. Nothing was safe, and nothing was sacred! We'd do a reggae version of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", and follow it with a bluegrass version of a Beatles tune. At every gig, at least 75% of the material were things that we'd never tried before. Very exciting! We never knew what was going to happen next!
Why this name?
We actually chose this name from my favorite coffee cup, which has a picture of a run down roadside cafe with a sign that says "HiWay Diner". We both thought it was perfect.
Do you play live?
We did play live until David moved to Portland, OR. I have played acoustic gigs with a bassist under the name "HiWay Diner", but it was not the same as with David on the mandolin.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
The internet allows me to make this stuff available to the public where otherwise it would never see the light of day.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Ummm... let me see if I have a pen....
Band History:
David Gerow has toured, playing piano, with the likes of Clay Walker, and Wade Hayes. He appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" with the Clay Walker band. After his return to his hometown of Flint, MI. he teamed up with myself, playing in a variety of blues/roots bands. He worked as my bassist for a couple of years. I've also used him on piano, mandolin, and even drums a few times. A GREAT all around musician!

For more biographical information on myself, see my page under my own name - Timothy Lamb.
Your influences?
David Gerow's biggest mandolin influence is David Grissman. I know that he loves Mozart. Other than that, I'm not sure.

Myself, I've always loved the usual blues guitarists - B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, and guys like Rory Gallagher, and Roy Buchanan. I also enjoy older country styles such as Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and older jazz greats like Django Reinhardt, and Charlie Christian.
Favorite spot?
My LEAST favorite is Flint, Michigan
Equipment used:
In HiWay Diner I used mainly an Ovation acoustic/electric. David used a couple different mandolins - acoustic with a mic in front. I can't remember the brand names.
Anything else...?
Well, there may be other incarnations of HiWay Diner, whenever I find a suitable partner in crime. For now, I'm doing the electic thing until further notice.
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