TOMBSTONE NJ
The band WAS (RIP) guitarist George Barker, bassist Ray Lehner, Mike Gelbke on drums, Joel Pirard keys. Later Scott Pittman, (RIP) Bass.
George Barker (RIP) and Glen Masso, original keyboardist,, with Joel Pirard song about being bewitched by a beautiful mysterious fortune teller
SoundClick artist TOMBSTONE NJ presents "GYPSY", an outstanding release in the Psychedelic Rock genre. It is the kind of track that finds the right moment to make itself heard. With a tone that is rhythmic and bluesy, TOMBSTONE NJ's track connects on an emotional level. It has peaked at #1 in Rock and #1 in Psychedelic Rock on the SoundClick charts. TOMBSTONE NJ is an independent artist on SoundClick, releasing Psychedelic Rock music directly to fans worldwide.
fun, funky instrumental with a slight hint to 'Frankenstein' but more funked up beat. Written by George Barker (RIP) Joel Pirard
"Spunk" by TOMBSTONE NJ is a Psychedelic Rock production available on SoundClick. The sound is shaped by keys, giving the song its signature feel. A psychedelic rock track built for repeat listens — it reveals more with each play. It has reached the top 10 on the SoundClick Psychedelic Rock chart, peaking at #10. Listeners into Funky will find this track a natural fit within their rotation.
Written by Glen Masso when he and George Barker (RIP) were in a band called Topeka, reimagined in Tombstone, and finally recorded now
SoundClick artist TOMBSTONE NJ presents "PACK YOUR BAGS", an outstanding release in the Psychedelic Rock genre. The production choices feel intentional, giving the track a distinct character. With a tone that is bad ass, hard-hitting and swagger, TOMBSTONE NJ's track connects on an emotional level. "PACK YOUR BAGS" has peaked at #18 in the Psychedelic Rock category on SoundClick. TOMBSTONE NJ continues to build a Psychedelic Rock catalog on SoundClick, one of the longest-running platforms for independent artists.
A short rocker written by George Barker (RIP) about being happy and hoping it will last
Independent artist TOMBSTONE NJ drops "I WANNA KNOW", a Psychedelic Rock track on SoundClick. It provides textures that deepen the overall emotional resonance. With a tone that is sweet, feel-good and warm, TOMBSTONE NJ's track connects on an emotional level. "I WANNA KNOW" has peaked at #11 in the Psychedelic Rock category on SoundClick. Find more from TOMBSTONE NJ on SoundClick, a platform built for independent music discovery.
George Barker (RIP) and Joel Pirard wrote this semi autobiographical tale of leaving home for rock & roll and the sad encounter with a lonely hitchhiker
Independent artist TOMBSTONE NJ drops "it's in their eyes", a Psychedelic Rock track on SoundClick. The song establishes its own world and invites the listener to settle in. With a tone that is self reflection, emotional depth and mindfulness, TOMBSTONE NJ's track connects on an emotional level. "it's in their eyes" has peaked at #11 in the Psychedelic Rock category on SoundClick. Find more from TOMBSTONE NJ on SoundClick, a platform built for independent music discovery.
JOEL PIRARD: I was in a band named ORION that broke up in 1981. George Barker was in a band called Topeka that broke up around the same time. We formed TOMBSTONE.
I have adapted the stuff we wrote together and 2 he wrote in a TOPEKA and completed all the songs in a home studio. Some are simple, some are a bit more intense. Many speak to simple love and broken hearts.
.
So with your kind indulgence, here are songs I was able to re-record from a terrible source tape. In some cases I had to rewrite lyrics from his buried vocals! Warts and all this is ALL ME.
Mostly formed from 2 bands that used to perform together a lot.
Years ago I was in a band with my friend, former TOPEKA guitarist George Barker, former TOPEKA bassist Ray Lehner, Mike Gelbke on drums, and later Scott Pittman replacing Ray. We were sort of a cross between early Steely Dan and Tom Petty!
All I had for decades was ONE boom box rehearsal tape.
I have over the years ( since 1983 ) listened to it and culled from it for my own recordings.
The band had broken up and George and I had lost touch. Subsequently I found out on Facebook that he had died in 2000. George was an amazing guitarist and songwriter.
Not sure if I will ever release them anywhere, but they need to see the light of day.
I cannot play like George, but I think I captured his essence.
Our mutual friend Glen was with him in his last days, and told me that George always had a kind word for me when ever I was brought up, which HE did often. I had wanted to reach out several times but could not locate him.
He could make you crazy, his playing could make you cry, he could make you want to kiss him. I miss my friend. I wish I could have seen him again. I REALLY wish i could have played with him again.
When I joined Facebook in 2009, he was gone 9 years..
UPDATE: I had lost touch with Scott over the years as well, but former musicians we knew in common informed me recently that Scott, sadly passed away 2 years ago...
We were all pretty used to playing live by the time this band formed.
Jeff Beck, Tom Petty, Allman Brothers Band, Kansas, Steppenwolf
FENDER STRATOCASTER, FENDER P-BASS, ALESIS QUADRASYNTH, KORG TRITON, CASIO ELECTRIC GRAND, YAMAHA PSR E-303, ZOOM DRUM MACHINE ROLAND DIGITAL RECORDER for the studio recordings,
The vintage recordings were recorded on a Panasonic cassette boombox, my keys were Korg Polysix, Crumar organizeer and a Yamaha CP30 73 note electric piano. Kustom cabinet with 4 channell powered mixer. George used Ampeg amps and Gibson Les Paul, Ray used Fender precison and Ampeg, Mike used Ludwig percussion.