| * ABOUT GENE * |
Gene likes to say that he's been rode hard, but never put away wet, as he has
survived cancer twice, open-heart surgery, and the loss of a son. In the wake
of all that; he insists that life is good.
He writes songs that focus on his life experiences; i.e., love, loss, and lessons
learned, from a Christian perspective. His writing has been influenced by Dan
Fogelberg, James Taylor, John Denver, and many others in the folk/pop genre.
Fans say that Gene's voice and singing style calls to mind those of B.J.
Thomas, Gordon Lightfoot, Glen Campbell, and Marty Robbins. While he does
not try to sound like anyone other than himself, Gene is honored by the
comparisons.
He was born and raised, the oldest of eight children, in Ste. Genevieve, MO,
where his first musical role model was his father, who sang and played guitar,
banjo, and harmonica. Other influences included artists who appeared on the
Grand Ole Opry, as well as any musical entertainer who had their own TV show,
regardless of genre.
Gene started singing and playing guitar around age 12 and joined a local
country music band when he was 15.
A couple of years later, while still in high school, he started the "Keys West",
which performed throughout Missouri and Illinois for the next 20+ years. In that
group, the repertoire included "Top 40" country, pop-rock, rock & roll, and disco
genres.
In the 90's, Gene started the "Vintage Music Company" and expanded the list to
include standards from the 1930's, 40's, and 50's.
Today, Gene's solo and duo performances showcase popular songs from the
1930's to today, with a focus on 60's & 70's. Performing as "Acoustic Twist", he
and his brother Mike use live instrumentation that features vocals, guitar, and
drums.
Audiences love their renditions of tunes by such artists as Ricky Nelson, Jim
Croce, Glen Campbell, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Neil Diamond, John
Mellencamp, America, The Eagles, Simon & Garfunkel, Dan Fogelberg, James
Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, and others.
Fans also appreciate their inclusion of light jazz songs from "The Great
American Songbook", made famous by the smooth-voiced crooners of the
1930's, 40's and 50's.
"Acoustic Twist" is perfect for any occasion that calls for easy-listening music,
performed at a volume that enables the audience to comfortably carry on a
conversation. Some say that it's ideal for baby boomer weddings and class
reunions!
Gene is also a songwriter. Check out the "CD" page and his "Moo-sic For
Cows" page to learn more about how he's using his original music to benefit a
pet project.
survived cancer twice, open-heart surgery, and the loss of a son. In the wake
of all that; he insists that life is good.
He writes songs that focus on his life experiences; i.e., love, loss, and lessons
learned, from a Christian perspective. His writing has been influenced by Dan
Fogelberg, James Taylor, John Denver, and many others in the folk/pop genre.
Fans say that Gene's voice and singing style calls to mind those of B.J.
Thomas, Gordon Lightfoot, Glen Campbell, and Marty Robbins. While he does
not try to sound like anyone other than himself, Gene is honored by the
comparisons.
He was born and raised, the oldest of eight children, in Ste. Genevieve, MO,
where his first musical role model was his father, who sang and played guitar,
banjo, and harmonica. Other influences included artists who appeared on the
Grand Ole Opry, as well as any musical entertainer who had their own TV show,
regardless of genre.
Gene started singing and playing guitar around age 12 and joined a local
country music band when he was 15.
A couple of years later, while still in high school, he started the "Keys West",
which performed throughout Missouri and Illinois for the next 20+ years. In that
group, the repertoire included "Top 40" country, pop-rock, rock & roll, and disco
genres.
In the 90's, Gene started the "Vintage Music Company" and expanded the list to
include standards from the 1930's, 40's, and 50's.
Today, Gene's solo and duo performances showcase popular songs from the
1930's to today, with a focus on 60's & 70's. Performing as "Acoustic Twist", he
and his brother Mike use live instrumentation that features vocals, guitar, and
drums.
Audiences love their renditions of tunes by such artists as Ricky Nelson, Jim
Croce, Glen Campbell, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Neil Diamond, John
Mellencamp, America, The Eagles, Simon & Garfunkel, Dan Fogelberg, James
Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, and others.
Fans also appreciate their inclusion of light jazz songs from "The Great
American Songbook", made famous by the smooth-voiced crooners of the
1930's, 40's and 50's.
"Acoustic Twist" is perfect for any occasion that calls for easy-listening music,
performed at a volume that enables the audience to comfortably carry on a
conversation. Some say that it's ideal for baby boomer weddings and class
reunions!
Gene is also a songwriter. Check out the "CD" page and his "Moo-sic For
Cows" page to learn more about how he's using his original music to benefit a
pet project.
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