......THE GRAMS WIN IN THE 2006 SAN DIEGO MUSIC AWARDS!!
............................................................................................................................. THE GRAMS WIN! IN THE 2007 SAN DIEGO MUSIC AWARDS!!!
.................................................................................................................................. The Grams......
chuck schiele: songs guitar vocals........
sweet elise: violin, vocals.......
craig yerkes: guitar, vocals.........
tony sandoval: bass........
billy coomes: percussion.......
rob garbo: percussion........
http://TheGrams.net
You can also check out our electronic press kit:
View Chuck Schiele/The Grams's EPK
.........Chuck Schiele (solo):
singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer, promoter, music writer, soldier for the arts.....
Bad Science Fiction......
Chuck Schiele, Michael Head, Rob Garbo, Simeon Flick, Kevin Irvin........
Influences
Inspired by: You, Three Chords & The Truth, a Kickass Soundman, Poets, A really freakin catchy song, What the Music Itself Wants to Be, anyone with the balls to get up there and sing because it feels good, my home and the beautiful people of 92107, nice people, a good smartass, Reality, True Original Thinking, Joanna's Kitchen, Good People, Peacemakers, The Beatles, Angelique Kidjo, Miles Davis, Michael Hedges, Daniel Lanois, Lawrence Juber, Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello & Dianna Krall, Fleetwood Mac, Paul Simon, Colbain, Coltrane, standing in the Cardo of Old City Jerusalem, Erica Jong, Frederic Niezschte, Martin Scorcese, YoYo Ma, Vanessa Daou, Richard Thompson, Queen, Aerosmith, Sting, Pink Floyd, Spinal Tap, The Meters, The Subdudes, Rave Music, The No Quarter Album by Page and Plant, Johnny Cash, my Dad, Birdie Carter, my Grandmother & Grandfather who knew I was an artist as soon as I did, Donald Seetoo, God, World Music, Rock Music, Orchestral Music, Jazz, Americana, Tom Dowd, Daniel Lanois, George Martin, Quincy Jones, Rick Rubin, Craig Yerkes Elise Ohki, Billy Coomes, Rob Garbowski, Tony Sandoval, Peter Sprague, Christopher Dale, Michael Head, Dave Gladdish, Tom Griesgraber, Simeon Flick, Pablo Neruda, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Jesus Christ, The book of Taou, humble people who try really hard while possessing no sense of self-entitlement, the odds against me when presented, Rosa Parks, Fibonacci, Martin Luther King Jr for reminding us that "a man can't ride your back unless its bent," underdogs in general, The Miracle Mets, the following phrase: "Good enough isn't enough for those who strive to be their best", Charles Swindoll's essay on persistence, the guy who tried to tell me that his band was the best band I've ever been in as a warning, the open road, food I cannot pronounce, a change in the weather, kids cuz they say it like it is, the elephant in the storm, sex-god-and the fine line that connects the 2, anyone who is truly funny, people with class (are usually the one's who don't realize they have it), quiet time, the noise and music in my own damn head, science, simplicity, serendipity, sunrise, Those who listen as opposed to waiting to talk, The stranger who prayed for my Grandfather's better health, Paul Cezanne - for telling the Salon to jump in the lake, Pablo Picasso for taking Paul's idea even further, all the rock and roll records that scared the hell out of my mom, Tony Bennett who remains ultra cool even though he's like 187 years old by now, James Brown, Luke Oscuro who made me believe in my art like no other, Chelsea Flor, Johnny Janiga, Jane Lui, Aaron Bowen, Andre Balasz, my favorite bartenders, the angry/fearful knuckleheads who remind me of the example I have not become ... and those who do this for more than self-affirmation.
The Grams are a San Diego based group of musicians featuring three locally acclaimed vituosos. Theres singer/songwriter Chuck Schiele - of whom reviewers are frequently prompted to write the when he sings about soul, you know he has one. And, Craig Yerkes, one of the hottest, most revered and coveted lead guitar players in southern California delivering one gorgeously fierce solo after another. Sweet Elise is the exotic beauty who reinvents classical violin by way of experimentation and signal processing. The result is a LOT of music for three people.
Together, The Grams begin with a pop-rock-Americana-world-music approach to songwriting. Equal parts orchestration/improvisation. With the overt use of only 2 acoustic guitars - in a variety of virtuostic styles and situations - along with the effects-driven space violin, they create a heady blend unique unto themselves that is not only melodic, but very, very rhythmic. Afterall, hitting the guitar is part of the fun in The Grams. Whether they are covering tunes out of context, or writing instrumentals based on ancient Persian themes, or just rockin' out - it all comes together in a way that is unique, interesting and fun.
The Grams have been wowing audiences all over Southern California, and were WINNERS IN THE 2006 SAN DIEGO MUSIC AWARDS as Best Americana Group. They were nominated in the same category in 2005.
The Grams released their debut self-titled CD in March 2006, which was co-produced by Chuck Schiele & Jeff Berkley, written by Schiele and arranged by the Grams. Mastered by Gavin Lurssen.
A new CD is forthcoming for 2008.
Chuck has also been an integral of bands such as The Gandhi Method, Modern Peasants, Chuck Schiele and the Mysterious ways and The And - while also enjoying his place in the scene as a solo, singer/songwriter.
During the summer of 2005 Chuck opened STUDIOB http://:myspace.com/studiob92107, a full service recording facility, and is currently producing several projects. In addition to that Schiele has formed BEACH MUSIC MAFIA, which among other things, is booking events in various venues, including the esteemed Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cookoff - one of San Diego's favorite festivals, right at the beach. To learn more about these events visit http://myspace.com/beachmusicmafia.
Chuck is featured on dozens of releases ranging from solo acoustic projects, to rock records, vocal arrangements, guest artist, and also - several appearances on compilation CD releases, recording at Sun Studios in Memphis, including KPRI, KGB, and San Diego Music Awards generated compilations.
Over the course of his career, he's shared billing with...
Jason Mraz, Dave Mason, the Guess Who, dada, Mick Fleetwood, Lawrence Juber (from Paul McCartneys Wings); the Hoodoo Gurus; Taj Majhal, The Little River Band, Little Feet, Bob Mould, to name a few.
Just wanted to check in with you guys. Still thinking of you and everyone. Let us know if you need anything...even if it's to come over and play the WII with DJ. LOVE Y'ALL!
I was deeply saddened to hear the terrible news about your loss. My most heart felt regards and while words are not sufficient consolation for the bereaved family, I request that my heartfelt condolences be conveyed to them.
"Why did the chicken cross the road?" "To follow her dreams." Don't be a chicken, follow your dreams, even if you sometimes feel a little bit silly. Stop by and say "hello" and have a great day! :)
Hey Chuck, I hope things are getting a bit easier. My condolences go out to you and Craig's family. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help (i.e. benefit show - sound or recording). Take care buddy,
Thanks Chuck...this still doesn't feel real to me and I'm kind of surprised I'm able to write about anything right now, let alone the subject of our mourning. That anyone has taken any comfort in what I've written is my only hope, and it seems as though some have.
Hang in there, Chuck...we all need love right now and I'm sending a surplus to you and Joanna.
