February 3, 2010 - Gary and James return! First gig this Friday

I am thrilled to announce the return of Gary and James Jones to Deeper Blues!!! There's a lot to finally tell you about what went down just over a year ago, and I promise you'll hear all about it. For now, let's just say that we have all made it to the other side of one of the most difficult challenges we've ever faced.

No, Gary's arm still isn't healed, but he's sick and tired of sitting on the sidelines when he could be playing! So, the Electric version of Deeper Blues is back in full regalia.

If you're in town, come see us at Sarge's Tap this Friday - February 5th, 5-8 p.m. - just like it used to be - except not quite as loud! (smile)

For those who have been coming out to hear Deeper Acoustic - the acoustic version featuring Alan Wait and Chris Taylor - never fear! We're still doing our thing, and have several gigs lined up this year.

Call it a Double Feature of pure, unadulterated Deeper Blues, because now, you can have it both ways!

I'm off to rehearsal with Gary and James... just to make sure all the t's are crossed and the i's are dotted. To be honest, there's not all that much to do, because even at the first rehearsal this year, it sounded like we'd never stopped playing.

So. Please join me in a HUGE welcome back to Gary and James. Feels good to be home.

Lane on Bass...

November 27, 2009 - Deeper Blues now on Twitter, Happy Thanksgiving!!

Deeper Blues is now on Twitter. We'll use tweets to announce updates here (new videos, for instance), performance reminders and more. So sign up today to follow Lane and the band 24/7!

Follow Deeper Blues on Twitter

NOTE FROM LANE: Greetings, all y'all! I hope that each and every one of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday, and that you're looking forward to a great weekend. I know that it's been harder than usual to be thankful this past year. To those who are dealing with the blow-back of the economy, I feel you ... because it's hit me, too. But you know what? I've still got a LOT to be thankful for, beginning with my wonderful wife, Glenda. We're just a few weeks away from celebrating our first anniversary, and even though this has been a difficult, trying year, it's been better because we faced it together.

To me, that's more important than all the money in the world, you know? So, yeah, the economy may be horrible, and some of us have faced job loss or drastic reduction in income. For many of us, however, there are still reasons to be thankful. I hope each of you is one of those people.

Peace,

Lane

November 16, 2009 - Newsletter sign up made easier

We recently signed up with a new newsletter solution so that we can send you better information, and on a more regular basis. Those of you who have already signed up to receive our newsletter don't need to do a thing. But now it's easier for newcomers to sign up.

The newsletter will now be published on a more regular schedule. In addition, we'll be able to add pictures and other graphics to make it a bit more interesting to read.

WE WILL NOT SPAM YOU!

We will send nothing but the newsletter with your permission. In addition, we will not give your information to anyone else for any reason.

November 9, 2009 - More on new gig with Teach Me Bass Guitar

Hey, everybody! Lane here with some really exciting news! My good friend Roy Vogt has just released the most comprehensive bass guitar course you'll ever see. Teach Me Bass Guitar has over 20 hours of instruction on a 10-DVD set. Starting with the basics and going all the way to advanced concepts, it's like having two years worth of private lessons at your fingertips - and you can hit rewind as often as you like!

Back when Roy first told me about the project I told him I'd do whatever I could to help promote it. Who knew I'd have left Eden by the time it was released? And who would have ever thought I'd end up as VP, Sales & Outreach for the parent company - The Learning Dock? But that's just what has happened, and I couldn't be happier about it all!

I've known Roy for more than twenty years, and I think he's not only one of the finest bassists on the planet, he's also one of the most gifted educators around. So, no matter your level - beginner to advanced intermediate - I highly recommend you check out Roy's course. Then, go get Thumpin!... er... practicing! (grin)

October 7, 2009 - New gig, new videos

Lane is extremely proud to announce that he is now the VP, Sales & Outreach for The Learning Dock, publishers of Teach Me Bass Guitar, featuring Lane's close friend, Roy Vogt.

I've know Roy for more than twenty years. He is without a doubt one of the finest teachers on the planet. When I first heard about this project, I promised to help in any way I could. I had no idea I'd be taking a job with the company at the time, but I can't tell you how pleased I am to be a part of The Learning Dock family. ~~ Lane

Today we also posted two new videos: Lane's TMBG promo video (and he's playing a bass that isn't black!), and another (better) video of Amen Corner, Lane's guest appearance with Roy at this summer's NAMM show event, The Low Show.

Watch the videos on the DBTV page.

August 3, 2009 - New video posted

We posted another video today - a performance clip of Long Way Home. This one is from 2008, and features Line-up #2. It was taped at Slangfest '08, a local music festival.

Watch the videos on the DBTV page. (Scroll down to the bottom.)

July 31, 2009 - New videos posted, new dates added to calendar

Today we posted two new videos - a live full-band version of Black Sheep, from our CD Dig the Hole, and a live trio version of Long Hard Road, which will be on the upcoming acoustic release.

We've also added a few new, last-minute dates to the calendar.

Watch the videos on the DBTV page.

Check the calendar.

July 24, 2009 - Lane welcomes Shubb Capos to the DB family

Greetings from the Land of All Things Blues. Lane here, with some exciting news: I am now a proud endorser of Shubb Capos. I began using their capos exclusively when I tried Glenda's. (She has her own guitar, and I was borrowing it.) I was very impressed with its ease of operation and the fact that I never had to re-tune the guitar when I capoed up. It's also really cool that I can easily get replacement parts if I ever need them.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Gary Mobley at the Summer NAMM show in Nashville. Even though his main focus was on interacting with dealers, he took a considerable amount of time to get to know me. Before I left, I was the proud owner of Deluxe and Noir capos. (You know I had to have a black one, right?) Both are the 12-string versions, because I want to use them on the baritone guitar, in addition to my six string.

I am honored to be included in the Shubb family, and to include them in the Deeper Blues family of supporting companies. I look forward to a long, positive relationship with the company, and with Gary. Obviously, if you ask me what capo I recommend, there will be only one answer: Get a Shubb!

July 23, 2009 - New videos from the Low Show @ Summer NAMM posted

Last week, Lane was down in Nashville to visit the Summer NAMM show - the major music industry trade show. While there, he performed at the Low Show with Roy Vogt (Amen Corner) and Sean O'Bryan Smith (Papa Was a Rolling Stone).

"I've been friends with Roy and Sean for years," said Lane. "I mean, I've known Roy for more than two decades. It's always great fun to play with them both, and I really appreciated the opportunity to take part in the Low Show. It was especially fun because Roy actually wrote Amen Corner for the two of us to play together."

Watch the videos on the DBTV page.

July 15, 2009 - Behind the Scenes video on Another Man's Blues posted

Greetings from the land of Blues, y'all. Today, I posted a Behind the Scenes video on the recording of Another Man's Blues. Check it out on the DBTV page.

July 10, 2009 - Another Man's Blues project begins, new dates added

Hey, all y'all! Lane here again. I just wanted to fill you in on a few things. First, I'm very excited that Tom Foutch of Morningwood Studios has donated free studio time to help us record Another Man's Blues to be used as a theme song for Danville Foodstock. Just as cool is the fact that original DB drummer Aaron Bouslog did the drum track for the project.

It was like old times... Aaron had to use an electronic kit -- something he's never done -- and had almost no warning, much less time to prepare. Even so, he flat out NAILED his part! The pcoket was as wide as the Grand Canyon, which made it very easy for me to do the bass track. We had the bass and drum tracks done in two takes, then dropped a reference vocal on it. All said and done, it took two hours, which included a time-out for Tom to drive his tractor over to his neighbor's house to pull his neighbor's tractor out of the mud!

Now we've got to get the guitar tracks done, and then perhaps replace the vocals. Alan Wait and Chris Taylor will be doing the guitars, and I may even drop a rhythm guitar track just for fun. Stay tuned for more info as the project progresses.

In other news, we added a couple of dates to the calendar, including a Deeper Acoustic trio show at Kickapoo Landing on Tuesday, July 21st (featuring Lane, Alan and Chris), and another Deeper Acoustic show (this one a duo with Alan and Lane) on Lane's Birthday, at Mustard's Last Stand. Check the calendar for details.

I've been busy as all get-out, what with job changes, Foodstock, and a ton of other stuff. Next week I head down to Nashville to take part in the Low Show that's taking place as part of the NAMM Summer Show festivities. If you're in the area, stop in and say HI!

June 22, 2009 - Return from Santa Cruz

Hey, all y'all! Lane here. Just got back from Santa Cruz, CA, where I spent several days at the Rick Turner Guitar Company. (See Photo) Stayed with Barry so we could work until the wee hours of the morning. On Thursday, Craig Murray (from Crash the Machine) and Polo Jones (Zucchero, Eric Clapont, et al) both came into town for a visit. Over the next several days, I'll be working to get some video on-line.

I've gotten several emails since posting about my new position as Ambassador-at-Large for Turner, and I wanted to make sure everyone knows -- YES! I'd be happy to talk to you about a Turner, Renaissance or Compass Rose instrument. And, YES, we do uber custom work. So, if you're interested in exploring possibilities, feel free to send me an email.

June 10, 2009 - New Videos Added

Today we added three new music videos to the site. All three were taped live at last weekend's Foodstock Days at Springfest '09. Included are: Time of Dyin', Part 1 - with the new Deeper Blues lineup, as well as Happy Boy and Long Hard Road, with Lane performing solo.

Watch the Videos

June 4, 2009 - Lane Seals Deal with Eick Turner Guitar Company

Today, Lane signed a deal with the Turner Guitar Company, builders of Turner, Renaissance and Compass Rose hand-made instruments. Lane has been a member of the company's professional artist community for almost a decade, and an avid promoter of the brand.

"To say I'm thirlled is a monumental understatement," Lane said when the deal, which has been in the works for more than a year, was finalized. "I've worked with Barry [Pearlman, president] amd Rick [Turner, founder and chief builder] on an unofficial basis for many years and am really looking forward to being more involved with their work."

Next week, Lane will travel to the company's offices in Santa Cruz, CA, for several days of meetings and videotaping. "I haven't seen Barry and Rick for over a year," Lane said, "so this trip is long overdue."

Read the Press Release :: Read Lane's blog post on My Space

Oh, and Lane says that if you're interested in purchasing direct from the company, you're free to send him an email.

April 23, 2009 - New Videos Posted

Yesterday, Lane appeared at HIV/AIDS Awareness Day at Danville Area Community College. After setting up the gear, he shot a quick video to explain his amp set-up for solo shows. Later, Lane taped some footage for an upcoming video project. At the same time, he taped an overview of his collection of custom Renaissance Guitars. Check them both out on the DBTV page.

April 16, 2009 - The New Line-up

Lane is very excited to announce that Deeper Blues has a new line-up for local shows - Alan Wait (guitar/bass), Chris Taylor (guitar), and Merle Stanford (drums). Among the top players in the Danville area, these three also work extensively with the area's hottest jazz band, Doc Ashton & the Root Canals. "I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be working with these guys," said Lane. "I've admired their work for years, and they're all just a blast to play with."

Check out the new line-up at Foodstock @ SpringFest '09, on Saturday, June 6th.

February 20, 2009 - Rockin' the House - Now Booking House Concerts

We're very pleased to announce that Lane is now offering solo House Concerts in addition to public performances. Performing on acoustic and electric basses, baritone guitar, and guitars, Lane brings an intimacy to the house concerts that makes each performance a special event.

"This is as close as you can get to the days when Blues was born," said the veteran musician. "I mean, how much more intimate can you get than sitting in the living room with a small group of friends?"

The private shows are very informal in nature, leaving plenty of room for audience interaction and storytelling. Because of this, each performance is unique and very personal. For those who want to put on an even bigger party, MidWest management will also provide a catered Backyard Blues Barbecue.

For further information, or to book a date, click here.

February 01, 2009 - Lane Debuts Deeper Acoustic Solo Show

Now you can hear Blues the way it was in the old days - one man, his instrument, and his pain. .For several years Lane has toyed with the idea of putting together a full solo show. In the past he's done one-offs and short appearances, but was reluctant to do an entire night on his own. However, ever since the release of Dig the Hole, fans have asked for acoustic versions of the stories.

"Before the release of Dig the Hole," Lane says, "I was very close to doing a solo venture, but then set it aside for the CD. I started thinking about it again when several serious fans began asking for acoustic versions of some of the songs. I started looking for ways to accomodate them."

"Things sort of kicked into overdrive when I met Glenda," says Lane, referring to his new bride. "I started playing her guitar at home, and quickly wrote a pair of songs for her. The response when I performed them was incredible, and I realized it was time."

Lane has already booked an appearance at the Arts in the Park Festival in Danville, IL, and we're in discussions with several venues and festival promoters. For updates, keep an eye on the Shows page.

December 8, 2008 - Lane Baldwin Marries Glenda Ford in Private Ceremony

Yesterday, Lane Baldwin, founder and leader of Deeper Blues, married with Glenda Ford in a private ceremony. With family and friends in attendance, the couple trade vows they wrote themselves. "Actually, Lane did all the writing, because he's so good at it" said new bride Glenda with a laugh. "I just offered minor edits."

The ceremony took place at the Circle of Gratitude and Love Learning Center, an interfaith spiritual community the couple attends. (Lane also offers one service per month.) Lee Fellers and Susan Dancing Star, both ministers for the center, officated the ceremony. Afterwards, the chairs were moved aside for a True Blue Barbecue Reception, catered by Bob Stevens (manager of Deeper Blues), with cakes by Bob's wife Sheri.

"It was perfect!" said Lane, with Glenda quickly agreeing. "Just a few dozen of our closest friends and family; a short yet deeply meaningful ceremony, and some killer barbecue. What else do you need?"

The couple has taken up residence in Tilton, in the house Glenda has rented for several years. Asked what the future holds for the couple, Lane replied, "I don't know, but I can tell you one thing - it's going to be wonderful! I'm a lucky man to have found her, and I'm definitely a Happy Boy!"

August 6, 2008 - DEEPER BLUES TO PRESENT AT BELMONT UNIVERSITY

DANVILLE, Illinois, August 6, 2008 - Deeper Blues, Illinois' new internationally-acclaimed Blues band, announced today that it will offer a pair of presentations to students at Belmont University, Nashville, TN. The event is sponsored by US Music Corp. (Chicago, IL) and is part of its ongoing support for the music education department at the school. Deeper Blues also conducts in-store clinics for Eden Electronics and Randall Amplifiers, both divisions of USM.

The band - featuring bassist/vocalist Lane Baldwin - will present The History of Blues and its Relevance Today to music students and other interested parties, followed by Building a Professional Music Career for music majors. "We're all thrilled, and feel very honored by the reqeust," says Baldwin. "Supporting music education is one of our primary goals and we're proud to be involved with Belmont."

Roy Vogt (bass professor at Belmont) and Baldwin have been friends for more than two decades. "I was so pleased when Lane got involved with Eden's sponsorship of our Bass Department," he says. "He's an excellent musician as well as a gifted teacher. And Deeper Blues is amazing! My students are going to love them."

Baldwin has been an Eden endorsing artist for almost fifteen years."Giving back is a major part of what Deeper Blues is all about," the bassist notes. "Music education is one of our main focuses, and being asked to present at one of the top music schools in the country is a major step forward."

Deeper Blues is a mesmerizing blend of old-school tradition and modern sound that's rapidly gaining international attention. Legendary Blues bassist Johnny B. Gayden (Albert Collins) says the band is "perfectly named." The band's new release, Dig the Hole, has been praised around the world for it's "great songs [and] great playing and singing" (Jazz icon Mark Egan). Helisnki Blues Café calls it "great stuff" and says it "gets better with each listen."

The presentations will take place Tuesday, September 16, 2008. For more information see deeperblues.com.

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June 5, 2008 - DEEPER BLUES TO PERFORM FOR SUMMER NAMM SHOW

DANVILLE, Illinois, June 5, 2008 - Deeper Blues, Illinois' new internationally-acclaimed Blues band, announced today that it will perform at US Music Corp.'s Summer NAMM pre-show Kick-off event Thursday, June 19th.

A concert and product demonstration in one, the event features several bands endorsing USM brands, including Eden Electronics, Randall Amplifiers, and Washburn guitars. Deeper Blues - featuring Eden endorser Lane Baldwin on bass and vocals - will host the show, with Baldwin serving as MC along with solo artist Sean O'Bryan Smith. In addition to Deeper Blues, featured performers include Justin Conn Band, Manic Bloom, and solo artist Doug Johns. Smith and Roy Vogt (solo artist and Bass Professor of Belmont University, Nashville) will present a combined show featuring selections from their latest recordings.

"We all know how difficult it can be to evaluate products on the NAMM show floor," said Jody Dankberg, Marketing Director for US Music. "This event allows us to present our products to dealers and musicians in a real-world situation, which is a much better way to get to know the products."

During the event, the bands will use Eden bass amplifiers and Randall guitar amps, Several of the bands will also use Washburn guitars and basses. "I've been a strong supporter of Eden for a decade and a half. " says Baldwin. "We're proud to represent them and to let others hear how great they are."

Randall Division Manager Doug Reynolds is looking forward to showing Nashville professionals the versatility of his amplifiers, especially the company's flagship MTS (Modular Tube Series) line. "We're very well known in the Metal market," he said, "but our amps are also excellent choices far any style of music. Deeper Blues really shows how easy it is to get any tone you need at the flip of a footswitch - everything from crystal clean to devastating high gain."

Deeper Blues is a mesmerizing blend of old-school tradition and modern sound that's rapidly gaining international attention. Legendary Blues bassist Johnny B. Gayden (Albert Collins) says the band is "perfectly named." The band's new release, Dig the Hole, has been praised around the world for it's "great songs [and] great playing and singing" (Jazz icon Mark Egan). Helisnki Blues Café calls it "great stuff" and says it "gets better with each listen."

The show will be held at the Rutledge Live Music Venue in downtown Nashville, TN. Doors open at 5 p.m. for a Meet and Greet and an opportunity to demo equipment, with the concert portion beginning at 7 p.m. For more information see deeperblues.com or eden-electronics.com.

# # #

May 22, 2008 - Mike Harper Art in Columbus Show

Our Creative Partner is at it again. This time around, he's part of a huge show in Columbus, Ohio - ROBOT HIVE. For this show, each artist had to create a painting in keeping with the show's name. Mike's entry - Portrait of the Artist as a Young Borg - is shown below.

So... Ten Cool Points to Mike for being so talented! And remember, as Mike reminded us just the other day:

Robots are Cool!

May 15, 2008 - DEEPER BLUES TO OFFER CLINICS FOR US MUSIC CORP. BRANDS

DANVILLE, Illinois, May 15, 2008 - Deeper Blues, Illinois' new internationally-acclaimed Blues band, announced today that it will be performing several in-store clinics for US Music Corp., continuing - and expanding - a long association between Eden Electronics and bassist-vocalist Lane Baldwin. Eden merged with US Music in 2003.

During their presentations, the band will demonstrate Eden bass amplifiers, Randall guitar amps, and use several Washburn guitars. "I've used nothing but Eden amps for fifteen years," says Baldwin. "As far as I'm concerned it's the only amp there is. Obviously, we're very pleased to strengthen our relationship with US Music."

"Deeper Blues is an amazing band that covers a lot of sonic territory in their shows," said USM Marketing Director Jody Dankberg. "Their presentation shows how easily Randall and Eden can deliver every tone they need, so that nothing gets between them and their audience."

Eden founder David Nordschow is pleased to expand the company's clinic program. "Lane has been doing solo clinics for the past several years, in addition to dealer training," has said, "so he obviously knows the equipment very well. Adding Deeper Blues to the presentation allows us to partner with two sister divisions to present a more in-depth look at what US Music offers."

Deeper Blues is a mesmerizing blend of old-school tradition and modern sound that's rapidly gaining international attention. Legendary Blues bassist Johnny B. Gayden (Albert Collins) says the band is "perfectly named." The band's new release, Dig the Hole, has been praised around the world for it's "great songs [and] great playing and singing" (Jazz icon Mark Egan). Helisnki Blues Café calls it "great stuff" and says it "gets better with each listen."

"We're all very excited about the opportunity," said Bob Stevens, manager of Deeper Blues. "Lane has been a close friend to David for over fifteen years, and has always been an avid supporter of the company. Now that our guitarist has entered into an endorsement relationship with Randall Amplifiers and Washburn guitars, it's an excellent fit for both the band, and USM."

Clinics are already scheduled for May and June, with more dates planned for the remainder of the year. For a listing of specific dates, visit deeperblues.com or eden-electronics.com.

# # #

March 29, 2008 - Deeper Blues Ring Tones
They're Deep. They're Blue. They're cool as all get-out... and they're FREE! Six to choose from, including Gravedigger Jones, Daddy's Pier and four others. Get them by licking on the graphic below:

Free Deeper Blues Ring Tones!

March 12, 2008 - Deeper Blues Clinic
We just received confirmation that we'll be doing an in-store clinic April 5th in Chattanooga, TN. Click on poster for details. Hope to see you there!

March 07, 2008 - Foodstock '08 a Rousing Success!
We are very proud to announce that our benefit for the Danville Area Food Pantry was very successful, raising more than $5000 and still counting! A huge Deeper Blue Thank You to all who came to the show &/or donated to the cause. Because of you, more families will have dinner tonight... more babies will have formula.

Sincere thanks to the many businesses that donated to the cause, whether it be services, food/beverages or gift baskets. Their contributions helped make sure we brought in as much money and food as we possibly could. Many thanks also to the many volunteers who made sure everything got done - on time, and right the first time!

Finally, our deepest thanks to the performers who shared the stage with Deeper Blues, and gave the audience a show that is still being talked about all over town! The Root Canals, Phaze II and New Kingdom Christian Church Choir (led by Pastor Melissa Forman), and MCs Larry Weatherford and Erin (Big E) Forman -- thank you for being part of the Deeper Blues Family.

We have posted a new Gallery in our Pictures section, featuring select shots from the event. If you'd like to see even more, and read up on the event and the food pantry, visit Danville Foodstock. And keep your eyes peeled here for news on the next event!

January 12, 2008
Great news, y'all! The CD is now available! That's right. Finally, after dealing with several obstacles, the CDs are here. Those who pre-ordered will be contacted over the next few days so they can pick up their copies at Among Friends (behind Charlotte's). The rest of you... what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of hte CD here, or you can download it here.

For more on the CD, including tech notes and lyrics, click here.