Jim Bader
Guitars, Lead & Backing Vocals

How long have you played guitar?

I have played since the age of 8, which was "several" years ago. I played through the 80s a variety of bands and musical styles, mostly from the metal sound of bands like Ratt and Dokken, but also alot of Zeppelin and even some new wave.

 

Who are your musical influences?

My style is heavily influenced by well known guitar pioneers such as Randy Rhoads, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and of course Eddie Van Halen. I also have stolen riffs from Kee Marcello, from the 80s band Europe, Steve Lukather and Eric Johnson.

What bands have you played in?

A couple of bands that played local bars and parties back in the day, Skintite and Glass Angel (cant you just see the flowing hair?). Many worship bands.. one that even went to Russia to do music for a conference!

Played in a couple of versions of a Christian band called Vessell, one in AZ and one in TN. We put together a cd, but never got far enough to do anything with it.

Vintage is by far the most fun and productive band I've been a part of so far.

What is my favorite thing about playing in Vintage?

This band has the talent and versatility to play any song that we put our minds to. Well, except for Brickhouse... we tried that for a couple of practices and my wife and boys put the kabash on it.

Everyone in the band does their homework and when we get to practice it takes only a few runs to nail it down and add it to the setlist.

What has been your favorite gig to date?

I have loved playing every one of the the Bon Vivants. We have played 4 straight years. Three were in the beer gardens, but this last March we were on the VIP stage... what a blast! It feels good to be giving back and helping to raise money for such a great cause... but also because there are always 3,000 plus... and we always rise up when we get to play to a crowd!!

My second most memorable gig was at Caffe Porobello, not sure which one it was. However, it was the gig when we debuted Lady by Styx. We had only practiced it a couple of times and werent sure about adding it. The crowd loved it so much that it actually evoked cheers and people stood to applaud. Now THATS rock and roll!

 

 

Who is your favorite band right now? Whats in your cd player or ipod?

Lately I have been getting caught up with Collective Soul. Great 90s band that I didnt pay much attention too, but should have. I have also been rediscovering Foreigner after seeing them with new singer Kelly Hansen. They still bring it!

What equipment do you use?

My favorite guitar is my Ibanez Satriani JS100. I also have two Gibson Les Paul Studios that come in numbers 2 and 3... Whitey and Woody :). I also have a lipstick red Charvel Strat, a hold over from the old hair band days, a Jackson Soloist and a Fender Strat. I play through a Marshall JCM800 half stack that I bought 1984, and use a Vox ToneLab for effects. A PRS is next on my list >8-).

Whats the one thing that most peope do not know about you musically?

I originally learned how to play guitar left handed. I eat and write left handed so it was natural for me. My dad guided me to learn right handed because it would be easier for me to get guitars.