Located in Peoria, AZ 623-878-4127
ARTIST
About Our Artists
We Are Proud to Showcase the Following Artists
To learn more about us call Atomic Guitar Works today.
Andrew Bulock
Black Metal Box wants to get “Inside Your Mind,” and that’s just what they’ll do with their upcoming album. With a sound ranging from driving aggressive metal to melodic modern rock, Black Metal Box delivers a diverse listening experience. The music features memorable lyrics and catchy melodic hooks that will leave you feeling empowered with a heavy metal backing that will keep you banging your head along the way.
Since recording their new album “Inside Your Mind,” the band has released the first single “Nobody Knows” that quickly became popular with fans online. Shortly after, they were featured on 98KUPD’s “Into the Pit” which exposed radio listeners to the heavier side of Black Metal Box.
Angus Clark
Born and raised in New York City, Angus began his musical education at the age of eight. This involved failed attempts at the violin, cello, piano, and guitar, as well as enrollment as a chorister at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. By the seventh grade, Angus' guitar (the one instrument his parents had actually purchased instead of renting) was collecting dust in a back closet next to the Samurai sword his dad got during WWII. And then something truly remarkable happened: Pink Floyd released "The Wall." The earth shifts, and that guitar comes right down out of that closet. Angus enrolls in lessons and by high school he starts playing in bands. Throughout high school, Angus bought mostly old records by the classic acts: Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Yes, Rainbow, UFO, etc. He sites David Gilmour, Randy Rhoads, Ritchie Blackmore, Michael Schenker, and Eric Clapton as his main influences as a guitarist. As a lyricist, Roger Waters, Ian Anderson, Peter Hammill (Van Der Graaf Generator) and Fish (Marillion) are the biggest influences.
In 2004 Angus completed his first solo album, Grace Period. It showcases all of his many talents: singing, songwriting, producing and guitar playing. Currently an in-demand guitarist and producer in New York. Angus released his instrumental solo album Your Last Battlefield and The epic release Out Of The Sun with his new band Daredevil Squadron in 2009. In 2010 music from both albums was featured in Paramount Entertainments Top Gun 2 video game.
Anna Phoebe
Anna Phoebe has been hailed as the “vixen of the violin” for stunning live stage performances that have won audiences and fans all over the world. Her distinctive and original sound combines influences from rock, classical, gypsy, metal and Middle Eastern music, creating a new genre for the violin. Anna’s electrifying stage presence and unique style of playing has cemented her position as one of the world’s leading stage performers. She’s best known in the United States for her exhilarating role with the multi-platinum selling arena rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra where Anna is String Director and solo violinist. Anna Phoebe has featured with guests including Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Paul Rodgers (Queen, Bad Company, Free) and Jon Anderson (Yes).
In 2007 Anna joined Jethro Tull as guest soloist, playing her own compositions as well as Tull classics. In 2009 she toured extensively with OI VA VOI, promoting their latest album in venues and festivals across the world. Anna also tours throughout the year with her solo material.
Her most recent recording, Rise of the Warrior, (available now on iTunes) is an attention-grabbing collaboration with Dutch musician or producer Joost van den Broek. The album showcases Anna’s wide-ranging style: symphonic melodies combined with rock and metal rhythms, seizing the best from a whole host of genres.
Aurelien Budynek
Aurélien Budynek is a guitarist and composer working with various ensembles, ‘regardless of style, genre, or feel.’ An active New York City Aurélien Budynek is a guitarist and composer working with various ensembles, ‘regardless of style, genre, or feel.’ An active New York City performer, session musician and teacher, Aurélien has also been featured in many major festivals, and travels the country playing on multiple projects.
He has shared the stage with Meshell Ndegeocello, Terri Lyne Carrington, Angus Clark (Trans Siberian Orchestra), Jamey Haddad (Paul Simon), Kudisan Kai (Elton John), Felicia Collins (David Letterman), Nona Hendryx, Joyce Kennedy, Siedah Garrett, Alain Mallet (Paul Simon).
Aurélien is a member of the Cindy Blackman Group-feat. Vernon Reid and has most recently returned from their 2009 European tour.
Personal projects include DareDevil Squadron, a classic metal band featuring members from the Trans Siberian Orchestra. The album "Out Of The Sun" was released in early 2010.
He is a faculty member of the National Guitar Workshop, and graduated under scholarship from the Berklee College of Music, in 2005. Aurelien hails from Bordeaux, France.
Brad Gillis
Brad Gillis is best known for his guitar playing in the chart-topping band NIGHT RANGER. Since Night Ranger’s first release DAWN PATROL back in 1983, Brad’s mastery of the strings and whammy bar have helped lead this rocking AOR band to the top of the Billboard charts with close to twenty gold and platinum albums with sales reaching over 17 million worldwide.
Receiving his first guitar at eight years old, he started his first band called THE INVADERS at the age of 10. After singing and playing “GLORIA” at his sixth-grade talent show, Brad’s passion for live performances began. When turning nineteen, Brad joined the San Francisco based funk-rock band RUBICON. Together they recorded two albums, Rubicon and American Dreams, with 20th Century Fox Records. Rubicon played at the massive concert “CAL JAM II” at the Ontario Motor Speedway for 300,000 people with Aerosmith, Santana, Foreigner, Ted Nugent, Heart and others. When Rubicon disbanded, Brad with two other band members, Jack Blades and Kelly Keagy, joined with Jeff Watson, and keyboardist Alan “Fitz” Fitzgerald to form NIGHT RANGER……
After the unfortunate death of legendary guitarist Randy Rhoads, heavy metal icon OZZY OSBOURNE recognized Brad’s talent and asked him to supplant Randy on his ongoing tour. For the next year, Brad toured the world with Ozzy supporting the DIARY OF A MADMAN tour and can be heard playing lead guitar on Ozzy’s “SPEAK OF THE DEVIL” live album recorded at the RITZ in New York in late 1982. In early 1983, Night Ranger was offered a record deal with Boardwalk records, Gillis had the difficult task of choosing one path over the other. Soon after, Night Ranger was releasing hit after hit and touring the world throughout the 80s.
Christopher Shayne
On the forefront of a new horizon, Christopher Shayne has all the pieces in place to move forward and carve an expansive road as a powerful artist.
With strong vocals, an energetic live stage presence, and songwriting that encompasses timeless elements, Shayne has partnered with internationally renowned producer or engineer Chuck Alkazian for this newest adventure beginning with the CD release, Turning Stones. With an onslaught of fresh ideas at Alkazian’s Pearl Studios outside of Detroit, Shayne and his team created an engaging blend of classic southern and blues-influenced rock, complete with modern tones and contemporary twists.
Shayne, well known throughout the Southwest as the creative force behind his former band, “Whiskey Six,” is building on his success by creating a unique Americana sound with just enough familiarity to immediately make listeners feel right at home and want to stay. Influenced by blues artist R.L. Burnside, the Black Crowes, country rockers Blackberry Smoke and the ultimate in southern rock, ZZ Top, Shayne brings an authenticity to his songwriting, blending his own life into relatable lyrics with a genuine nature truly appreciated by his fans.
Turning Stones, Shayne’s most personal CD to date, includes the anthem “Give A Damn,” an ode to his frustrations as an emerging artist, the self-reflective “Take Your Time” and “The River Revival”- a modern tribute to the American gospel influences in today’s blues music. Dave Lansing, Shayne’s writing partner and former lead guitarist for Whiskey Six, is also prominently featured on Stones.
Together with Lansing, Christopher Shayne continues with the momentum garnered with his prior band and moves forward with a distinct voice in today’s complex music landscape.
Christopher Shayne is not a just studio band with amazing production. Shayne and the band deliver a precise, energetic and amazing musical rendering of Turning Stones and other crowd favorites during every live performance. Shayne and his band garner an electric response from the crowd at every show. The live performance will have any crowd on their feet wanting more and in awe of the powerful vocals and seamless musical performance that Christopher Shayne delivers.
Gary Schutt
Gary Schutt, born and raised in Monticello, NY started playing along to Bay City Roller's records on his father's drum kit before his feet could reach the pedals. As a child, he participated in every musical and concert in high school (either on drums or guitar). Gary learned that he loved how it felt to entertain people. Initially trained as a drummer, Gary quickly picked up guitar, bass and piano. Once establishing himself as a well-rounded guitarist at Berklee College of Music, Gary participated in countless recitals, concerts and studio sessions. Although known as a confident guitarist on campus, Gary led a handful of recitals on vocals, played drums in a couple of shows, played bass for the popular local band IN THE PINK, and led his own original band PALISADE.
During his career, Gary has performed with Gregg and Matt Bissonette (David Lee Roth), Neal Schon (Journey), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Eric Martin (Mr. Big), Dave Meniketti (Y&T), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow), Ken Tamplin, Doug Aldrich (Dio, Whitesnake), Jimmy Paxson (Alanis Morrisette, Rod Stewart), Joe Travers (Duran Duran, Dweezil Zappa), Brian Tichy (Billy Idol, Foreigner, Whitesnake), Dorian Heartsong (Powerman 5000), Julie Greaux (Billy Idol), Bryan Beller (Dweezil Zappa, Steve Vai, Dethklok), Mars Cowling (Pat Travers), Chris Wormer (Charlie Daniels, Jo Dee Messina), Ryan Hoyle (Collective Soul), Casey Grillo (Kamelot) and Paul Huesman (Michael Sweet).
Gary has done numerous world tours as bass player / lead guitarist / acoustic guitarist for Jeff Scott Soto. Gary has performed in Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Holland, Belgium, England, Ireland, Brazil and Australia.
Gary currently tours with his band Panic Fire.
Jack Blades
Originally hailing from Palm Desert, California, Jack started playing guitar at the age of eight. Jack played in local bands in the Southern California area during the early ‘70s, at which time he attended San Diego State University as a pre-med student.
He joined the funk rock group Rubicon, formed by Jerry Martini (sax player for Sly and the Family Stone). Rubicon issued a pair of releases, 1978's self-titled debut and 1979's America Dreams. Shortly after splitting up, Blades and Rubicon guitarist Brad Gillis decided to form a new band together, one that would be more aligned to hard rock than their previous outfit.
The early ’80s saw the formation of Night Ranger. With members, Alan Fitzgerald (keyboards), Jeff Watson (guitar), and Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Night Ranger fit in perfectly with such then-thriving rockers as Journey, Def Leppard, and Van Halen.
Propelled by Blades’ songwriting, driving guitars, and on the strength of such releases as 1982's Dawn Patrol, 1983's Midnight Madness, 1985's 7 Wishes, and 1987’s Big Life, the group scored several major US hits including “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” “Rock in America,” “Sister Christian,” “When You Close Your Eyes,” and “Sentimental Street” selling in excess of 10 million albums. But after one more release, 1988's Man in Motion, the quintet split up.
It didn't take long for Blades to re-appear in another band however, the all-star Damn Yankees, which consisted of Ted Nugent, Tommy Shaw from Styx and Michael Cartellone. The Damn Yankees enjoyed substantial hits with their 1990 self-titled release, an album that went multiplatinum and included the gold single smash, “High Enough.” The streak continued with 1992’s Don’t Tread but the band then decided to take a hiatus as Nugent was committed to a solo album and Blades had been touring, writing and recording non-stop with no break since the early Night Ranger days.
That didn’t last long for Jack however and Blades and Shaw opted to record together, releasing 1995’s Hallucination under the name of Shaw/Blades.
The later ’90s saw Blades reunite with his old pals in Night Ranger for tours and two albums (1997's Neverland and 1998's Seven).
Jack has penned songs for country, pop and rock artists including Aerosmith, Cher, Kelli Bryan of Eternal, Alice Cooper, Sons of the Desert, Roger Daltrey, Journey, John Berry, Vince Neil, Ozzy Osbourne, Styx and Kourtney Kale and has produced for Great White, Samantha 7 and Ted Nugent.
With countless songwriting and production credits to his name, Jack returned to his work as a musician. He signed with Sanctuary and prepared for the first solo album of his career. The self-titled release, which appeared in spring 2004, was classic Blades with its guitar-driven backdrop and anthemic songwriting.
Jeff Scott Soto
Jeff Scott Soto is an artist who has graced many stages, a hybrid redolent of soul, pop, rock, blues and R&B influenced by luminaries such as Queen, Prince and Sam Cooke and a man who has proved, across the years that he can deliver all these genres well.
For many years JSS has been known to all and sundry as 'Jeff Scott Soto'. In a career spanning more than twenty years, beginning as the vocalist for guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen, leading to frontman for many bands including; 'Talisman', the legendary 'Journey', 'Soul Sirkus' and now as part of 'Trans Siberian Orchestra'. In 2002 he set out on the long, arduous road of a solo career with the acclaimed 'Prism' and has released two solo albums since then, 'Lost In The Translation' and now 'Beautiful Mess.' He came to the notice of many in the industry when he provided the lead vocals for the main character / singer of 'Steel Dragon' in the Mark Wahlberg motion picture 'Rock Star. With an audience that comes from Europe, Asia, South America and North America, his appeal is about to be widened further with this new release “Beautiful Mess.”
Jeromy Graves
Phoenix, AZ-based rock / metal outfit Razer was formed from the ashes of Metal Blade Records artist Wardog by bassist Chris Catero, guitarist Paul Sullivan and drummer Eric Bongiorno. Guitarist Jeromy Graves joined the fold soon after and the band started writing songs and gigging with Catero reluctantly serving as lead vocalist. Even though they hadn’t found the lead singer they were looking for just yet the band honed their writing chops and turned themselves into one of Phoenix’s premier local acts, opening for the likes of Judas Priest as well as other national acts that came through. Eventually an LA-based online ad placed by former Shift singer Chris Powers ended the exhaustive search as the band found “the voice” and the voice found “the band.”
The new quintet quickly gelled with their efforts resulting in late 2006’s independently released “Falling In Line” album. The band’s heavy sound, mixed with exceptionally strong songwriting and Power’s powerhouse vocals, caught the ear of the staff at Phoenix’s KUPD radio station who started supporting the band locally, placing Razer on station-sponsored shows and giving them the occasional spin even though the station doesn’t rotate unsigned acts. The album also garnered the attention of music biz professionals, resulting in Powers being selected by Guitar Hero video game song producer Steve Ouimette to sing on the game-ending “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” on “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.”
Joe Kret
Influenced by Alice Cooper as a child Joe Kret started playing guitar at the age of 13. Born in Aurora IL, Joe was raised in Phoenix AZ before his family moved to Nashville TN. After high school Joe joined the Army after 4 years Joe decided to go to The Musicians Institute in Hollywood CA to further his guitar skills. Joe graduated from MI and went to ASU and received a degree in Electrical Engineering.
Joe currently plays in the local band L.V.D a hard rock or metal genre. L.V.D has played many shows locally at The Big Fish Pub, Joes Grotto and Crabby Don’s. In his free time, Joe enjoys writing music and working on L.V.D’s first CD.
Joel Hoekstra
New York guitarist Joel Hoekstra is a musician on the rise as both a consummate sideman and an innovative solo artist. Joel's cd's 'undefined', 'The Moon is Falling' and '13 acoustic songs' have found a strong cult following and critical acclaim. Recently, he toured with Night Ranger and Trans Siberian Orchestra, Joel is currently touring with Whitesnake and be can heard on the new cd 'The Purple Album'.
Artists / Musicians (Live, Recording and Writing):
Whitesnake, Night Ranger, Trans Siberian Orchestra, The Turtles, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Scrap Metal, Eric Martin (Mr Big), Alan Parsons, Martha Davis (The Motels), Mickey Thomas (Starship), Rik Emmett (Triumph), ommy Shaw (Styx), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), John Waite, Emily Saliers Indigo Girls), Beth Hart, Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Deep Purple), Donnie & Johnny Van Zant, Don Barnes (38 Special), Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon), Gunnar and Matthew Nelson (Nelson), Mike Reno Loverboy), Jimi Jamison (Survivor), David Pack (Ambrosia), Constantine Maroulis (American Idol), Dave Bickler (Survivor), Mark Slaughter (Slaughter), Hugh Jackman, Chan Marshall (Kat Power), Henry Paul (The Outlaws, Blackhawk), Ray Parker Jr., Ari Hest, Nellie McKay, Jim Peterik (Ides of March, Survivor), Tom Keifer (Cinderella), Kip Winger
Theatre:
Rock of Ages (Broadway, off-Broadway), Love, Janis (New York, San Francisco, Phoenix, Cleveland, Louisville, Cincinnati, Tucson, Sag Harbor), The Boy From Oz (Broadway), Tarzan (Broadway), La Cage Aux Folles (Broadway), It Ain't Nothin But the Blues (Tucson, Phoenix, Kansas City, Seattle, Chicago*), A Chorus Line (Broadway Cast Recording 2006), Lovely Day (off-Broadway)
* nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award for 'Best Musical Direction'
TV:
The Tonight Show starring Jay Leno, America's Got Talent, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Last Call with Carson Daly, Live with Regis and Kelly, Tony Awards (2009), Visa Signature Tony Preview Concert, The Sandra Bernhard Experience (A&E), Imus in the Morning (Fox Business), 20/20 (ABC), Nick Cannon (Nickolodeon), FOX Morning news (New York, Chicago, Tucson, Kansas City, Atlanta, Louisville, Cincinnati), WGN Morning News (Chicago), ABC's View From the Bay (San Francisco), The Loose Leaf Report (LA), WB Morning News (New York), The New York Today Show, ABC's New Years Eve Countdown (Chicago), NBC "Good Company" (Cleveland), UPN: Live at the Taste (Chicago), I-90 North (Chicago), NBC Morning News (Louisville), Barry Z Show (New York), Guitar Talk (Chicago), NBC's 'The Bay Area Today' (San Francisco), NBC's 'Arizona Midday', NY1
Film:
Rock of Ages, Resurrection Mary, The Last Winter, May the Best Man Win
Johnny Lee Middleton
Johnny Lee Middleton is a musician and songwriter best known as the bass player for Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He first came to prominence as a member of Savatage, the Florida metal band he joined in late 1985. "Hall of the Mountain King," on which Johnny Lee received a co-writing credit, saw heavy rotation on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball. The follow-up record, Gutter Ballet, had similar success. Since 1985, Johnny Lee has been the only member of Savatage to participate in every album and tour.
In 1995, Johnny Lee performed on the Savatage album Dead Winter Dead—the album that featured "Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)," an epic instrumental medley of "Carol of the Bells" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" that featured a string orchestra alongside the electric guitars. "Christmas Eve" was an overnight sensation.
Savatage producer Paul O'Neill knew he was on to something big. Johnny Lee and the other members of Savatage returned to the studio in the summer of 1996, this time with a full orchestra and a variety of singers. O’Neill wrote a Christmas story and intertwined it with well-known classical pieces and the Savatage brand of hard-hitting rock and roll. This new project was christened Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and their first album, Christmas Eve and Other Stories—which included a re-release of "Christmas Eve"—was released in the fall of 1996.
Since 1996, Christmas Eve and Other Stories has sold more than 3 million copies. Its three follow-ups—all featuring Johnny Lee on bass—have sold nearly 4 million more. The annual holiday tour, which began in 1999, consistently sells out venues across the United States and Canada. In 2008 alone, Trans-Siberian Orchestra played live for nearly 1.5 million people.
In early 2008, Johnny Lee began to try his hand at making music on his own. He soon discovered that songwriting "was like opening up another side of my mind that I never knew existed." His first two solo singles, "Tennessee" and "Broken Wings," were released in late 2008 and are available at iTunes and Amazon.com.
Keri Kelli
Keri Kelli is an American hard rock guitarist, famous for playing with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend Alice Cooper. He played guitar and co-wrote songs (“Killed By Love,” “The One That Got Away” and “Feminine Side”) on the 2008 Alice Cooper studio album, Along Came a Spider.
He has played in bands he founded such as Saints of the Underground, Adler's Appetite (formerly Suki Jones), New World Idols, Rubber (formerly Blow), Big Bang Babies, and Empire (1987) and has also played with other bands such as Slash's Snakepit, Skid Row, Vince Neil Band, Ratt, Warrant, L.A. Guns, Pretty Boy Floyd, Dad's Porno Mag, The Newlydeads, Bulletboys, Love/Hate, Tuff, Tal Bachman, and the Angel City Outlaws. In March 2013, he formed Project Rock together with James Kottak from the Scorpions. Project Rock consisted of Keri Kelli, James Kottak, Tim 'Ripper' Owens, Rudy Sarzo & Teddy Zig-Zag. He also performs on a regular basis with John Waite.
Starting in 2012, Keri started performing select shows with Night Ranger, filling in for guitarist Joel Hoekstra. In 2015, Keri Kelli joined Night Ranger. Alongside Atomic artists Brad Gillis and Jack Blades, Night Ranger perform 60+ shows a year. 2017 brings their highly anticipated new release "Don't Let Up" on Frontier Records.
Reb Beach
Influenced by the monster rockers of the 70's, Reb spent his teen years jamming along with recordings of Aerosmith, Sammy Hagar and Ronnie Montrose. But it was Steve Morse, then with the Dixie Dregs, that had the biggest influence on Reb. After a couple of semesters at the Berkeley School of Music, Reb started recording some of his own stuff on a four-track recorder. It was a mix of Jazz and Rock called "Fusion." After winning an Annual Best Guitarist contest with one of his Fusion tapes.
Reb took his guitar to New York. Within one year, he was one of the most sought-after session players in the music industry. Working with such all-time great talents as Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Roger Daltrey, Chaka Kahn, Howard Jones, and Twisted Sister. During this time, Reb hooked up with his future band mate - bassist and frontman Kip Winger. Reb and Kip formed the band Winger and the rest is history. The two proved to be great writing partners, producing platinum records that featured no less than six top-forty singles with music that was commercial yet complex. Through the 90's, Reb has played with the legendary Alice Cooper. More recently, Reb was recruited to replace the departed George Lynch as not only lead guitarist but also co-songwriter of Dokken.
Then, in 2002, the day came that fans had been waiting almost 10 years for - a Winger Reunion! Kip Winger, Reb, Rod Morgenstein, Paul Taylor and John Roth - got together for a US Tour entitled "On the Inside". In addition, a CD was released titled "The Very Best of Winger", put together by Kip and featuring a new track "On the Inside". Following the Winger reunion, Reb finally got the gig with a guy he'd been sending tapes to for many years, David Coverdale and the band Whitesnake.
Since 2003, Reb has been touring with both Winger and Whitesnake. Both bands have had multiple releases over the last 10 years.
Including Pull and Karma by Winger. Whitesnake released Good To Be Bad, Forevermore and 2015's The Purple Album.
Steve Conley
Steve Conley is originally from Kansas City, MO., relocated to Phoenix, AZ. He has played in many Phoenix bands, with some respected musicians such as Greg Chaisson (Badlands), & Robert Mason (Lynch Mob). Steve also works as a studio musician, gives guitar lessons and is a recording engineer.Steve met David Ellefson (formerly of Megadeth) through a band he was playing with here in Phoenix, they began doing some jamming which lead to the formation of F5. F5 has appeared in magazines such as Burrn!, Metal Edge (2x) & 22nd Century Rock(cover feature) & Hit Parade. F5's debut cd was released worldwide Sept. 13th, 2005; called "A Drug for all Seasons" (JVC / Mascot / Cleopatra). On March 25th, 2006 our video "Dissidence" appear on Headbangers Ball on MTV2. F5's sophomore cd "The Reckoning" (Oarfin / Koch) was released worldwide in stores, online stores & through their website (www.f5theband.com) August 19th, 2008, with new drummer Jimmy DeGrasso (Y&T, Megadeth & Alice Cooper). Recently, Steve can be seen in the Northern Light Orchestra DVD titled "The Spirit Of Christmas" NLO's next cd will be titled "Celebrate Christmas" and is to be released December 2010.