Big T has been playing acoustic guitar for more than 50 years and brings his own style to Country, and Rock. Everything from Willie to Haggard, Hank to Jones, John Prine to Bob Dylan. Big T is a talented finger picker, adding a different voice to his guitar playing. His easy-going style is perfect for any venue, whether clubs or festivals. His sets are unique from other Country and Rock performers, and always delights his audiences.
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Write a reviewPrice range: $300 - $2000
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 180 minutes
Insurance: $1,000 - If required
What is my performance like? A professional performance with little chatter and lots of music! I usually perform three sets - two 55 minute sets with 15 minute breaks in between and a final 40 minute set. Once I am finished, I load out my equipment (no assistance is needed - just need to get my vehicle close to a door for loading).
I started playing guitar at the age of 9, and while my friends dove into Rock and Roll, I found my calling in Americana and Country. That means I have been making music for more than 50 years! Every night I perform, I hear so many compliments about my voice and about my choice of songs for the set.
I have a catalog of well over 400 songs - more than enough material for a 3 hour set. This ensures I have plenty of material to choose from to keep sessions fresh. I like to switch my genre's around when performing so my audience may hear a little Willie Nelson one minute and Jimmy Buffett or John Prine the next. Or I may mix in some of my own songs currently streaming on Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services.
I don't drink and I don't smoke (other than the occasional cigar, but never at gigs) so I make the perfect performer - never have to worry about my bar tab! All I ask for is enough bottled water to make it through the night.
I am fully self-sufficient - all I need is a stage or area to perform in. I bring my own PA system, a very compact Bose L1 Pro, that takes very little room yet can fill a good sized room with sound. For performances with audiences larger than 50, I have a larger PA system that can support the largest of rooms.
All I need is a 110vac 20a outlet, and a space no bigger than 15x15. It only takes me 45 - 60 minutes to load in and setup, depending on the distance from my vehicle to the stage. I can also provide a simple lighting system that runs on the same 110v outlet as my PA. If the venue is providing sound, I bring my own microphone (Sennheiser 945), boom mike stand, and a pedal board (110vac, 20a), and a small fan (sits right next to my mic stand and runs on the same power as my pedal board). I'll need a DI for the guitar and XLR for the mic.
Friday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Wilson, NC
Whiskey River - Willie Nelson
Are The Good Times Really Over - Merle Haggard
Magnolia Wind - Guy Clark
Tax Man Blues - Travis Russell
Spanish Pipedream - John Prine
I ain't Ever Going to be Willie - Travis "Big T" Russell
Paradise - John Prine
Dublin Blues - Guy Clark
Coal Mine - Danny Barnes
Knocking on Heavens Door - Bob Dylan
This is just a sampling and not a complete list of songs I perform. The actual set list depends on the type of event and the type of audience.
I have had many different influences in my musical career. Mississippi John Hurt, Big Bill Broonzy, Elizabeth Cotten and many other Southern Folk Blues artists influenced my fingerstyle. Country/Folk singer /songwriter Steve Gillette was a huge influence on my playing style overall.
I play a lot of John Prine because I enjoy his lyrics and my audience loves to hear his tunes. But Jimmy Buffett plays in here as well. For country, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson of course, but there have been others such as Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, and Guy Clark.
My rock influences vary from old classic rock like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor. Avett Brothers have recently made it into my repertoire as has Arlo Guthrie and John Mayer. All of these influences have one thing in common - their music speaks to me in one form or another, and its the passion I feel when playing these tunes that transfers through my performances to my audience.
110vac 20a outlet
Singing Guitarist
