Joe Fry the Guitar Guy

I cover the songs that people know and love that bring back memories of yesteryear. I become totally encompassed in my music which also rubs off on the audience. I play from the heart adding my own special touch into the songs I cover with my own style. You may see and feel the heartfelt expressions in my facial expressions. When I'm performing it's like a out of the body expeirience. I love the music and it shows. People always come up to me and express how much they enjoyed the song choices. I like to mix it up for I believe in any size group of people there are always different taste in music. Some like rock n roll while others prefer country or folk. Thats what sets me apart from others is my mix of rock,country,blues,folk and alternative gendras of music. I can blow a harp with the best of them so I throw a song with the harp in periodically to keep people wanting more. Everyone loves the harmonica! I give them a great show every time and give them something to remember.

One man band acoustic singer/songwriter Joe Fry was born into a musical family where music filled the air at all different
times of the day. Even from the womb I was tapping my foot to the beat of my father, who was, the original Joe Fry the guitar guy. He passed on to me the love of music and the God given talent, that just so happens to be more caught than taught.

By the young age of 10 I sang in Church, as well as with my father as we entertained in the bars in the city of St. Louis Mo. I would dance and sing on
top of the bar, therefore, soaking up all the attention. That was the hook!
There was no turning back after that. Once you've been bit by the applause of
the crowd and the feeling of all of their eyes beaming up at you, you're
hooked!

By the age of fourteen, I was breathing harmonica. I would wail on the blues
harp! By the age of 16, I met Richard Daniels and joined the band Comstock
Load as their lead singer. Next I joined a blues band, so I could play my
harmonica and blow the blues. I met Tom Shea from Ballwin Missouri and we
started a blues band called "Tom Shea Blues Band". I joined as the lead singer,
rhythm guitarist and , of course, blowing the blues harp.

Led Zepplin's song "Going to California" became my reality. I made the cut from over two hundred auditions in Paul Fussel's band as the lead singer.
Unfortunately, in 1975 Disco mania hit the country. I decided then to try a different approach. I teamed up with Joel Swan from a local Bluegrass band in St. Louis, called "Sassafrass Band". Back in 1977 our band was doing alot of the same songs I'm doing today, only they weren't called oldies LOL! Joel and I played as a duet and conquered classic hits, folk, and bluegrass music in clubs all around St.Louis Missouri. Bogarts Bars was a regular gig. Around 1980 we decided, in order to expand, to invite drummer Shea Tignor, of St. Louis Missouri, to join us. That made up the band of "Wood Axe", where we could play Classic Rock and get into more venues that wanted full bands.

After participating in many bands, playing for my local church, and being encouraged by so many people when I played solo at different gatherings, it prompted me to step out on my own and have the creative freedom to play what I want where I want when I want! I practice when I want and I don't have to worry about a band member deciding not to show up. Life is too short to not live your dreams. I can honestly say this is my dream occupation. I'm loving it!

I'm really laid back and I preform my music from the heart. You might call me
somewhat of a naturalist considering I prefer to play without loop machines or
auto-tuning vocal machines. I play with my natural abilities, just raw, real
talent. I promise you a show to remember and will satisfy everyone in your
party.

Check out my ever-changing song list. Also I've posted some videos and audio clips to give you a sample of my musical talent. There are a lot of good guitar players and singers out there but not many solo performers that have the
ability to do both (and can wail on a harmonica!). Of course, I have my
material for those who want to hear some original compositions. However, my
first and foremost desire is to entertain you with the songs you have grown to
love. I play the popular music of our times. From old Rock n' Roll and old
Country hits, through the decades, up to today's Alternative Rock and new
Country tunes. I play the winery circuit around Missouri, several bars, and
numerous restaurants. I've played everywhere from wineries, high class
restaurants, biker bars, grocery stores (Schnucks), private parties,
corporate parties and high end hotels. I can fit into small venues where my band couldn't. However,
I can fill large venues like corporate parties and tent festivals.

I live and breath every song I interpret. My promise is to make your event a
special musical experience to look back on and never forget. If you have a request that I don't know I will try to learn the song if possible and if given plenty of time to get it down. I prefer you choose songs from my list on my website.

I am a professional singer/songwriter who promises to act professional in every
aspect of your vision. It is my pleasure to perform a mind blowing performance
every time. I use state of the art P.A. equipment, beginning with my BOSE sound
system for perfect acoustics sounds replication. I play a MARTIN acoustic
guitar which is considered, by most people, to be the best acoustic guitar ever made.

I will dress and act professional at all times while interacting with your guest
and taking request. Making folks happy is my goal. I love to see people
enjoying the music, dancing, and singing along. It doesn't take long for folks
to see how encompassed I become in the music I play. It gets contagious. Of
course, I can or will transition from background to foreground if the event permits.

Thanks so much for your consideration. Book me now and I will go the extra mile to make you glad you did.

Sincerely,

Joe Fry

I play acoustic guitar and I am a pureist. For I don't use anything to enhance or alter my natural sound of my vocals or my guitar. I do not use drum machines or loopers that make you sound like more than a soloist or a band for that matter. Where does it end Imean if your looking for a band then hire a band. I'm just a old hippie who likes thing the natural way. So I've invested in a state of the art Bose sound system that doesn't change anything it just projects the sound as clearly as possible. It's crystal clear with no buzzing or feedback issues just pure perfection. which it turn means I must be on because every thing i do will come through from little mistakes to the sound of my breathing. My guitar is a Martin made in America believed to be the best guitar made by many many people in the guitar playing bussiness. I had several in my life and will never be without one. Even though I have many guitars I prefer the Martin first.