Bios
Andrew Jay Magnuson
From the clean sound of traditional “Chicago” blues to the modern wail of
his guitar on steroids, Andrew Jay Magnuson plays and sings with true
expression and conviction in every note.
Although his style and focus have changed over the years, music has been
an integral part of Andrew’s life since adolescence. He began performing in
nightclubs at the age of 15, and by the age of 20 was a regular on the
Hollywood, California music circuit. While his emphasis was on harder
rock and roll during his Hollywood days, today, now in his forties, Andrew
is developing his love of blues based music. “It hit me real hard a few years
ago, “ he says. “Not everything we play is blues but the roots are always
there”. Guitar amplifiers that Andrew designs and builds himself further
augment his sound. “I try to keep my own tone pure without a bunch of
effects.”
A professional pilot by day, Andrew balances work and music with
practicing the martial arts and has a black belt in Shito Ryu Karate Do.
Andrew currently resides on California's central coast.
AJM BAND
The 2011 season line up is back to the original AJM Band players:
Andrew Jay Magnuson on guitar and vocals, Darrell Sisco on bass guitar
and long time drummer Frank Alsing.
Featuring the blues, southern rock as well as originals, the AJM Band
currently plays all along the central California coast, the Fresno / Visalia
area and travels to northern California performing in clubs, festivals,
concerts and private functions. Some notable dates include opening for
Marcia Ball in Bakersfield, Ca., the Three Rivers Blues Festival, the
"Blues, Brews and BBQs" circuit, the Musik Mountain Blues Festival in
Shaver Lake, Ca. featuring Elvin Bishop and Mitch Woods, and an
appearance on KMPH Channel 26 Great Day morning show.
Larger distribution deals are in the works for the release of “Smoke
and Mirrors”, as well as the follow up CD "Where there's Smoke, There's
Fire", but in the meantime you may contact Andrew directly for CD’s,
bookings, or further information. (559) 288-5301.
Darrell Sisco (In his own words):
After several years playing the local music scene with several great
musicians I was invited to be part of the AJM band. Blues had always
been close to my heart and I jumped at the oppurtunity to jam with
Andrew. Frank joined soon after and I knew this was the group I had
always wanted to work with. We played a lot of great shows and I
was having the time of my life but, unfortunately, my day job
relocated me to Boise Idaho and I had to give up my spot in the band.
In Boise I worked with the Treasure Canyon band featuring George
Nourse, Bob Lee, Cindy Bass, Jimmy the drummer and the late great
Tim Ramsey on lead guitar. In Treasure Canyon we really did play
both kinds of music, Country and Western (their is a difference). 18
months later I was once again relocated and landed in Grand Junction,
Colorado where I worked with the hottest band in town, Flashback!
The group consisted of Dave Wilkinson, Ted Shook, Gabe Perez and
myself. We played all over the western slope of Colorado and we had
a great time together!
Early in 2011 the opportunity to return to my home town of Visalia
arose and I just couldn't wait to get back to my friends and family! I
am very excited to be back in the AJM band and I look forward to
seeing everyone at the shows!
Frank Alsing
Frank started playing clubs in the Bay Area at the age of 18 in
1972. He had the fortune of playing in some excellent original bands
such as "Stage Coach" that featured Jeramy Storch who had two solo
albums on RCA records. Frank also played in a progressive rock
band called Synapse. "Our music was in the style of Yes and E.L.P.."
says Frank.
In 1980 he moved to Hollywood with the "Pearl and the Kosmic
Blues Band". That was a Janis Joplin tribute band that included two
original members, Sam Andrew and Snooky Flowers. They toured
all the western states, appeared on TV and headlined concerts.
Frank currently lives in Hanford, California and has been an intregal
part of the AJM Band since summer 2002
