Bruce entered the arena of professional music in the spring of 1975 after his stint in the Army ended in 1974.
With a 12 string acoustic guitar and a desire to perform and travel, he hit the road with another acoustic guitarist named Mark McConnell and forms "Tequila Sunrise". The duo is well received, playing acoustic rock favorites by America, Poco, and the Eagles, as well as original music.
While visiting family in Roanoke, VA, Bruce and Mark meet Steve Guidus, who also plays 12 string acoustic and performs many of the same songs. Steve invites Bruce and Mark to sit-in on his gig that night. The impromptu trio is immediately offered the gig as a trio, and "Sunrise" is born.
Three part harmony and 30 strings of acoustic guitar, (two 12 strings and a 6 string), lay the foundation for an extremely popular mix. Performing acoustic rock favorites and original tunes, the trio has a memorable run, playing throughout SW Virginia.
As the markets tighten, the trio disbands, and Bruce heads down to Asheville, North Carolina. Reconnecting with Mark, the duo "Those Two Dudes" is formed.
Building on an already established repertoire, and adding more original music, "TTD" make their way to Jacksonville, Fla. in 1977. The addition of a bass player and a drummer, creates the spirited southern/acoustic-rock band, “Southside Edition”.
"Playing music in Jacksonville in the late '70's was like a Steinbeck novel." Bruce muses. "It was the best of times...it was the worst of times."
In December of 1981, Bruce comes to SW Florida for a two week visit, and as the story goes….just stays.
In addition to his solo career, Bruce has played with a number of bands during his "extended visit" to SW Florida; "Unicorn Run" with his old buddy Steve Guidus and fellow Roanoker Tim Martin, "The Doc Travis Band" with the late guitar virtuoso Vic DeLucas, and bassist Steve Friedman's party band "Half Moon". Bruce also fronts his own classic rock band, "Cruisin’", featuring local favorites Chuck Tomlinson on sax and Greg Tali on keyboards over the years.
While on a family hiatus to Cape Cod in 1996, Bruce connects with one of New England's premier dance and party bands, "Mike Dumas and the Hollywood Horns".
Playing lead and rhythm guitar, singing lead and background vocals with this 8 piece Rock and Soul revue is one of Bruce's fondest undertakings. "Being involved in the formation of the Retro-Disco show band, “Platform Soul” with Mike, Hollywood Heywood, and some of the most talented players I've ever had the privilege of knowing was alot of work... but mostly, alot of fun".
Coming back to SW Florida 18 months later, Bruce returns to his "bluesy tropical" roots.
Missing the "full band" dynamic and sound, Bruce begins combining the latest musical technology with his own musical personality. Developing his "one man band" with backing tracks he edits and re-mixes on his computer, Bruce currently enjoys a successful career as a solo artist.
Bruce performs at many area bistros, such as Tommy Bahamas and the Duval Street Emporium. Sharing his unique talents with SW Florida's Talent Agencies, Bruce performs at corporate functions hosted by the largest and most famous resorts from Marco Island to Captiva.
Bruce expresses a spirit with, and a dedication to, his music that could only come from years of experience, and the pure pleasure of the "performance".
Come see for yourself.
