NakedCity Wichita

quiett time with jim gaines

Posted on 02. Apr, 2010 by Seth in music

words > TRACEY GARRETT

photos > DUSTIN CRAIG

video > ADAM WILLIAMSON & DUSTIN CRAIG

I’ve been very fortunate to work in the music business/industry for over 25 years.  I have watched bands play the local and regional circuits, make a CD or two, and even be signed by national recording labels.  I have to admit however, that very few of these bands have impressed me as much, as the Terry Quiett Band.

When Carrie of NakedCity asked me to do a video interview with these guys, I was more excited about the video aspect of the project, than I was about interviewing a band that I’d never heard of.  Carrie also mentioned that Producer, Jim Gaines was coming to Wichita to produce an album with the guys…okay, now my curiosity was peaked.

Who is Jim Gaines you ask?  Jim Gaines has produced multi-platinum albums for artists like Journey, Steve Miller Band, Huey Lewis and the News, Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and many more.  There had to be something very special about these childhood buds from Winfield, for someone like Jim to take notice and travel to Wichita.  I had to find out what it was.  Between Facebook and MySpace, I saw what Jim saw, and heard; a diamond in the rough.

I admit, days before my interview with Terry, I found myself listening to his music over, and over.  I found myself falling deeper and deeper into this unique, yet familiar sound of the Terry Quiett Band.  I was drenched in extreme soul, rhythmic blues; mixed with the classic rock guitar of someone like Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughn.  The guys have created a groove that forces even “whitest of boys” to move with a little more rhythm.  LMAO (I’m sorry if I have offended anyone with that last line…”and we’re walkin’,”) now, I’m impressed, and I had to have more.

I met Terry (lead vocals, guitar), Aaron (vocals, bass), and Rod (Drums), at the Cotillion while they prepared to open for Tab Benoit.  Terry’s shoulder length, dark blonde, wavy hair, caught my attention first, but it was the sincerity in those green eyes, that made me realize he could be the real deal.  Terry is very personable, with the charm and manners, only a Kansas boy can have.  Conversation came easy and we became fast friends…well, as fast as you can in 30 minutes, which includes the interview. Keeping within the realm of the NakedCity style, I wanted to keep this interview relaxed and down to earth.  I wanted to really try and catch a glimpse of what might be so special about these guys, about Terry.  With our cameraman, Adam Williamson almost ready (so we thought,) Terry and I settled in on the couch, unaware the camera was already rolling and the mic was hot.  I plead the 5th.  LOL

It was a good, solid, fun interview.  Terry was more than happy to answer any question I had, spilling his guts to me at every turn (that’s a good thing.)  He talked of the bands excitement to be recording an album produced by the legendary Jim Gaines.  I was pretty pumped too, since my interview with him was next on my agenda.

Entering the Brickhouse Studios, yes, right here in Wichita, I was once again, very impressed.  It’s a class act facility, with first-rate equipment and software, which explained why Jim agreed to work here on the album.  Already on day two, Jim took a moment away from the Terry Quiett Band to sit and talk with me about why he was in Wichita, producing this local band.

His answers were simple and real, just like him.  Entering the room, Jim seemed to put everyone at ease, but I’m sure had he said, “jump,” we would have all asked “how high?”  During our interview, the entire room seemed in a trance while Jim shared another story about life in the studio.  Unfortunately, time was up and it was back to work for Jim and the Terry Quiett Band.

I want to wish Terry, Aaron, and Rod, the very best of luck…guys, you have my support.

I encourage everyone to embrace our local artists; you just never know what you might find.  It doesn’t matter if they’re headed for national recognition or not.  Wichita is full of talented artists, regardless of the art form, and they deserve our support.  Get out and watch a play, see sculptures and other works of art.  Catch a local band or dance troupe, the list is endless and it’s right here in our own backyard.

Tags: brickhouse studios, jim gaines, local music, terry quiett band