It was around the spring of 2010 that I first caught wind of a complicated and talented man named Ned Mefford when my wife posted an ad on Craigslist. We were searching for a bass player and other musicians for a band I was forming. Gretchen, his wife, saw the posting and followed up with my wife to get us guys (and other musicians) together one weekend. Ned and I played a few originals, our wives adored each other then became fast friends, and the rest is music history.
If you haven't heard Ned play before, he's an extremely good jazz bassist. Since our first meeting, we have been jamming, recording, and playing a few open mic gigs.
Now I would like to say a few words about my friend, musician and storyteller from some of his own experiences:
Ned was born October 28, 1952 in Henderson, Kentucky and was baptized in 1984. As a child he played flute and became very good at it. During his junior year in high school he excelled in playing his instrument and performed for many years after that. He became a hippie and moved to Oklahoma. In 1973 Ned moved to Seabrook, Texas and worked with a 5th generation Sailmaker then soon became a captain and marine navigator logging approximately 28,000 nautical miles. It was around this time that he met drummer/guitarist Dan Turner with similar musical tastes. They hooked up and Ned purchased a Rickenbacker stereo bass. He also purchased a Peavey bass amp with 15” small stack. I know Ned's musical style and I can hear his music now...Awesome!
Ned joined up with some fellow musicians and became a really good band called Surge. They could have been famous on a greater stage had they advertised more. I know, since I heard a Surge CD recorded back then. The band was very polished and jazzy at times with many harmonies. They reminded me of King Krimson, Little Feat and a jazzy Joe Jackson. Unfortunately, they went through a slew of lead guitar players (all with different ideas and attitudes) then as do all great groups they broke up. – I can personally relate to this type of experience since years have gone by and my own past bands, Wizard and Eclipse, broke up. I had an attitude problem and am not very proud of it. We too should have gotten a recording contract and became famous. I guess I never tried hard enough to do so until now.
About a year ago, Ned and I recorded a song that is now on my website called Jake Hoover's Pig. We nailed it on the second take. He couldn't have played bass any better since it was perfect! When I originally laid down the vocal track, I read my interpretation of Charles Marion Russell's story with a few embellishments. I vocalized my storytellin' as if Charlie was telling the account but never did I dream that when I added the music tracks of Ned and me playing, that it fit perfectly to create the mood I was seeking. He is a serious bass player and is the best I have ever played with. I want to thank you my friend for recording with me and for future good times.
You can catch Ned around the Houston area playing with Third Coast Swing and with a jazzy The Good Luck Trio. He also plays in Texas' famous Kerrville Folk Festival every year and at local open mic nights. Check out this dynamic bass player, singer, songwriter when you can.
You will be hearing some new stuff from us soon since I am working on some cool melodic originals that will feature Ned as lead bassist. I can't wait to start playing live at a venue near you!