Sneakin’ onto the solo scene

Known for his mandolin skills in the Portland band Sneakin’ Out, David Gerow is on his way to creating a name for himself as a solo artist. With a show on Tuesday, Gerow will have the opportunity to play a wide repertoire of music on the solo stage, which will include music from the band.

Gerow has been a part of Sneakin’ Out since 2003 when he formed the group with band mates Don Henson (keys and percussion) and Mike “Cheddar” Schmitt (bass and drums). The band is currently recording its third album Laughing, Crying, Dead after releasing albums Train Wrack and the official soundtrack to the movie Opera Tuna Teen Ox (though the film was never released). They have opened for many notable artists including Pink Martini and k.d. lang, who played at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

After moving from Michigan to Oregon, Gerow moved in with Schmitt and started writing music. A handful of songs later, they started performing and eventually picked up Henson at an impromptu gig outside a local venue. Since then, the trio has been known as Sneakin’ Out and with time, “sneaking” around the music scene has gotten harder to do for the talented musicians. Portland has been a perfect fit for the band, which has made the transition from street corners and gas stations to the local-yet-well-known venues they play at currently.

“There’s more support and enthusiasm for local music here than anywhere I’ve been,” Gerow said. “Tons of musicians and bands and everyone gets to play who wants to play.  Portland celebrates its musicians and artists.”

The band’s music may have what some would call bluegrass tendencies, but they do not limit themselves to any one genre. The mindset that any style and any arrangement of music is a possibility allows Sneakin’ Out to add new depth to their tracks. These tracks include “Rumours of War,” “Ratty Old Hat,” “Indian Summer” and Beatles covers that the band played at Mississippi Studios this past December.

Writing music is a craft and, for Gerow and the band, it is a process starting with a title and working in details from there.

“In my case, more often than not, the title comes first.  I’ll hear someone say something that sounds like a good song title, usually something that conjures up a visual image, and try to force a basic starting point,” Gerow said.

Gerow’s solo style is a slight departure from the band’s normal sound, but it doesn’t lose the themes that set Sneakin’ Out apart. The excitement and stage presence, gained from years of performing, will remain and you can assume that so will many of the songs.

“The first time I ever performed on stage in front of an audience I was 5 years old,” Gerow said. “In 1973, my kindergarten class performed…at a holiday concert.  I wasn’t on stage again until 1979 when I joined junior high band.  I started playing professionally at age 18 in bars, restaurants, parties, you name it.”

Expect Gerow’s experience and musical tenacity to create an enjoyable environment of music, food and drinks.
 

David Gerow
Mock Crest Tavern
3435 N Lombard St.
Feb. 16, 8 p.m.
No cover
21+