AJ GHENT BAND
''LIVE 2013 SOUTHERN GROUND MUSIC & FOOD FESTIVAL, CHARLESTON, SC''
2013
27:50
1 - The Mic Check Song 4:12
2 - Elevator Love 2:49
3 - Tina 1:44
4 - Be Your Dog 5:50
5 - Watch What You Do 7:05
6 - Keep On Workin' 6:05
GARY PAULO - SAXOPHONE, RHYTHM GUITAR
WILL GROTH - DRUMS
TIFFANY GHENT BELLE - VOCALS, PERCUSSION
AJ GHENT - FRONT MAN, VOCALS, SLIDE & STEEL GUITARS
MARLA GHENT - VOCALS, PERCUSSION
SETH WATTERS - BASS GUITAR
ABOUT AJ GHENT
A lust-filled, swaggering, stormy slide-guitar playing front man who sings tales of heartbreak, betrayal and beauty, AJ Ghent is reminiscent of James Brown and Otis Redding as he bellows out funky rock. His guitar playing is a masterful mix of Jimi Hendrix, Albert King and Ben Harper. AJ Ghent has a unique stand-up lap steel approach, and he floods the stage with energy. The notes leap from his guitar, grab the listener and lead them to a fun place of sultry bright summer rock.
-Mike Hammer
AJ attended a performing arts school where he studied music, drama, and dance. His experiences and education at this school influenced who he is as a performer. AJ was also a student of multiple instruments including drums, steel drums and saxophone. In his quest for “the sound,” AJ would later discover his passion for the steel guitar-a love that would carry him on a never-ending journey. AJ’s introduction to the instrument came from a decade of stories spoken by members and witnesses from the church his great uncle Willie Eason, grandfather Henry Nelson and father Aubrey Ghent Sr. played in for many years. His forefathers and great uncle were considered masters of the steel guitar and they all introduced a unique approach to the instrument which rendered an incomparable sound. “It’s like I was birthed into a family of kings, and chosen to one day take the throne,” says AJ. “These steel guitar masters were celebrities in the church and everyone loved them. This particular church, named ‘The House Of God’ was known for its distinctive praise and worship style driven by the steel guitar as its lead instrument.”
AJ later attended these same services following the footsteps before him. “I had to play,” he says. Unlike many, AJ taught and trained himself on how to play the steel guitar. His mother and father divorced when he was very young, demanding him to learn this craft on his own. “My father and I didn’t have much of a relationship, I worked really hard to make up for his absence,” says AJ. “The steel guitar is not the easiest instrument to learn on your own, and I struggled at first; but it wasn’t long before I got the hang of it. I think the fact that it was ‘in my blood’ helped me tremendously.”
By the age of 18, AJ had rapidly transformed into an artist influenced by the sounds surrounding him, adopting multiple styles into his playing. He later had the opportunity to play with the legendary Allman Brothers, Colonel Bruce Hampton and Derek Trucks. “Overall I’m a soulful kind of guy, although I tend to blend other sounds into my playing,” he says. Playing the steel guitar alone wasn’t enough for AJ. He had a other loves which included singing, free-styling, dancing, and writing. Every one of the above mentioned components can somewhat define AJ, and can be seen through his presence on stage giving all listening ears an indescribable feeling of what has been described by some as a melodic high. “My shows aren’t too crazy,” says AJ. “Most people probably won’t even realize what they’ve experienced until after the show.”
AJ makes it clear that the only genres he can truly claim and aim for are the heart and soul. He recognizes that in the world of music, like every other industry, things get very political very fast.
“I’ve learned to except and understand that I will probably never fit in, and that’s something I’m okay with.”
-AJ Ghent
OFFICIAL ABOUT
The AJ Ghent Band is an American band that spans the genres of southern rock, blues, soul and funk music– fusing together what front man (lap steel guitarist) AJ Ghent calls “Southern Soul.” The band was formed in August 2012 and performs original hits such as“Elevator Love” and “Keep on Workin’” and cover hits like “Purple Rain” and “Dock of the Bay”.
When AJ takes his band to the stage, there is charm, charisma and a sound that is nothing short of innovative, electrifying, precise yet sensual, and heart-captivating. Often referred to by fans as Prince, Little Richard and James Browns’ musical love child, AJ and his singing guitar are guaranteed to catapult the band straight to the top of the music world.
Through a combination of unique and unpredictable sound and rhythm, the band aims to inspire the audience to come together with their message of love by having them take away a memorable performance. The band is currently working on their debut album.
“When we combine southern rock, blues, funk, and soul, we entice audiences with raw passion and honesty by presenting an invitation for people to simply get together and feel good,” AJ says.
''LIVE 2013 SOUTHERN GROUND MUSIC & FOOD FESTIVAL, CHARLESTON, SC''
2013
27:50
1 - The Mic Check Song 4:12
2 - Elevator Love 2:49
3 - Tina 1:44
4 - Be Your Dog 5:50
5 - Watch What You Do 7:05
6 - Keep On Workin' 6:05
GARY PAULO - SAXOPHONE, RHYTHM GUITAR
WILL GROTH - DRUMS
TIFFANY GHENT BELLE - VOCALS, PERCUSSION
AJ GHENT - FRONT MAN, VOCALS, SLIDE & STEEL GUITARS
MARLA GHENT - VOCALS, PERCUSSION
SETH WATTERS - BASS GUITAR
ABOUT AJ GHENT
A lust-filled, swaggering, stormy slide-guitar playing front man who sings tales of heartbreak, betrayal and beauty, AJ Ghent is reminiscent of James Brown and Otis Redding as he bellows out funky rock. His guitar playing is a masterful mix of Jimi Hendrix, Albert King and Ben Harper. AJ Ghent has a unique stand-up lap steel approach, and he floods the stage with energy. The notes leap from his guitar, grab the listener and lead them to a fun place of sultry bright summer rock.
-Mike Hammer
AJ attended a performing arts school where he studied music, drama, and dance. His experiences and education at this school influenced who he is as a performer. AJ was also a student of multiple instruments including drums, steel drums and saxophone. In his quest for “the sound,” AJ would later discover his passion for the steel guitar-a love that would carry him on a never-ending journey. AJ’s introduction to the instrument came from a decade of stories spoken by members and witnesses from the church his great uncle Willie Eason, grandfather Henry Nelson and father Aubrey Ghent Sr. played in for many years. His forefathers and great uncle were considered masters of the steel guitar and they all introduced a unique approach to the instrument which rendered an incomparable sound. “It’s like I was birthed into a family of kings, and chosen to one day take the throne,” says AJ. “These steel guitar masters were celebrities in the church and everyone loved them. This particular church, named ‘The House Of God’ was known for its distinctive praise and worship style driven by the steel guitar as its lead instrument.”
AJ later attended these same services following the footsteps before him. “I had to play,” he says. Unlike many, AJ taught and trained himself on how to play the steel guitar. His mother and father divorced when he was very young, demanding him to learn this craft on his own. “My father and I didn’t have much of a relationship, I worked really hard to make up for his absence,” says AJ. “The steel guitar is not the easiest instrument to learn on your own, and I struggled at first; but it wasn’t long before I got the hang of it. I think the fact that it was ‘in my blood’ helped me tremendously.”
By the age of 18, AJ had rapidly transformed into an artist influenced by the sounds surrounding him, adopting multiple styles into his playing. He later had the opportunity to play with the legendary Allman Brothers, Colonel Bruce Hampton and Derek Trucks. “Overall I’m a soulful kind of guy, although I tend to blend other sounds into my playing,” he says. Playing the steel guitar alone wasn’t enough for AJ. He had a other loves which included singing, free-styling, dancing, and writing. Every one of the above mentioned components can somewhat define AJ, and can be seen through his presence on stage giving all listening ears an indescribable feeling of what has been described by some as a melodic high. “My shows aren’t too crazy,” says AJ. “Most people probably won’t even realize what they’ve experienced until after the show.”
AJ makes it clear that the only genres he can truly claim and aim for are the heart and soul. He recognizes that in the world of music, like every other industry, things get very political very fast.
“I’ve learned to except and understand that I will probably never fit in, and that’s something I’m okay with.”
-AJ Ghent
OFFICIAL ABOUT
The AJ Ghent Band is an American band that spans the genres of southern rock, blues, soul and funk music– fusing together what front man (lap steel guitarist) AJ Ghent calls “Southern Soul.” The band was formed in August 2012 and performs original hits such as“Elevator Love” and “Keep on Workin’” and cover hits like “Purple Rain” and “Dock of the Bay”.
When AJ takes his band to the stage, there is charm, charisma and a sound that is nothing short of innovative, electrifying, precise yet sensual, and heart-captivating. Often referred to by fans as Prince, Little Richard and James Browns’ musical love child, AJ and his singing guitar are guaranteed to catapult the band straight to the top of the music world.
Through a combination of unique and unpredictable sound and rhythm, the band aims to inspire the audience to come together with their message of love by having them take away a memorable performance. The band is currently working on their debut album.
“When we combine southern rock, blues, funk, and soul, we entice audiences with raw passion and honesty by presenting an invitation for people to simply get together and feel good,” AJ says.