Steeped in the wealth of experience and known for lyrical maturity that still packs an attitude, musician Rick Fowler brings an original yet familiar appeal to fans of ‘60s and ‘70s rock. The Athens-based blues rock Rick Fowler Acoustic Band is composed of Rick Fowler (vocals/guitar), Michael Doke (guitar/slide guitar/vocals), Greg Veale (bass/vocals) and Deane Quinter (drums). Together the group presents a raw version of blues rock polished by each member’s know-how of their instrument. Its stories remain accessible and representative of the band’s collective knowledge and impressive individual histories.
Fowler’s earlier bands include Ziggurat, Deacon Little, and Fortnox (whose 1982 song “Storm Inside My Head” went to number 44 in U.S. airplay and video reached the top 20 on MTV). In 1984, Fowler’s band Bombay recorded an album with legendary British producer Eddie Offord (of John Lennon, Yes and Emerson, Lake and Palmer fame) supported by the MTV video“Rumble Tonight.” After moving to Athens in 1991 after months of traveling overseas with Bad Fun, he began performing with a number of Athens-based artists and in side band projects with musicians such as Bill Berry (R.E.M.), Dave Schools (Widespread Panic) and Randall Bramblett.
In putting together this band, Fowler has managed to rally together a group of accomplished musicians behind him. Doke began playing in bands at the age of 10 and co-formed The Doke Brothers with his two older brothers in the early ‘70s, which became a popular Atlanta band that opened for Joe Walsh, Tinsley Ellis, Hydra, Artemis Pyle Band and many others. In the ‘90s, Michael became a member of the Jan Smith Band. Veale was the bassist for The Normaltown Flyers and has performed with many iconic musicians such as Jason Ringenberg, members of Drivin’ n’ Cryin’, R.E.M. and others in addition to opening for Greg Allman, Derek Trucks and more. Quinter has drummed with Chuck Leavell, Martha and the Vandellas, Randall Bramblett, T Graham Brown, members of Widespread Panic, The Normaltown Flyers and dozens of others.
The band has performed many shows as the backing musicians for blues legend Beverly“Guitar” Watkins. It continues to represent the genre with substance and a genuine love for the music.
