Welcome to Musical Chairs!-a project where I release a daily music video featuring myself performing with a rotating lineup of fellow musicians and loved ones.
Today’s post #9 of 31 covers The Band’s iconic song “The Weight”!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/SZJidbtPw6c
I am joined today by my great friend and fellow musician, Ken Slauf, and my long time friend and musical mentor, John Paruolo. Ken has been performing since grade school, playing drums, guitar and harmonica. Over the years, Ken has opened for a variety of national acts including The Oak Ridge Boys, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Jimmy Buffett, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee and James Lee Stanley. As a performer/teacher at The Old Town School Music, he was the drummer backing the renowned humorist & mandolinist Jethro Burns (Homer & Jethro) along with guitar legend Merle Travis. Ken has also been featured on the Folk Festival public radio show on WDCB.
Currently, Ken performs throughout the Midwest as a solo acoustic performer, lead vocalist in the jazz band The Nite Hawks (playing The Great American Songbook) and guitarist/vocalist with the Americana band, The Rusken Brothers. Ken has accompanied Dennis O’Brien on three musical tours to Ireland including a performance at the famed Cavern Club in Liverpool, England, noted for giving the Beatles their start.
John Paruolo has been performing for over 40 years starting with the Eddie Boy Band in Chicago and then on to Jack Mack and the Heart Attack in LA where he met and was produced by Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey. Jack Mack and the Heart Attack was the house band for Joan Rivers and Arsenio Hall. Over the years John has done session work with such notable artist as Bob Dylan, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Smokey Robinson. In addition, John has shared the stage with the Eagles, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald and Mavis Staples. Lastly, John has been chosen among the top organ/Leslie players in the world by the Hammond company.
Location note: Ken’s home studio where we have had a lot of experience rehearsing for our Christmas shows.
Happy holidays! Please enjoy and share!
For links to all currently released videos, please visit my website http://www.dennisobrienmusic.com/calendar?view=calendar&month=12-2023