Paul Glidden, bass, is a both a talented, seasoned musician as well as a serial bass collector. Paul has been playing bass for more decades than he'll allow to be mentioned here. Paul started his first band in high school with his best friend, Andy. When Andy told Paul they might be able to make some money playing gigs, Paul was hooked. He was in 4 different bands through his high school and college days. One band was active in writing original songs, and recorded two demos for RCA Records (but was not signed). After college Paul was asked to join a club/bar band. They were very successful; sometimes playing four times a week in the 80s. Paul later formed a jazz trio that played tunes from the Great American Songbook, working in clubs and playing weddings. In the 90s Paul took a break from music to explore his other love, restoring classic cars. In 2010 a former bandmate asked Paul to fill in on a gig. His cars took a backseat and he found himself hooked on bass all over again. Since then, Paul has been very active in music, playing bass in several bands at any given time, including most recently playing full-time for two years with a very busy gigging band, Gypsea Soul.
Paul's commitment to many hours of practice pays off with a strong sense of rhythm and ability to lock in with the drums. His sense of when to modulate the volume to support singers and guitarists is much appreciated by his bandmates. Paul can be counted on to provide the strong steady pulse that every song needs. Paul's musical influences include Jack Bruce from Cream and Jack Cassidy from Jefferson Airplane.
Linda West, percussion, lead / backup vocals, has been playing with local NJ bands and musicians since 2015. Prior to that, her musical experience spanned taking flute lessons in grammar school to finger-drumming the steering wheel in later years. ;)
In 2015, some friends who were pursuing a post-empty-nest project, wrangled Linda
into playing cajón for their new band. Never having seen the 'box drum' before, she took to it naturally with a solid sense of rhythm. Audience members and seasoned musicians alike took notice of Linda's ability to drive the band with such a simple yet powerful instrument. When asked by her band to do some backup vocals and harmonies, an affinity for singing blossomed forth as well. Linda quickly branched into lead vocals, and stayed with the band for 8 years. Her natural personal style combined with a clear, powerful voice and ability to inhabit the "feel" of whatever songs she sang, quickly led to invitations to join other bands. Eventually, Core States was created.
Linda's musical influences include Linda Ronstadt, Carly Simon, Stevie Nicks, Natalie Merchant, Alanis Morissette and others. In addition to Core States Band, Linda is happy to occasionally be invited to sit in with her cajón and vocals for other local musicians.
Leo M., lead guitar.... bio coming soon!
Paul's commitment to many hours of practice pays off with a strong sense of rhythm and ability to lock in with the drums. His sense of when to modulate the volume to support singers and guitarists is much appreciated by his bandmates. Paul can be counted on to provide the strong steady pulse that every song needs. Paul's musical influences include Jack Bruce from Cream and Jack Cassidy from Jefferson Airplane.
Linda West, percussion, lead / backup vocals, has been playing with local NJ bands and musicians since 2015. Prior to that, her musical experience spanned taking flute lessons in grammar school to finger-drumming the steering wheel in later years. ;)
In 2015, some friends who were pursuing a post-empty-nest project, wrangled Linda
into playing cajón for their new band. Never having seen the 'box drum' before, she took to it naturally with a solid sense of rhythm. Audience members and seasoned musicians alike took notice of Linda's ability to drive the band with such a simple yet powerful instrument. When asked by her band to do some backup vocals and harmonies, an affinity for singing blossomed forth as well. Linda quickly branched into lead vocals, and stayed with the band for 8 years. Her natural personal style combined with a clear, powerful voice and ability to inhabit the "feel" of whatever songs she sang, quickly led to invitations to join other bands. Eventually, Core States was created.
Linda's musical influences include Linda Ronstadt, Carly Simon, Stevie Nicks, Natalie Merchant, Alanis Morissette and others. In addition to Core States Band, Linda is happy to occasionally be invited to sit in with her cajón and vocals for other local musicians.
Leo M., lead guitar.... bio coming soon!