Symon’s still rockin’
L ocal musician Symon has been going through some changes in the past year that have had a major influence in his music both on and off the stage.
The rockin’ entertainer regularly performs six to seven days a week in the Southwest Florida area and has also done original musical scores for such companies as the Chicago Transit Authority, as well as various regional and national commercial jingles.
He said he’s now lightening up his performing schedule a bit to get back into the studio to finish his second CD, “Beer, Beef, and Cheap Cigars,” an album that contains seven original songs and three covers, one entitled “Who In The World,” which was originally recorded in 1977 by the band Artful Dodger. It’s Symon’s newest video release for the album.
The video also features original Artful Dodger members Gary Cox (who wrote and first recorded the song) and Peter Bonta, sharing vocal, guitar and keyboard duties. Also featured is band member Mark St. James on bass and local drummer Dan Odum.
“Having only one day a week off and then recording music for others hasn’t left me any time to finish the album, which was supposed to be out last year,” Symon said. “With just taking an additional day off for a couple of months, I hope to actually finish the CD by July. It will also give me more time to do new mixes of my live performance material, which I started doing a couple of months ago.”
Symon said he’s now simplifying the background tracks he records himself for his performances, to give them more of a live feel and sound than before.
“I was doing large productions of songs with all the trimmings, and although they sounded great to me, going back to basics of four or five parts really gives the music much more punch and realism,” he said.
He’s also including more original music, as well as material from popular regional acts, into his repetoire.
In addition to performing solo shows, Symon’s still pairing up with fellow local musician Tequila Tom in the properly-named duo T/S Factor.
The group’s emphasis on harmonies, orchestrated guitar parts and slightly off-the-wall comedy is gaining popularity, getting comparisons to The Smothers Brothers.
“We are a very audience-interactive show,” Symon said. “Whether playing solo or performing with the duo, the goal is to always put on the best show possible no matter what.”
Symon’s solo act can be seen Mondays at The Monkey Bar in Cape Coral, Tuesdays at Pinchers at the Holiday Inn on Fort Myers Beach, Wednesdays at The Outrigger and Thursdays at Big Al’s in Bonita.
Catch him as the T/S Factor with Tequila Tom Fridays at The Monkey Bar in Cape Coral and the remaining Saturdays in March at Pincher’s at The Holiday Inn on Fort Myers Beach.
Also, the T/S Factor will be performing Saturday, March 21, from 2 to 5 p.m. for the Kaitlin Cardin Cancer benefit, a very worthy cause for seven-year-old Kaitlin who is battling cancer for the third time.
“Please come out and give your support,” he said.
For more info on Symon’s music, to check out pics, his bio or upcoming sched, visit SymonMusic.com, which will also offer links to his vids on YouTube.