Located on the Central Coast of California, Spoonfed Lightning at the core, is a blues band with flavors of Rock 'n Roll, Jazz, Country, Funk, Fusion and Gospel. Since the late 90’s, members of this blues quintet have brought their fusion brand of Blues, Soulful-Rock and American music across the Golden State’s Central Coast.
The story of Spoonfed Lightning is one of many returns. The origin of the band goes back to ‘98 when Billy Estrada (Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist) and Toby Willett (Bass) formed the group “The Mudcats (Rhythm & Blues Band)”. By ‘00, with guitarist Tony Kirkorian joining the ranks, the group changed it's name to Clearwater Soul. During this time, the band kept a busy schedule performing at a variety of clubs, restaurants, churches, farmer’s markets and local festivals throughout California’s Central Coast.
After a hiatus, Billy Estrada started a new project with well-known local drummer Steve Hilstein (Drum Circuit) in July '04. Shortly thereafter bassist Willett re-joined, followed by guitarist Gary Guliasi. The band, “Soul Reaction” was born. In ‘06 Soul Reaction achieved acclaim through local press and airplay with their debut album, "The Beauty of Life".
Being active participants in their community, Spoonfed Lightning routinely gives their time to perform for charities in support of activities such as the Special Olympics and Epilepsy Awareness, Youth Events and more.
The Band
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Billy Estrada
Lead Vocals; Lead & Rhythm Guitar, Slide Guitar, Harmonica
Billy combines the vocals of Ray Charles with the guitar of B. B. King, while throwing in some healthy doses of blues harp and slide. Yet Billy is more than a band-fronting bluesman. With a father from the West and a mother from the South, Billy bridges American music from Gospel and Blues to Country and Rock. Whether as a songwriter or a performer, Billy strives for authenticity, knowing that listeners can hear the truth.
[ Website ]
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Tony "The Kid" Kirkorian
Lead & Rhythm Guitar, Slide Guitar
Tony “The Kid” Kirkorian was born and raised in Fresno, California where he was influenced by the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Tony’s guitar work is proven to be beyond his years, providing blistering solos that leave the audience in denial!
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Toby Willett
Bass; Backing Vocals; Sound & Stage Manager
In 1998, Toby Willett of Arroyo Grande, California, teamed up with Billy to form the Mudcats (Rhythm & Blues Band), which later became “Clearwater Soul.” Toby’s bass playing provides the harmonic glue between the rhythm and the melody, while freely borrowing the musical vocabulary of Jazz, Blues, Folk, World, and Rock. Originally a marching band trombonist, Toby plays four and five stringed basses, both fretted and fretless.
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Al "Country Keys" Rasor
Tasty Keyboard sounds
Known as the “Country Keys”, Allen started playing keyboards at the age of 16. Influenced by the likes of Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Smith, Billy Preston, and James Brown. For over 20 years, Al has performed locally with "Bay, and the Breakers", "Blackjack", "Neon Moon", "House Red Band", "Code Blues", "City Lights Trio", and others.
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Wayne Stach
Drums; Percussion
Born in Minnesota, Wayne was originally trained on the keyboards and trumpet. Wayne's true love - the drums, has landed him spots performing in many bands, such as: members of "The Coasters”, “Code Blues”, “The Mudhole Blues Band” and “Wham Bam Man”.
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