Introducing 'Spinning Mule'
Scott Frigon
Scott (right) and Russell (left) at the Rain Desert, CT, 2006
Born : Woonsocket, RI, USA
Hometown: Woonsocket, RI, USA
I have been playing guitar since I was 14 and, having been born a 'Beatle Baby', many of the classic rock bands have been a major influence on my music . Thinking that I had been born 10 years too late to be part of the 60's music scene, those influences will always project through my music. Always in my mind will be my dear pal (Mike) with whom I started playing guitar at 14 and who passed away at 25. I feel somehow that I carry him in me through my music and know he is as pleased as I am.
Unlike my partner who has played in many bands over the years, this is truly my first band experience.
Fate, somehow, has allowed me to meet and hook up with Russ. What started as a musical experiment blended instantly and turned into something I consider magical . I think many bands will never find what we have found so quickly. I would have never have thought that two such different styles would have blended so well and it will be a trademark for our unique " mule " sound.
Spinning Mule will be here for a long time and the excitement and pleasure of working with Russ adds to the thrill of creating music.
Currently we are a song-writing machine and each experience is a new pleasure in music . With our first CD out in 2007, and with many more songs ready to record, we are sure to have a busy schedule during the year.
Peace and love to all our friends.
Scott
"It's just a chord or riff that inspires me and then I go on to see how it goes colour-wise. The whole thing just grows like an acorn or something."
(Jimmy Page, b. 1944, Led Zeppelin)
Russell Taylor Ashby
Russell at the Rain Desert, CT, 2006
Birthplace: Bridport, Dorset, UK
Present location: West Warwick, RI, USA
At the age of 12, I heard Bob Dylan's first album. The experience shocked, delighted and transported me in one fell swoop and I determined, at that tender age, to learn to play the guitar and harmonica as soon as possible. Many years later I find myself still learning.......music is like that......you never stop discovering new horizons. I have spent many years playing in rock bands, folk bands, jazz bands and as a solo artist. My thanks go out to the many friends I have played and sung with: Jacky Jarvis, Robin Lamble, Clive Timperley, Julian Lloyd-Webber, Frank and Chris Caraher (Strange Folk), Pete Shelley and Garth (early Buzzcocks/Jets of Air), Mick Gallagan and Jimmy D'Arbo (Argus), Ian Tunnicliffe (Night Owl).
In October 2005, I came to the USA as a tourist. Scott, who had already been a great friend for a few years, invited me to join him in a musical project. From our first musical evening together, we both knew that something extraordinary and special had begun. 'Spinning Mule' was formed and although we had not created the band name at that embryonic stage, we both knew that we were destined to embark on a journey of creative adventure.
It does not happen often in life that two individual musicians/singers/songwriters should sense an instant chemistry borne out of a synthesis of contrasting styles. When I consider how far Scott and I have come in the past eighteen months of playing and creating together, I believe firmly that there is no limit to what we can achieve.
We looked forward with anticipation and excitement to the production, publication and release of our first CD 'Common Ground', a collection of original songs which have been marked eradicably by the 'Mule' stamp.
With all my best wishes and love to so many friends who have supported us. You know who you are.
Russell
"Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn."
(Charles Parker 1920-1955, American musician)