. . . CandleFish began as an acoustic duo in 2003 .. it expanded to a full band in 2006 .. help us celebrate our third full year together on May 3, 2009 . . .

Band Bios: Big Boss Wally

A CandleFish History .. sort of

  • Born and raised in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania
  • First professional gig: October 1968, with high school buddies Nappy, Deak, and Rufus
  • Did folk duo - "Bixby & Reynolds" - 1969-70
  • Took a few years off and joined country-rock band - "Airic" - in '73, as lead singer
  • After "Airic," there was "Movin' On" - "Positively 4th Street" - "Clockwork Wizards" - "Airic II" - "Breezin" - "Kite" - and "Groove Tube"
  • Tried to retire in 2002
  • In 2003, Duke picked me off the scrap heap and we became the "CandleFish Duo." Thanks to Duke, I've become a better musician and a better person. The duo was great discipline .. it helped me a lot, not just my guitar playing, but vocally .. for the first time in close to 40 years I could hear myself sing!!! Thanks, Duke!!!
  • The 'CandleFish Band' came about in February of 2006 when we filled in for a friend at "Chet's" with Ginz on drums and Firp on bass. Our fans said: "We love the four piece sound!"
  • So Duke called his old friend Casey, who was long into retirement at that point .. the bass playing man with the voice of an angel .. after one rehearsal, I was in heaven .. it was the best vocal blend I'd heard in all the years I've been playing .. after a rehearsal or two, Ginz said he wanted in, too .. that's how we became the CandleFish Band ..

Influences:

  • John Lennon
  • John Hyatt
  • John Prine
  • John Fogerty
  • John ny Winters
  • John Lee Hooker
  • John Holmes
  • John ny Rivers

Thoughts on the Fish:

"I think what makes CandleFish special is that we are four mature musicians with varied styles and passions, so it goes without saying that it is always interesting .. so we have four front-men .. with well-trimmed egos .. kind of like the 'four horsemen' .. just doin' a night's work .. and hoping you enjoy it as much as we do!"

That's all for now folks!

Keep comin' to hear us!

And visit our web page often!
Contact Big Boss Wally:   wally@candlefishband.com