Behind the Music: Sonoma’s Tony Gibson

‘There is a lot of s*** going on in the world. Music can help get you through it.’ - Tony Gibson’s partner, Dawn Angelosante|

Lots of guys dream of being in a band. For most, that means a lot of air guitar. All the right notes, all the time. Tony Gibson had those dreams, but for him, it meant a real band. Yet one band was not enough. Three was more like it for Tony. Or was it four?

Tony Gibson, now 36, is a local musician who has already been on the scene here in Sonoma for years. He can be found playing as part of the musical act “Dawn Angelosante and Tony Gibson.” He is a singing guitar player in Gentlemen Soldiers. He is a singing mandolin player in the Timothy O’Neill Band. Gibson also occasionally chips in with some percussion with Dan Martin and the ‘Noma Rock Steady Band. It’s a wonder he keeps his show duds organized.

After graduating from Sonoma Valley High School in 2000, and well after hearing all kinds of popular music in his family home in Agua Caliente, Gibson traveled south to University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a BS in music industry. While there, Gibson learned about copyright law, contracts, and radio and TV.

After landing a job at Epitaph Records in Los Angeles, he realized that, “...it doesn’t matter that you went to school.” He was taught sales and marketing the Epitaph way, a very cool label for young Gibson to be working for. Much of the music he listened to back in Sonoma was on the Epitaph label; Bad Religion and the Dropkick Murphys, to name two.

Gibson then moved to supporting role at the fabled Sound City studio in beautiful Van Nuys, California. Sound City was home to Dave Grohl and Tom Petty, no slouches.

Gibson was a runner, “…wrapping cables and stuff.” A highlight was when Gibson was fortunate enough to be in the house when renown producer Rick Rubin worked with Johnny Cash on his final recordings.

Sometime in 2010, Gibson met a young singer/songwriter named Dawn Angelosante, playing random shows. She had been a mainstay at the Open Mics at Murphy’s Irish Pub, and Gibson was drawn to her. Just like how things turn out in the song, they became musical partners. And co-workers at Hanzell Vineyard. And life partners.

They have been holding the audience’s attention, and each other’s, ever since.

While talking about those sweet bygone days in their house in town, Angelosante stretched out her arms for emphasis, unconsciously positioning her hands and curling her fingers as if she was playing a piano.

The pair continues to perform. They have begun to record an album of original material at Sonoma’s Delta Bound Records. Because the recording process was slowed by last fall’s fires, they hope to release the LP by late next year. All good things take time.

Gibson’s tenure with Gentlemen Soldiers began after a conversation with local drummer JB Duff. The two had been discussing the “what if’s” of life, and both agreed that they needed a dose of some crazy, folksy, wild Celtic stuff. Ergo, Gentlemen Soldiers. The Soldiers, with Duff laying down frantic marching beats and Gibson slaying his acoustic guitar, continue their high energy ways to this day. They will blast through upcoming gigs at Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma and the Blue Note in Napa.

As a guitar-playing singer not satisfied with being in only two bands, assuming a role in another band that already had a guitar playing singer was going to be a bit more difficult. To make it work with the Timothy O’Neill Band, where he had been playing off and on, he took up the mandolin. He had been a bit of a “hired gun” with the Timothy O’Neil Band, but Gibson’s mastery of new instrument sealed his role with the band. The Timothy O’Neill Band unveils its new LP at The Big Easy in Petaluma on Aug. 30.

Chatting over coffee, Gibson and Angelosante were relaxed and happy to talk about their partnership. Gibson remarked that their music is “…mellow, introspective, and intimate,” a nice change of pace from the up-tempo Soldiers and TOB. Angelosante talked about the role of music in her life, saying. “There is a lot of shit going on in the world. Music can help get you through it.”

The duo cites Joni Mitchell and Ryan Adams as heavy influences. Gibson also made a point of adding, “In the beginning, it was always the Beatles.” Their typical set list includes about 25 percent Dawn’s original music, about 25 percent Tony’s, and about 50 percent covers.

Gibson’s favorite place to play in town? When it comes to playing his Seagull guitar with the Soldiers, it’s the Sonoma Speakeasy. While wearing the “Dawn and Tony” hat, he prefers the Broadway Under the Stars gig. He hangs an Eastman mandolin on his shoulder while playing with Timothy O’Neill, where his favorite place to play is Murphy’s Irish Pub.

Angelosante will be playing her keyboard and singing, and Tony will be playing his guitar and singing, when the two play at the picnic that precedes the Broadway Under the Stars event Aug. 17 and 18 at Jack London State Park. On Aug. 31, they’ll be onstage at Murphy’s Irish Pub.

Lucky people get to share their dreams. Tony Gibson is one of them.

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