Meeting Gerry Rose
We first encountered G. W. (Gerry) Rose in the early eighties. He responded to an ad we placed at Thoroughbred Music in Tampa when I was seeking a lead guitarist/writer. We hit it off right away. He was a "blues man", I was a rock and ballad writer. I give him credit for seeing my "diamond in the rough" originals, and his ability to play whatever was required. We "jammed", we practiced, we recorded, but I think I can count the number of paying gigs on one hand that I did with Gerry (this is before he took on the moniker 'G.W.'). He needed a regular playing gig, I did not. But he was patient with me and we had some excellent sessions, almost unbeknowst to ourselves. This is back when I had the Clearwater-area "storage area" garage with the front half all jazzed up for rock 'n' roll.
Gerry Rose was a dedicated hard-working, sensitive guy, who always had lots of upbeat energy, and was durn fussy about his sound. It always sounded good to me. He could rip on anything, and it seldom, if ever, sounded derivative or repetitive. A considerable talent.
Listen to Gerry -- articulating on "When it Rains"
Ambient Music
I remember us putting together a few 3-piece sets with Nancy (and special guest Janet Gedeon for a wedding at the reknown Safety Harbor Spa. I was very pleased that Gerry accompanied me with my keyboard to play "ambient music" before and during the actual ceremony. The three-part harmonies later on were a blast, remniscent of the beloved Matt and Mark days. If only we'd known Gerry back then...
Gradually, especially once Nancy and I had children and I joined the "Inmates", we saw less of G.W. But that's when his solo career got wings. His band became "G. W. Rose and the Thorns", and their performances were quintessential. He was a regular on the Casino boats and regional Rock/Blues/R&B clubs. "The Thorns" got some face time on television at a Bucs game.
Post Grownups
In the nineties Gerry toured, reluctantly, and recorded with blues legend James "Lucky" Peterson. He told me of some of the nightmares on the road. (I don't think I'm too "road-worthy"). I found the following on the internet dated 1996:
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He has finished recording his sixth CD, entitled, "James Peterson Preaching The Blues".
This is his second recording with Malaco/Waldoxy Records of Jackson,Ms. The CD will feature 10 original tunes written by James Peterson. Vocal and lead guitar feature James Peterson. He is backed up by Clayton Ivey on Hammond B-3 and piano, Paul Lee on drums, G.W. Rose and William Andrew Thomas on guitars, and Joel Brodsky on bass. "James Peterson Preaching The Blues", is produced by Tommy Couch Jr. and Paul H. Lee. It was recorded at the new state of the art recording studio at Malaco/Waldoxy Records of Jackson, Ms. and is scheduled for release late May. |
He quit drinking, smoking was his only "vice", but I'm afraid his earlier years spent backing up Freddie King and John Lee Hooker had already taken their toll. He had two of his heart valves replaced
with mechanical ones in March of '86 -- he was only 31 years old. So he was always a kinder gentler Gerry after that.
G. W. (Gerry) Rose died on March 21, 2000, rather unexpectedly. I guess his health had been deteriorating, but I just never considered that he'd leave us quite so soon.
I'm very grateful to have had brief contact with his sister Beth. Last I heard, his daughter lives in Texas and is doing well. They now have an idea what Gerry meant to his Bay Area friends and followers.
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Mark Scott, All Rights Reserved.