The Cowboys is the concept of Jerry Brightman and the research began late in 2008.  After a successful career touring and recording with a who's who of national acts, Jerry decided it was time to take control of  his own destiny and merge his business experience with his musical skills into something based closer to home in Akron, Ohio. Although the name of the group may suggest they perform cowboy songs, that couldn't be further from what they really do musically. Hence came the saying, "Never Judge a Cowboy by his Cover".

Jerry wanted musicians and singers who were seasoned, experienced in performing more than one style of music, and who were capable of performing at a high standard. Jerry didn't want to form a project based on "just another group of great musicians." The selection process took over a year to find the right mix of talents who complimented Jerry's vision. Jerry also understood that in order to provide a contemporary and mass appeal for today's diverse audience it had to contain a high degree of energy and entertainment value in order to complete the concert package; providing more then just great music!

Although the project has roots stemming from country music, the diversity of material provides a wide and very flexible format for venues. Each musician has an interesting history and by featuring their special talents and musical experience, a very unique blend of musical material is achieved during a Cowboys performance.

The project officially began in August of 2009 when Jerry linked up with Walt Wise.  By combining Walt's strong vocals and multi-instrumental ability with Jerry's vocals and multi-instrumental ability the solid foundation was laid.  Next, Steve Kolm was added on fiddle, guitar, and vocals.  Jeff Curenton on percussion and vocals and Les Alderman on bass were recruited and rehearsals began. The instruments available include acoustic & electric guitars, steel guitar, banjo, drums and percussion, fiddle, bass, mandolin, saxophone, harmonica, and keyboards. Add four vocals to the mix, and the musical possibilities are endless!

In Late September, arrangements were made to shoot and complete a video for promotional purposes on a television soundstage.  At present, many of the pictures on the website were taken from that video shoot.  

Management was secured with Orion Management in Phoenix, AZ.  Arrangements are being completed for agency representation for national concert bookings beginning in 2010.

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Jerry has achieved a legendary status in country music performing with the Grammy nominated, multi-award winning Buck Owens and The Buckaroo's and performing for many years on Hee-Haw. He has a long history of professional success and status and has worked with a Who's Who of top names in the industry! However, never being satisfied and always eager to explore new possibilities, Jerry made the decision to start his own personal project.  Always being a "hired gun" has it's rewards, but having something he could fulfill as his own vision was a personal challenge he was ready for.  He wanted guys around that he enjoyed both musically and in friendship; members who could share in that vision.  Jerry was quoted as saying, "I understand this project will have it's humble beginnings while we are getting The Cowboys established, but I so love performing and wanted to pursue this by presenting a musical concept to the market that to my knowledge has never been done on this level. I knew it had to be more than me just playing steel guitar".

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Walt Wise has had a long & successful as a vocalist/multi-instrumentalist, writer, and performer.  He has performed for such names as Walt Disney World, Caesars Palace, Hard Rock Casino, House of Blues, The U.S. Navy, and other top venues throughout the country with nearly 200 concerts a year.  His remarkable talent both as a performer and musician has afforded him the opportunity to share the stage with many National Acts including The Beach Boys, The Commodores, The Oak Ridge boys, and Mickey Dolenz to name a few. His special gifts are an important element in the base foundation of The Cowboys.  It takes a unique person with great diversity in order to vocally perform the vast range of material performed by The Cowboys.  His versatility on a wide array of instruments compliments makes him the complete package.  In addition to his performance credits, Walt also has a successful jingle production company with a client list that includes such names as American Greetings, Little Tikes, & Hasbro.

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For more information about Walt, please visit:

 

Les comes from a unique background in that he was involved with the original "Jamboree In The Hills". In fact, he and his family own the grounds where this historic event was first held in 1977 and continued into the 90's.  A long time friend with Jerry, made Les the first call when The Cowboys began to take shape.  His personality off-stage is one of calm, but when he picks up his instrument and takes the stage his personality changes into one with focus and drive forming the low-end of the rhythm section.  His diverse musical background of Blues and Rock adds a certain flare to the music performed by The Cowboys.

 

Jeff was the logical choice to provide percussion and vocals for The Cowboys in that he shares the tours with Walt and his shows. Jeff is the back-bone and keeps the musical flow going from one song to the next. Believe it or not, Jeff's musical background was in "Heavy Metal", and the strong percussion parts he plays are perfect for projecting high energy. Jeff's vast experience and knowledge of his instrument allows him to provide just the right ingredient and taste for each song. Jeff has worked and toured with a number of bands including several national acts. During a Cowboys show, Jeff also steps forward and joins Jerry and Walt and provides an interesting blend of percussion and harmony vocals for an "un-plugged" portion of the concert.

 

Steve adds a true aspect of country music in that he plays the fiddle.  His accomplishments on fiddle have won him several awards and merits within the bluegrass circles.  But in keeping with the criteria required as being a member of The Cowboys, he is also an accomplished guitar player and contributes background vocals when required to compliment the other musical styles during a performance. His version of Orange Blossom Special will set a new standard for fiddle performances.  Steve feels like that friend you've always known and we are so pleased to have him as a valued member of The Cowboys.

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