SaskMusic

Links

• casinoregina.com/entertainment/426

Jeff Douglas (guitar and dobro) Jeff Douglas was born and raised in Kentucky, spending most of his early years in the small town of Paris. An only child, his dad worked for the Post Office and his mom worked for the local school system. While attending the University of Kentucky, Jeff began working at a music store repairing and building guitars. It was in the local music scene that he met longtime friend, Paul Martin (Duane Allen’s son-in-law). Through this friendship he met the Oaks. In 1995, Jeff moved to the Nashville area to take a job as the Oaks’ Band Tech. He was later promoted to Stage Manager. Jeff has played the guitar since he was sixteen and in 1999, when the Oaks needed a bit of extra “fill” in the show, he began playing three or four songs on rhythm guitar. He initially played offstage while also attending to his production work. In 2004, after the Oaks released their bluegrass-flavored The Journey CD, Jeff bought a dobro and learned to play it so he could contribute to additional songs on the show. In his spare time Jeff enjoys woodworking, tennis, photography, and recording.

Ron Fairchild (keyboards)  Born in 1958 and raised in Music City, Ron has an “Oak Ridge” heritage. His father, Tommy, played piano for The Oak Ridge Boys from 1957 until 1972! Ron has a 20+ year personal history with the group. With his knack for playing any instrument you can put in front of him and an uncanny technical mind, Ron has literally built his musical career piece by piece. He engineered the digital keyboard system he plays on stage and has built his own recording studio—one which is often used when the Oaks’ record. When not on the road or overseeing his studio, Ron enjoys sailing, learning to fly airplanes, and playing with his HAM radio and computers. He also loves watching hockey games.

Roger Eaton (lead guitar)  Roger has toured with some of the biggest names in country music, including Barbara Mandrell, Lorrie Morgan, Joe Diffie, and Tanya Tucker. He is also a substitute guitarist in the Grand Ole Opry staff band, a session player, and a producer. He joined the “Mighty” Oaks Band in 2014.

David Northrup (drums/percussion) Central New York native, David Northrup has been on the Nashville music scene since 1995. The talented drummer and percussionist has extensive touring experience, matched by a long list of recording credits and work he has done with a multitude of artists in various genres, from rock legend John Waite, the James Brown Horns, John Mellencamp, and guitarist Les Dudek, to jam band sensation the Disco Biscuits. David has also worked with an array of country artists, including Wynonna Judd, Travis Tritt, Joe Diffie, Doug Stone, Tanya Tucker, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Lila McCann, Jo De Messina, Jo-El Sonnier, Pam Tillis, Ty Herndon, Lee Greenwood, Louise Mandrell, Connie Smith, Gene Watson, Deborah Allen, and Anthony Smith. When not touring or recording, David also produces and works as an international clinician. For two consecutive years, he placed in the prestigious Modern Drummer Readers Poll, voted #3 Country Drummer and #2 Clinician of the year in 2008 and #2 Country Drummer and #2 Clinician in 2009. His television and video appearances include the Tonight Show, the Today Show, the Jimmy Kimmel Show, the CMA Awards, the ACM Awards, CMT’s Flameworthy Video Awards, the 2005 Jammy Awards, GAC Grand Ole Opry Live, PBS Concert Special SoundStage, Farm Aid 2000, and many more.

Scotty Simpson (bass guitar) Scotty Simpson was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He began playing guitar at age eleven and within a few years had formed a band with his older brother, Steve. It quickly became apparent there was a problem; everyone wanted to play lead so there was no bass player. Scotty decided to give bass a shot, and the love affair began. He spent every waking hour sitting in front of the stereo, moving a record needle back again and again, until he learned every lick on every album he had. By the time he was fourteen he was playing in clubs. Luckily, his brother, who was ten years older, made for the perfect guardian, so Scotty’s parents allowed him to do so. A week after he got out of high school he took off on the road with a traveling club band—and never stopped. He moved to Nashville in 1996 and within a few months landed gigs with Tanya Tucker, Pam Tillis, and finally settled in with Travis Tritt for about thirteen years. Scotty says he’s thrilled to be facing new musical challenges and to work with legends like the Oaks. 

Rex Wiseman (fiddle, pedal steel, mandolin, guitar) Rex Wiseman joined The Oaks Band in 2006. Born and raised in Birdseye, Indiana, Rex grew up in a musical family. His father, four brothers, and sister were “back porch” pickers, playing mostly for their own enjoyment. Rex, who was the youngest, learned to play the mandolin at age five. Eventually he taught himself to play fiddle, guitar, pedal steel, electric bass, dobro, banjo, and mandolin. At the ripe old age of 11, Rex became a “professional,” earning money by playing in a local country band with his brother. When he was 16, he put together his own band. Then in 1980, he moved to Nashville to work with Little David Wilkins. He subsequently worked with John Conlee, Bill Anderson, Rhonda Vincent, Billy Yates, Phillip Claypool, and Clay Walker. Rex’s early dream was for a solo record deal. His timing was less than perfect, however, because contemporary country was in vogue in the early eighties, and he played and sang traditional style. He finally gave up on solo aspirations in May 1985, two months before Randy Travis became an “overnight” sensation! Timing is everything! Rex has persevered through the turns his life has taken. Losing his mom at an early age, he learned the value of family and the importance of every moment. He has two daughters, Mary Jo and Kady, as well as three granddaughters. Rex, his wife Kim, and daughter Kady live in the Nashville area. In addition to music, another one of Rex’s lifelong passions has been horses and horse training.