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Tony Memmel is a songwriter and
performer with unique charisma and creativity. He was born missing
his left forearm and taught himself to play the guitar, piano and
harmonica. It is my contention that if you heard a song of Tony’s
on the radio or on one of his CDs (“The Tale of an Underdog”
(’08) or his most recent album “Potter Road” (‘09) - about
to head into the studio for a yet-to-be-titled third album) and were
not aware of his being an amputee, you would never know the
difference at all. In fact, many people are often shocked to learn
of it and/or don’t even notice at his live shows until he wipes
the sweat from his face with the two characteristic arm bands that
he wears on his left bicep.
But, Memmel is not one to try to sell you on his handicap alone. His
music most definitely stands on its own. It is catchy, without
sacrificing sincerity, and his lyrics are personal and real. Memmel
has earned a Bachelor’s degree in music and is a classically trained
and acclaimed vocalist. He has gained a loyal following and support
from fans and musicians alike in the Midwest, the Country, and even
the World.
Though you will most often see Memmel playing solo, his band has
rapidly worked its way onto the scene. In 2008, drummer and longtime
friend Brian Farvour began collaborating with Memmel. Tony soon
recruited his wife Lesleigh Memmel to join the cast. She contributes
backing vocals and piano/keyboards to the group’s signature sound. The
trio is featured extensively on “Potter Road.”
Memmel has gigged extensively in the Midwest and is making a name for
himself in such places as Milwaukee, Chicago, and Minneapolis. He
recently completed a successful U.S. tour during the fall of ’09, in
support of his new album (With stops in New York City, Boston, Asbury
Park, Cleveland, Indianapolis and more!).
It may sound trite, but in this case trite is just plain accurate,
Tony Memmel has a talent and personality that you simply do not see
every day. It doesn’t fit to say it’s the beginning, as Memmel has
accomplished more in his life with one hand than I have with two. Get
on board now, as many already have, and be on the lookout for great
things from this bright young artist.
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