The originiation of Calf Mountain Jam goes back to 1994 when Ben Reade, Brian
Massie, and Justin Shifflett began playing together. The band grew in 1998 with
Jason Critzer, and the band picked the name of Calf Mountain Jam. Having
found a lineup and a name that worked, they quickly developed in a local
favorite and sights were layed on spreading beyond the Shenandoah Valley from
which the band is based. Following a series of out of state runs up and down the
eastern seaboard, and finally a studio album, One Arm On The Wheel, the lineup
grew again with Bobby Menkedick in the fall of 2005. Calf Mountain Jam's sound
can be called progressive jam rock, but it draws on a vast array of influences,
including folk, rock, blues, jazz, funk, and reggae. With an album under their
belt, a short tour with Tea Leaf Green, more exposure, and bigger and better
venues to play, Calf Mountain Jam is headed for many more exciting times to
come.
Ben Reade (Lead Guitar, Vocals, Song Writer) is from the homegrown town of
Waynesboro, VA. He has been pickin' and grinnin' for ten years now and doesn't
plan to stop anytime soon. The main influences that drive his playing are
musicians like the late Duane Allman, Trey Anastasio, Roy Buchanan, and John
Prine. Ben uses only Fender guitars and amps. In his spare time he travels to
catch live music vibes anywhere the four winds may blow.
Brian Massie (Bass) is 25 years old, from Waynesboro, VA. He plays a Yamaha 5-
string and a Carvin 6-string bass. His influences included Nathan East, Vic
Wooten, and Marcus Miller. He's been playing bass for 12 years and can even
play the tuba (very well, we're told).
Jason Critzer (Rhythm Guitar, Vocals) is from Staunton, VA. He is 26 years old.
His influences in music stem from blues legends like Buddy Guy, Freddie King,
and Albert Collins, and also from various bands including The Grateful Dead,
Phish, and the Allman Brothers. As for rhythm guitar, Jason says his biggest
influence is Bob Weir who, "Redefined the meaning of rhythm guitar". In his
spare time he enjoys playing golf, being outdoors, and rooting for the Atlanta
Braves and the Washington Redskins.
Justin Shifflett (Drums) was born and raised in Waynesboro, VA. His interest in
playing the drums began at a very young age when he spent some of his time
playing on pots and pans. He now plays on a Tama set with Zildjian cymbals. His
influences consist of Neil Pert, Jon Fishman, Terry Bozzio, and Bill Kreutzmann.
When he is not playing the drums, he is busy promoting and booking. He also
enjoys seeing live music, hiking, and hanging out.
Bobby Menkedick (Keyboards, , Vocals, Trombone) is from Roanoke, VA. He
plays a Kurzweil PC88 piano, Hammond XK2 organ, and trombone. His two
biggest keyboard influences are Page McConnell and Kyle Hollingsworth, but his
general influences span from Phish, moe., Karl D, and Keller Williams, to Bill
Evans, Leo Kottke, Stevie Wonder, and Talking Heads. Along with listening to
and seeing live music, he enjoys hiking, fishing, cooking, and zombies.
