Adam Patterson: acoustic guitar, lead vocals
Mark Godwin: electric & acoustic guitars, vocals, harmonica
Young Pete: Drums
The Rev: Percussion
Reed Irvine: Bass and Piano
The Milledgeville, GA music scene will soon boast its status as the
birthplace of STOKESWOOD, a memorable modern musical blend founded during
the college careers of two of its chosen sons.
Adam Patterson and Mark Godwin did go their separate ways for a time after
their Georgia College and State University days; Adam experimented with a
solo career, while Mark started a band, EDA, in Milledgeville. The two
came together again, and by summer 2005, were offering shows in Miami,
Knoxville, Washington, D.C., and Boston.
The STOKESWOOD sound, based on strong acoustic and electric guitar licks,
is filled with influences like Simon and Garfunkel, Radiohead, and the
Beatles, to name a few, and clearly illuminates those emanations under the
light of a more present time. The STOKESWOOD performance reflects an
energy that is at once tranquil and energizing. “We play with a lot of
feel and passion and that love is passed from the stage to the crowd, I
hope,” says Mark.
College days quickly dissolved into years of playing the local circuit,
Athens, Atlanta and Milledgeville, and building a following among fans in
the region. Adam states, “We want people to walk away knowing that we left
everything we had on the stage.” The sound that results from this
collaboration is almost too power-filled to come from a duo. And that's a
good thing.
In 2007 the next evolution will take stride as STOKESWOOD expands to five
members. Pete Alexander, "Young Pete," STOKESWOOD's new drummer has
already toured the world with his previous band, El Pus and brings his own
tight and humble skills to the backbone of an already rythmic sound.
Percussionist Craig Gendreau, who has been playing with STOKESWOOD for
close to a year now takes a permanent spot and brings his vast musical
knowledge to the table. "The Rev" as he's known is a jack of all trades
and currently a music teacher. The low end will now be filled by the bass
and piano stylings of long time friend and musician Reed Irvine.
When time allows, Adam Patterson and Mark Godwin can be found at a little
place in Atlanta, down a street called STOKESWOOD, honing their magic,
writing new material, and planning their own sort of musical journey.