Rich Kneeland

At age 12, I was super-propelled into music by my exposure to The Beatles on
the Ed Sullivan show. As it did with so many people, The Beatles changed my
entire being and helped to shape my attitudes toward music and life in
general.

I started off playing drums before moving to the guitar in later
years as I approached the tender age of 17 when I attended the original
Woodstock in 1969. That was the second most defining experience in my life
and I still believe in many of the ideals proffered by the 60's generation.
Peace and Love can never be outdated.

Along the way I became very close to Kevin Falvey, who I met while he
practiced and played in my parents cellar nearly every night until 2 or 3 in
the morning. Kevin played in a band with my brother Michael called the
Aardvarks. Eventually, Kevin moved on to form a very popular New England
band called "The American Standard Band" in the early 70's. In the very early
days of American Standard, I would go watch Kevin play and after becoming
closer to all the band members, including Jim Evans (drummer) and John "Woody"
Witti (bass) I joined The American Standard Band as their sound engineer.

In my mind, what made that band so special was the mix of talented musicians and
also the fact that they were writing and performing original music. They were "the"
band of their day having performed with BB King, the Beach Boys, Edgar Winter,
The James Montgomery Band and numerous other touring acts. I often say that my
days with American Standard were some of the best years of my life. I am honored
that both Jim and Woody are involved in The Birdz Sessions. Eventually new paths were
forged as Kevin Falvey and Cliff Goodwin joined Joe Cocker's band appearing
on Saturday Night Live and touring the world. 

Some years later, I was a concert promoter for acts such as Chuck Mangione,
Buddy Rich, Arlo Guthrie, Jose Feliciano, Herman's Hermits and others.
Promoting concerts was fun but I wanted to play! Thus, after I met Larry
"Birdz" Vigneault, we started what was one of the first Beatles tribute
bands anywhere called "Not The Beatles" around 1981. I am pleased to say
that we did not do the look-a-like thing and still played for many sell out
crowds on the New England college and club circuit for several years.  We
also played a few songs with members of the Broadway touring Cast of
Beatlemania. Not The Beatles also brought Bobby "Sticks" Winston into the picture.
Bob was our drummer and remains an essential member of The Birdz Sessions.

After Not The Beatles, and looking for more punishment, I went back into the
concert world as Event Coordinator for the 15,000 seat Centrum arena located
in Worcester, MA. It was during my time at the Centrum that I had the
opportunity to meet and work with almost every major rock act performing in
the mid- 80's. Frankly, after a few years of that heavy rock scene thing, I
eventually burnt out and resigned to regain some sense of sanity. Still, I
had to stay involved with the music business in some way. After Bob Winston
and I met May Pang (John Lennon's and Yoko's assistant, Lennon's lover from
1974-1975, and the author of the book called, Loving John, The Lost Weekend)
at a Beatles convention near NYC, May and I became friends and I assisted
her in arranging college speaking dates. May and I remain in contact and she
is quite active in many international Beatle events and other musical and artistic
endeavors.

So with that little musical summary, I hope you enjoy listening to The Birdz
Sessions. I have certainly enjoyed working with all the excellent musicians
that graciously participate in this adventure.