Straight Shot Bios
PICSSONG LISTSCHEDULE | DIRECTIONS | LINKS | CONTACT US | HOME


Straight Shot is a four piece band based in New Jersey that performs a variety of classic rock music as well as many of today's popular songs. The members are Don Vierling- guitar/vocals; Jim Gordon- guitar/vocals; Joe Cristiani- bass/vocals and Tom Walker- drums/vocals.

In 1997, long time friends and fellow band mates from several original and cover bands, Don and Joe formed a duo and began performing locally in northern New Jersey. Soon after, they added keyboards and drums to complete the ensemble. Though the band's personnel have changed from time to time, it was the core formed by Don and Joe that drove the band forward. In 2007, Jim, another long time friend (and fellow band mate from previous projects with Joe and Don), joined the line up as the band's second guitarist. The history amongst these 3 friends, combined with their skillful and diverse musical expressions helped solidify the high quality sound of Straight Shot, which is key to the band's performances. Soon after, the talents of Tom on drums and vocals were tapped to complete the band.

From Elvis to Sublime, Nat King Cole to John Mayer, each musician's vast experience in many genres of music leads to a diverse repertoire enjoyed by many listeners. With an emphasis on vocals and harmonies, each song is complimented by the talents of the respective band members. Searing guitar solos, pumping bass, and driving rhythm as well as acoustic and a capella arrangements are trademarks of a Straight Shot performance

Don: guitar & vocals - - Don has been singing and playing guitar since 1977. Before starting the band Straight Shot with Joe, Don performed with such groups as  Revival, Lionheart, MIA, Grand Junction, Silver Smith, Next-X, Main Attraction, The Cut, Faywray, The Guise, The J. Gary Orchestra, Presence, Dave Murphy, and The CEG Band.

Jim: guitar & vocals: - Jim also brings over 30 years experience on electric guitar and vocals to the band. In addition to being a talented multi-instrumentalist, Jim has performed with many of NJ's top cover and original bands including: Mid-Life Crisis, The Hurt, Next-X, The Modulators, Grand Junction, Silver Smith, and the Bruce Silver Orchestra.

Joe: bass & vocals - - Joe brings over 30 years experience on the electric bass and vocals to the band.  In addition to being a founding member of Straight Shot, Joe has performed with many of NJ's top cover and original bands including: The Thrill, Presence, Faywray, Next-X, Grand Junction, Henry Boote Band, and the Bruce Silver Orchestra.

Tom: drums & vocals - Tom brings over 30 years experience on drums, percussion and vocals to Straight Shot.  An accomplished player, Tom is fresh off the road from his tour with the original band "FreeRange".

Bart: saxophone - Occasional guest Bart joins Straight Shot on Saxophone, another veteran of the original band "FreeRange" as well as the Henry Boote Band.

Joan: vocalist - featured with the band from time to time, Joan adds an extra dimension to the band's versatile repertoire. She often performs with the Henry Boote Orchestra, Soul Groove and has sung with the Lebanon Baptist Church of Westwood choir since age 3!

PICSSONG LIST | SCHEDULEDIRECTIONS | LINKS | WEB HOSTING | CONTACT US | HOME

This page last updated 05-28-10

Special thanks to The Media Planet.com!

This site hosted by CYBER SAILING

copyright 2010 www.straightshotband.com