Biography of Reeves Gabrels

An occasional guitarist on David Bowie recordings as early as 1979's Lodger, Reeves Gabrels recorded his first solo album, The Sacred Squall of Now, in 1995. Supporting roles came from Bowie himself as well as Gary Oldman, Frank Black, and Jeffrey Gaines. His second album, Ulysses (Della Notte, was released through the internet source http://www.mp3.com. ~ John Bush

Biography of David Bowie

Although he succeeded as a singer, musician, songwriter, and film and stage actor, David Bowie's chief artistic accomplishment may have been his astute manipulation of his own image as a star. When he achieved international fame in the early '70s, Bowie brought a new, highly conscious approach to stardom that involved the frequent creation of new personae. No wonder that when he made his film acting debut in 1976, he seemed so good at it: acting was what a large part of his career was about. Born in Brixton, South London, as David Jones, the singer was already playing in bands by his late teens. He changed his name to avoid confusion with Davy Jones of the Monkees. His early-'60s work was rock and blues oriented, then he turned to an Anthony Newley-style expressive show-music approach. But his breakthrough British hit "Space Oddity" (1969) was a folkie ballad about an astronaut who doesn't come home. By the time of Hunky Dory (1971), Bowie had turned again more toward rock, using the first of many strong collaborators, guitarist Mick Ronson.It was Bowie's concept album The Rise & Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) that made him a giant star in England, where he adopted the image of his fantasy rocker, with bright red hair and futuristic stage suits. In America, "Space Oddity" became a belated hit in 1973, the year Bowie "retired" from stage work only to return in 1974 with an even more elaborate stage show. More an established star than a real record-seller in the U.S., Bowie finally hit #1 with "Fame" (cowritten by John Lennon and Carlos Alomar) in 1975. The late '70s found him collaborating with electronics whiz Brian Eno. He made a major commercial comeback in 1983 with Let's Dance, produced by ex-Chic co-leader Nile Rodgers. Bowie's work in the '80s was inconsistent, but as late as 1990 he was still able to tour the U.S., playing football stadiums. This was supposedly his farewell tour (again) before he turned full attention to a group project, Tin Machine. After releasing two unsuccessful albums with Tin Machine, Bowie returned to his solo career in 1993, with his first solo album since 1987, Black Tie White Noise; although it received favorable reviews, it fell off the charts quickly. In the fall of 1995, Bowie released Outside, his first collaboration with Brian Eno since Lodger. Outside received positive reviews, but it became another commercial disappointment for the singer. ~ William Ruhlmann

Biography of Zachary Alford

No biography available

Biography of Gail Ann Dorsey

Renowned and respected by her peers, bassist Gail Ann Dorsey has proven to be a versatile and talented session player, touring musician and artist in her own right. Born on November 11, 1962 in Philadelphia, Dorsey first picked up a bass at the age of nine and owned her first instrument at fourteen. Although she played in bands while in high school, she studied film at college, intending to become a screenwriter. However, disillusioned by the film world, Dorsey returned to music. She released her first solo album, The Corporate World, in 1989. Produced by fellow bass player Nathan East, the album was praised for its blend of musicality and depth, but did little to heighten her profile. A second release, 1992's Rude Blue, suffered the same fate, but, by then, Dorsey had established herself in the music world, having worked with artists such as Concrete Blonde, Gang Of Four, and Tears For Fears. It was while working on a third solo release with Tears For Fears' leader Roland Orzabel that Dorsey was contacted by David Bowie wishing to enlist her as his bassist for a brief tour. It would turn out to be a position she would fill for years to come as she proved to be a captivating foil and compliment for Bowie as a musician and stage presence. She also continued to perform with other artists including Indigo Girls, Dar Williams, and Jane Siberry, as well as appearing on Michael Hutchence's posthumously released solo debut in 1999. ~ Tom Demalon

Biography of Mike Garson

Pianist Mike Garson has worked in several styles. He studied classical piano at Julliard, performed on the ABC film "Liberace" and has been the guitarist and principal composer for Free Flight. He also has done solo jazz albums, worked with David Bowie on Alladin Sane and composed more than 1, 300 pieces. ~ Ron Wynn