Ed "Scratch" Coleman plays his acoustic guitar Wednesday nights at Stir the Soul Coffeehouse.
Article published Jan 21,
2005 Singer
'scratches' out rewarding career
A recent visit to Stir the
Soul Coffeehouse on a Wednesday night brought me more than just a good cup of
java. On this night, I was entertained by the sounds of acoustic guitarist Ed
"Scratch" Coleman.
At 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday night through the month
of January, Coleman will be joined by guitarist Frank Gunn. Together they form
the Acousti'cats and play songs from the '50s to the '80s and Chuck Berry to
Jimmy Buffett.
While listening to Coleman sing the classic "Fire and
Rain," a patron leaned over to me and whispered, "He sounds just like James
Taylor."
And I really have to agree.
Coleman began playing the
guitar at 15.
"All of my friends played guitars and I began to strum
along," he says.
Coleman would meet his friends at Venice Beach or after
school at Venice High School a couple of times a week to practice.
His
first official gig was at the age of 17 when he played for the old Whiskey
Corners in Englewood.
"It was an old honky-tonk bar, a watering hole,"
said Coleman. "But it was the beginning of my career."
Coleman played for
the troops during his 15-year service in the Navy and nine years in the
Army.
After returning to civilian life, Coleman joined fellow members
Gunn, William "Uncle Bill" Hill, and Michael Finley to become the musical group,
The Gunrunners, which was voted the "Best Band on the West Coast 2003," by the
Weekly Planet.
The group is currently in pre-production for its first CD,
"License to Carry," which is scheduled for release this spring. The CD will
include the group's original music.
Since some places cannot accommodate
a large band such as The Gunrunners, Coleman teamed up with Gunn to form the
Acousti'cats.
In addition, Coleman also performs in the trio "Standard
Vices," and the "Coleman Nash Duo."
While Coleman appreciates being a
part of a group, he also enjoys performing solo.
"A band is really great
but I like to sing the music that really touches me, that make me feel good,"
said Coleman. "I am going to do more acoustic solo playing."
And yes,
even this group has its fans.
"We have a wonderful following and we
appreciate their support," said Coleman. "They have been with us from the
beginning and it's a real hit to see them. We've become good
friends."
For more information on upcoming events, visit
www.gunnrunners.com or call Coleman at 356-0090.