Billy McDaniel is a web page designer, web master, promoter, photographer, songwriter, a singer and guitarist.  You might call him a jack of all trades, but he does master a few of the above mentioned.  Guitarist/singer comes to mind when I first hear his name.  Billy is one of the few hard-rock solo acts in Portland and surrounding areas that is capable of doing what some multiple member bands have trouble with.  Armed with his trusty black acoustic guitar, two Peavey speakers, a microphone, and a loop pedal,

Billy brings smiles to faces, sets feet moving, and heads bopping.  He has written many songs over his vast musical career, but usually chooses to do just a choice few at his shows.  Billy has been with bands as a guitarist/singer but has recently chosen to become a solo artist, applying his unique acoustical styling to songs that are normally distorted with squealing guitars and screaming, guttural lyrics.  I guess that you can call his version of the songs he performs plugged-in, unplugged. 

A few weeks ago, Billy began playing at the Last Stop, A BYOB club in Auburn, Maine.  I had never been there before his performance on the first night, and it turned out to be a pretty cool place.  He plays on Fridays and Saturdays out on the patio, from 8:30 until about 11:30.  You can hear his heavy handed acoustics and toned-down, raspy, melodies when you enter the patio area.  From a distance it's hard to tell if it's a band or just a one-man show, because the loop pedal has some really cool features that emulate drums, a bass guitar, and even back-up guitar.  It really is a show that shouldn't be missed!  If you're looking for a great time, and even better music, head out to the Last Stop on any Friday and/or Saturday night for Billy McDaniel.  Until next time, always remember that without music, life would be a mistake!