Kenneth E. "Boom" Gaspar (born February 3, 1953) is an American musician. He has performed as a keyboardist with American rock band Pearl Jam since 2002.
Biography Early life Boom Gaspar grew up in Waimānalo, Hawaii. He started playing music when he was eleven years old.Burlingame, Burl. "Way to go Boom!" Honolulu Star-Bulletin. April 20, 2007. After graduating from Kailua High School, Gaspar spent the next thirty years doing local shows throughout Hawaii with acts such as the Mackey Feary Band, Harmony, Simplisity, and played in Seattle with first billing with the famous blues guitarist Albert Collins.
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder first met Gaspar while in Hawaii.Mills, Fred. "Yield Not". Seattle Weekly. November 6, 2002. Gaspar was introduced to Vedder through Ramones bassist C. J. Ramone. Gaspar has appeared on the Pearl Jam albums Riot Act (2002), Pearl Jam (2006) and Lightning Bolt (2013). He has a songwriting credit for the song "Love Boat Captain" which is on Riot Act. According to Gaspar, the song initially developed out of a jam session he had with Vedder shortly after the two first met. When they were done, Vedder asked Gaspar if he was "ready to go to Seattle."Paiva, Derek. "Friendship takes stage at Pearl Jam concert". The Honolulu Advertiser. December 1, 2006. He has become known for his long solos during "Crazy Mary", a song originally written by Victoria Williams, which has become a fan favorite during live Pearl Jam shows. This often culminates in a guitar/organ duel between Gaspar and guitarist Mike McCready.Ashare, Matt. "Pearl Jam at the Garden: Less is Still More" . The Phoenix. May 26, 2006. Gaspar told Keyboard Magazine that his biggest challenge playing with the band was "learning what Pearl Jam is, and learning each of the band members’ different styles. It’s such an education for me. Every night is different and playing with them is amazing. I love challenges. They make you a better player and challenges are what music is all about."
Discography
Pearl Jam discography Year Title Label Track(s) 2002 Riot Act Epic Some2003 2003 Official Bootlegs (Australia, Japan, and North America) Epic Some Big Fish: Music from the Motion Picture Sony "Man of the Hour"2004 Hot Stove, Cool Music, Vol. 1 Fenway "Bu$hleaguer" (live) Live at Benaroya Hall BMG Some For the Lady Rhino/WEA "Better Man" (live) rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991–2003) Epic "I Am Mine", "Save You", and "Man of the Hour" 2005 2005 Official Bootlegs (North America and South America) Ten Club Some2006 Pearl Jam J Some 2006 Official Bootlegs (North America, Europe, and Australia) Ten Club Some2007 Live at the Gorge 05/06 Rhino/WEA Some Live at Lollapalooza 2007 Self-released Some 2008 2008 United States Official Bootlegs Kufala Some 2009 2009 Official Bootlegs Self-released Some 2010 2010 Official Bootlegs Self-released Some 2013 Lightning Bolt Monkey Wrench "Sirens", others 2017 Let's Play Two Republic All
Po & the 4Fathers discography Year Title Label Track(s) 2012 Kingdom Come/Do Ya 7" Monkeywrench All
References
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