Convergence Zone

Convergence Zone is John W. Andrews and Michael Houlihan, who have combined their musical styles into a new 12 song CD titled "Riffs & Dreams.” This set of original songs range from neo-classic rockers to mellow introspective ballads. Songs comment on the passing scene and the human condition with the occasional touch of humor.

While Riffs & Dreams is their first commercially available album, it culminates a long history of musical collaboration between John and Michael. Their history includes working in bands together and individually with groups as diverse as the songs on Riffs & Dreams. Bands ranged from classic rock of the 60’s to the 80’s to Elvis tribute to lounge music and everything in between. All the while John and Michael kept recording original music and honing their skills in the recording studio. The result is the set of recently recorded songs that make up Riffs & Dreams.

Riffs & Dreams showcases John and Michael's talents, each doing what he does best. John utilizes his guitar, bass, and keyboard skills to incorporate a style of playing that provides a full spectrum of sound and mood. Michael lays down a rhythm foundation on drums and percussion while providing lead vocals and occasional keyboards. Most of the music on Riffs & Dreams was created and performed by John and Michael but features contributions from a number of guest musicians as well.

Stacey Andrews, librarian by day and budding indie record label executive, was persuaded to enter the recording studio to add a couple of flute riffs to Riffs & Dreams. Always game for a new experience, Stacey has joined the Convergence Zone live band on flute and with the aid of a new keyboard helps recreate the Riffs & Dreams big album sound. Additional roles as record promoter, accountant, roadie, web designer, audio engineer, housekeeper, chief cook and bottlewasher assure her continued lack of free time.

Martin began playing the piano at age 12 but found his true passion and inspiration in the guitar three years later. He started studying blues and rock guitar improvisation in Switzerland. From 1989 until 1995, He lived in Mexico where he continued studying both classical and rock guitar while attending high school. He began teaching guitar lessons to students of all ages when he was 18 and has performed at numerous recitals, auditions, and concerts since then.

Martin currently performs as a guitarist for At the Spine and Convergence Zone, and plays Spanish guitar duets with Charlie Solbrig. In addition to classical and electric guitar, Martin plays bass guitar, keyboards and also uses software based synthesizers to produce music out of his home studio.

Anne Reese was born a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Subsequently, she studied and performed classical piano on Earth for a couple of decades. She has also played viola in a youth symphony, sung with a couple of community choirs, accompanied various instrumentalists and singers, and taught piano lessons. Apparently, she is finally old enough to rock and roll now. She is having a blast playing with her talented, amusing Earthling band mates in Convergence Zone. “Don’t beam me up, Scotty – I like it here!”

Paul Reese began studying violin at age 9. He played in symphonies and other classical ensembles from coast to coast, through college and grad school. In the mid-90s, wanting to hang with the COOL kids, he bought an electric violin. He also studied pop guitar, keyboards, voice, songwriting and recording engineering. Paul played for more than a decade around Los Angeles in various bands, achieving impressive local and worldwide anonymity. He’s thrilled to be back in his native Seattle and hanging with the cool kids in Convergence Zone.

Steve Wolfstone is a singer/songwriter who has performed with numerous bands since the late 1960's, playing (at different times) guitar, keyboards and bass. He has performed in bars, clubs, dance halls, private functions, garages and living rooms throughout the Pacific Northwest for decades. Steve currently works as a session/studio musician and as a music teacher, and periodically works as a recording engineer and producer.