THE BAND
Gunpowder Lane is a four-man acoustic roots band based in Wilmington, DE. The members are Sam Arthur, Rob Tietze, John Frink and Todd Breck. Their music spans bluegrass, gospel, folk and traditional pieces as well as originals. Instrumentation includes guitar, mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, bass and harmonica; everyone sings and the vocals are generally attended by glorious harmonies.
Sam Arthur played banjo and guitar in The Binnerville Jug Band in high school back in Ohio, and then in folk groups in college (Boston) and graduate school (Berkeley). Subsequently he fronted a Christian rock band for 10 years and eventually concluded rock and roll (and toting speaker cabs) was a young man’s game. However a banjo player can be 95 years old and still have credibility so Sam returned to his folk/ country roots. He is a singer-songwriter and plays acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass, and pedal steel. His major influences are Peter, Paul & Mary, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, U2, the Police, Tom Petty and the Byrds.
Rob Tietze formed his first band, The Beatniks, at age 7. It wasn't until college that he started playing his first real guitar though, where he also formed folk duo Tobacco Road. Since then, in addition to having a blast as part of Gunpowder Lane, Rob has passionately continued his life-long journey toward mastery of the instrument, composing and performing as a solo guitarist. Along the way, he's studied with several guitar luminaries, including Alex DeGrassi, Pierre BenSusan, Russ Barenberg, David Surrett and local jazz guitarist, Judith Kay. Rob won 2nd place in the Martin Guitar Fingerstyle Competition at the 2013 Philadelphia Folk Festival and has completed 20 new compositions for guitar.
John Frink started playing guitar when he was given one on his 10th birthday. He has since expanded his musical expertise by mastering the 6 string guitar. He has been influenced by a wide range of guitarists including Doc Watson, Merle Travis, Norman Blake, Etta Baker, Elizabeth Cotton and many more. He has a strong baritone voice, writes musical compositions, and has 2 current CDs of his own available. John also played at the Attic. Using a tennis racket as his first guitar and listening endlessly to the Beatles.
Todd Breck found a harmonica on the floor in high school and never stopped playing it. In college he started playing guitar as part of a duet performing Spanish folk songs and was one of the founders of the Tranquillizers, a men’s acapella group. After college Todd started the first Wilmington coffee house, The Attic on Orange St. He continued with his music as a co-founder of Whirled Peas, acoustic musicians, who have been together for well over 15 years with 4 CDs available. He is an active singer- songwriter and plays guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, harmonica and flute.
FOR MORE OF TODD'S MUSIC CLICK HERE!