The Ponca City News, Feb. 6th, 2003, by Louise Abercrombie
(the following article has been corrected, though it still contains a falsity or two, thanks to the small town press)
"Music Group Records CD in Local Studio" -Recording a CD is exciting, and the fact it was recorded in your own hometown makes it doubly interesting, according to Brett Horton.
Along with Lance Grover and Ricky Lenhart, Brett recorded a concept album titled "Legends Of Voddville." Horton explained that it is a concept album with an underlying theme.
These 20-something musicians recorded the album as the Gardes at Shanghai Music and Sound Inc. Studio with Joel Hibbs. The album is being independently produced by a new company titled "Red Carpet Walkin' Co."
Writing their own material is part of the charm of this musical group. Some of the songs are, "Daddy Long Legs," "Piggyback Ride," "Peeping Tom," and "Escape Artist."
Brett and Lance are the vocalists and guitarists, while Ricky Lenhart plays the drums. The album is about 50 minutes long. Brett explained it is a bit comical and mysterious and has a dark side but with a happy ending. The album has 13 songs and sells for $13. Currently, the distribution is limited to Shanghai here and Mexico Joe's in Stillwater. However, the album will be available on the group's website.
A website is being launched in the next few days. The address is www.thegardes.com
Over the years the group has played live around Oklahoma under different names, such as the Channels, the Hitmen, or the Happenin'. The latter being the first-place winners at the Iris Music Festival in 1998.
Horton was to solo on Wednesday evening at Uncle Bentley's Pub and Grill in Tulsa.
A cameo appearance on the album is by Kim Manning of Ponca City, who is a backup singer for George Clinton of P-Funk. Kim is making some TV appearances and is going to make a movie with Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez.
The cover of the album by Frank Lava is on display at the Gallery in Stillwater. The show is about paints and people at the coffee house. The trio will be playing an engagement there in February.