412 NE Beech St, Portland, OR 97212
Mike Gamble is an adventurous guitarist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist whose work with improvisation and new technology predominantly inform his practice. Gamble has spent the last 20 years immersed in the creative jazz, experimental rock and improvised music scene primarily in NYC, with close ties to New Orleans, Burlington, Boston, San Francisco and now the Pacific Northwest. He has had the pleasure of recording over 50 albums and has been touring the states, Canada, and Europe with his critically-acclaimed guitar trio The Inbetweens, Mike Gamble Solo, and alongside doom-metal originators Earth. His more recent collaborators include Bobby Previte, Todd Sickafoose, Nels Cline, Wayne Horvitz, Matt Chamberlain and Lori Goldston.
Since relocating to Portland, Mike Gamble has dived into the jazz and experimental, Pop, Indie Rock, and electronic/modular scene and gigs 4-7 times a week. He currently holds a position as a Contemporary Music Industry instructor at Oregon State University, and as a guitar teacher at Reed College. He has been the Artistic Director of Portland’s long standing experimental music organization, The Creative Music Guild since 2016.
Quotes
“He has a brain that seems to work faster than other human brains – maybe more like a hummingbird or a spider. Music comes flying out. You just sit and listen to what he thinks of next” Todd Sickafoose
“Mike Gamble is dangerous in the best way” Nels Cline
“Mr. Gamble knows his way around a drone, but he also puts a lot of shifting harmony and texture in his one-man sketches, some of which — like “I’m on Your Side,” with its abstracted trip-hop beat — come across as thoughtfully developed compositions” Nate Chinen NY TIMES
WEBSITE:
https://linktr.ee/mikegamble
https://mikegamble.bandcamp.com/
Christopher Benson is a musician, songwriter, and the founder of Benson Amps, whose handcrafted amplifiers have become a staple for artists around the world. Drawing from influences that span vintage rock, folk, country, and experimental music, Benson’s performances blend expressive guitar work, thoughtful songwriting, and an appreciation for the character and imperfections that make live music compelling.
Whether performing solo or with collaborators, Benson brings a dynamic approach that balances intimate storytelling with rich, textured soundscapes. His deep connection to both the artistic and technical sides of music informs performances that are equal parts heartfelt and sonically distinctive.
Based in Portland, Oregon, Benson continues to write, record, and perform while building tools that help musicians find their own voice.
