Teddy Filoteo

Theo Eduardo Gamboa Filoteo, but my friends call me Teddy.

In 1977 my father came home with my first guitar: 1974 Gibson Les Paul Classic looked just like Randy Rhodes’. I remember it weighing a ton and figuring out my first song on it: “Hey Hey, My My” by Neil Young. In those days we listened to Rush, The Who, Pink Floyd , Yes, Led Zeppelin and other old bands that definitely date me. There was a theme describing the times (dazed and confused). I had never played out professionally but was always in some band or jam for mostly parties. I did jam on occasion at bars that are now closed (like the Roxie) but was never motivated enough to play professionally (too busy partying). I was always behind the scenes and roadied and ran lights for friends and other bands.

Before joining N2N I was deep into blues and played songs by Stevie Ray Vaughn, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Keb Mo and classic players like Big Bill Broonzey. This is probably why my favorite guitar is "Cid" my 74’ Fender Strat that I frankensteined together (it has an 82 neck). My other guitars are: 79’ Gibson Les Paul Standard Cherry Burst, 66’ Gibson ES-335, 88’ G&L Skyhawk, C.F. Martin D3532 and Ephiphone “The Biscuit” Dobro. These guitars seems to stay in my regular inventory which changes constantly like most guitarist is why their listed. I mainly use 80 watts Bogner Shiva head (El 34’s) and matching 4X12 half stack cabinet. I do own a Fender Acoustatonic, Line 6 Flextone and Carvin Tube amp that are kept at home for practice or emergencies.

With the exception of my Line 6 I tried to go digital…but I am stuck in the vintage days and prefer an analog signal. Being a tone freak I will probably never change. If you see my pedal board it consists mostly of traditional stomp boxes. I hate programming digital effect boards, no patches…just plenty of knobs. I do not use a wireless system either (nothing against them but I just haven’t found one I really liked). I guess this is why my band mates call me “A dog on a leash “. As much shit as I get from my band members I don’t think I will ever change in my choice of gear. Give me tube over transistors any day. As far as music taste outside of playing out. My heart has always been in the blues and ballads. I enjoy playing or revising songs on my acoustic guitars. I do like aggressive music but I get inspired by my muse and like mellow songs also.

It’s been 2 ½ years now since I’ve been in this band. I did not want to revise my bio and treat it more as a continuation. This just makes sense to me if I’m to be sincere of whom I am. I am still true to the Blues music. The only thing that has grown in this category is my appreciation of the newer and younger artist such as: Johnny Lang, Joe Bonamasa or KWS… too many to list for recognition as they deserve. Some are traditionalist in their style carrying on the legacy of this music and others avant guarde in approach mixing in contemporary. The latter I admire even more for their courage and boldness. As I mentioned before a guitarist inventory always changes but certain favorites stand the test of time in this obsession. Not to bore those who are non-guitarist enthusiast this I will try to make this quick. I’m sad to say I parted with my 1966 ES-335 but added an early 80’s Black Custom Les Paul which you will see me play often. I still love by Bogner Shiva set up but I did purchase an Orange Retro 50 Custom Shop I keep at home. If I ever join a Classic British Rock band the Orange would be perfect.

Still an analog pedal freak I’m starting to wander toward the boooo-tique pedals like Z-Vex. When I initially wrote my biography I did not talk much about myself personally. It just felt silly to me like some bio’s written on the flip side of Miss November centerfold in some magazines. Absolutely nothing to do with the music which is certainly is bigger than just one guitarist. But being in this band I’ve had the opportunity to meet many people who shares the same passion as I have for music. Some I only see when I play certain towns … acquaintance in that sense but definitely friends on the road. I appreciate the hospitality they give just for coming to our show.

I feel comfortable now to share non music related things about myself because I am now speaking to friends…and do not feel I am speaking out of vain. I have a few interests that basically define what type of person I am and people in my life that I am proud to talk about. I love to cook and try new restaurants…ethnic preferably. With in the last couple of years I acquired a taste for Vietnamese cuisine….specially their soup ( Pho). This has always been adventurous to me and like the idea of trying new things. I do not like routine. I have enough of that in my life. But certain routines I do not mind at all… I love spending time with my three girls: Montana, Annalyse and Audrina…my daughters. I love their unique individualism from each other, how they are as little women and how they love me unconditionally. They are an adventure. If I’m not playing out or spending time with my girls.

You might see me on a Harley in some back road or interstate highway. During riding season I put on many miles on the road. Like music being on the motorcycle seems to shed any troubles once I’m moving. Before the Harley I rode a 750 Dark Monster Ducati. I’m mainly cruise now and not as crazy on the curve. My other main machine is my 65 White El Camino. Please excuse rambling for a moment… It has a 327 small block, 4- Barrel Holly carb, a mild Edelbrock cam, Muncie 4 speed shifter ( I’m told it’s a Rock Crusher) and Flow Master exhaust. You’ll know when I’m coming or going. Love this automobile. These are some of my passion which inspires me to live life.

One inspiration I must mention is about my audience when I play. I could be on my third wind or sick as a dog while I am on stage. But if can see or feel the energy from a crowd. I will come alive! No matter what. Sometimes when I’m up on stage I’m thinking “Who really is being entertained? “It such a symbiotic relationship and that is the beauty of it. It can only be reached unless we are both into it. The electricity that can be generated in one night can be so intense. I’m always amazed of the potential when I walk into a gig. I just don’t know what can happen. If my band plays perfect note for note and sounds great… it is still not enough. Definition of a good show is not complete until the audience participates. This is so important for me. If not by the simple idea of just playing guitar my other reason why I am in this band is to play for the audience and hoping I get the satisfaction knowing you just enjoyed my performance.