Snazzy Red : A Southern Rock Revival
I like Southern Rock because it’s organic; a guy and a guitar, a chord
and a hand.
– Teddy Colleran, guitarist/vocalist for Snazzy Red
Snazzy Red, a Southern Rock band, is as classic as the music they
play. Originally established in the 1970s, the name was chosen as a
tribute honoring a good friend, Snazzy Red, who was killed in an
accident. In 1999, Teddy Colleran resurrected the band with his
brother, Tim, and good friends, Luis Gonzalez and Donnie Cook. Each
member brought a love of music and friendship to the ensemble, setting
the stage for success through their classic southern style,
entertaining audiences of all ages. Occasionally Teddy and Tim’s
nephew, Matthew Colleran, joins the group when they need to bring in
“the heavy guns” for a concert.
Playing a variety of musical styles, Snazzy Red emulates classic
rockers like Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers and ZZ Top, adding a
touch of New Country flair. “The two music styles are like first
cousins,” Teddy shares. Southern Rock favorites such as Freebird,
Green Grass High Tides, Sweet Home Alabama, and other popular songs
headline their shows.
With a glint in his eye, Teddy Colleran, guitarist and vocalist
for the band, shared stories of his musical upbringing. Born and bred
in Beaufort, Teddy was raised amongst the salt marshes and warm
southern breezes of the Lowcountry with four older brothers in a
“totally musical family. My mother, Betty, was a classically trained
soprano, and all of my brothers played instruments.” Ironically, none
of the boys took music lessons; each was self-taught. At age thirteen,
Teddy picked up a guitar, started strumming, and has been playing ever
since. His only formal training was a high school music theory class
which “enhanced my music with the necessary mechanics to improve my
guitar playing.”
Teddy spoke nostalgically of childhood memories watching his
brothers’ bands play in the front yard of their Mossy Oaks home. His
father, an avid fisherman, fried fresh fish for neighbors and friends
who gathered to kick back and enjoy the camaraderie of coastal small
town life.
Electrician by day, Teddy is passionate about music, fishing and
family, as well as his hometown. “I love Beaufort. I wanted my chance
to start a band instead of just joining one with my brothers. I spoke
to my wife, Bonnie, about it and when I received the tax refund that
year I invested it in the necessary start-up equipment.” And thus
Snazzy Red’s revival was realized.
When asked about the venues where they appear, Teddy responded
with a smile, “we’ll play anywhere we can get in the door.” Snazzy Red
also plays for fund-raisers. “I enjoy playing benefits and using our
talents to help others. It’s very fulfilling.” Some of Teddy’s
favorite guitarists are Allen Collins of Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as
Hughy Thomason and Billy Jones of the Outlaws. “I like Southern Rock
because it’s organic; a guy and a guitar, a chord and a hand.”
In addition to playing the electric guitar, Teddy also plays the
fiddle and the mandolin. For those aspiring to become musicians Teddy
suggests, “be yourself, play what you like, play whatever comes out of
you, and don’t change just because you’re not in sync with the trend.”
Tim Colleran, lead guitarist and vocals, was part of the original
Snazzy Red. “We had so many different bands over the years, it’s hard
to keep up with them all. One of the bands I was a part of played as a
front group for Stillwater known for their hit, Mindbender. They were
on the same record label as the Allman Brothers.”
Tim’s love of music echoed those of his brother Teddy, with a
musical heritage beginning with their mother and flourishing under the
influence of their eldest brother Tom, who “could play any instrument
that had a reed in it.” Brothers Terry and Tony Colleran are also
musically inclined having performed with different groups over the
years.
Tim went on to share, “We’re just a hometown band that loves
playing for the people. Music is medicine to me. Musicians are a
different breed. If you put one hundred people in a room the musicians
would come together real quick.”
Bass guitarist, Luis Gonzalez’ musical pursuits are rooted in
rock and roll beginning at the age of eight. Chuckling, he confessed,
“I played in a rock and roll band when I was fourteen. My parents had
to come with me for barroom appearances because I wasn’t of age.” In
1971, Luis was thrilled to meet his mentor, Carlos Santana, who gifted
him with a treasured memento. “He gave me his album and signed it.”
Luis’ enthusiasm over the gesture is still apparent today.
It wasn’t long before Luis was drawn to the Latin and Salsa music
of his native Puerto Rico where he eventually learned to play the
conga, bongos and timbales. “When I came here (Beaufort) they called
me ‘Bongo Louie.’ I gave a little bit of rhythm to the music.”
When asked what he likes best about playing with Snazzy Red, Luis
declared, “The music is harder and not regular in its beat. I like the
challenge of changing and moderating the music.” Regarding his
training for bass guitar his response was priceless, showing his
musical drive and ingenuity. “I played guitar but the band I was in at
the time needed a bass guitarist so I took two strings off of an
electric guitar and adapted it.” Luis also plays the quarto, a Puerto
Rican style guitar. In 2000, Luis played with the Christie Owens Band
that opened for Toby Keith’s concert at MCRD, Parris Island.
Luis and Teddy met back in 1991 when each played in different
bands. A friendship quickly formed, and with the support of Tim and
Donnie, Snazzy Red was reborn. “Before we started playing for
audiences we rehearsed for eight months. We wanted to get it right
before stepping on stage.”
Donnie Cook is the drummer for Snazzy Red. Introduced to the
instrument as a young child, Donnie was watching a drummer on
television and said matter-of-factly to his mother, “I’m going to do
that.” True to his word, a few years later, at the age of eight, he
began lessons. Over the years, several teachers instructed Donnie
although much of his talent developed from trial and error in addition
to a great deal of practice.
Donnie appreciates all kinds of music styles, especially sixties
bands such as Led Zeppelin and Foghat, although his favorite is the
Beatles. In high school, Donnie was part of the marching band for a
brief period, as well as participating in the concert band and a few
garage bands. His genuine love of music echoes that of his fellow band
members in that he enjoys performing for audiences and loves the
instrument he plays. “It’s great when you love what you’re doing and
your music makes people feel good.” Like many musicians, Donnie dreams
of travelling with a famous band although performing with Snazzy Red
is gratification enough. “Playing with Snazzy Red is as involved as
I’ve ever been in the music business.” For young people considering
taking up the drums, Donnie advises, “don’t get discouraged if it
seems like it takes forever to develop skills, be patient and keep
working at it.”
Matthew Colleran, son of the late Tom Colleran, is a quiet young
man who has been playing guitar for twenty years. “My mother’s brother
played the guitar. I kept playing around with it until finally one day
he stared teaching me how to play. I absorbed it like a sponge.”
Matthew enjoys a variety of music styles, although his true passion is
the Blues, drawing inspiration from such greats as Warren Haynes and
Stevie Ray.
Band members are well supported by the women in their lives;
Bonnie, Annabelle, Dee, Brenda, and Sandy. Whether helping behind the
scenes, listening to them play, or picking up the tambourine to jam
alongside the guys, these ladies encourage the bands’ musical
pursuits. Even Donnie’s mother, Ethel, comes out to support her son
and the band, dancing along to the music.
Like a harmonious chord, each member blends a natural love of
music, friendship, and a persistent drive to perfect their craft
leading to their distinctive sound and popularity. “Our audience
members are generally those of the generation who love Classic Rock
but we also have a younger crowd that likes us too. It’s a family
atmosphere. We play good music and entertain without cussing or doing
anything inappropriate. We engage the audience and have a good time.”
Snazzy Red is more than just a classic rock band; it’s the rhythmic
balance of small town ideals, dedication, music, family ties and the
strong bonds of friendship.
story by kim poovey
photography by susan deloach
