Reno VonGitbox

≈The Reverend Reno Von Gitbox has been playing guitar for over 4 decades, and has been active in the Chicago music scene for more than 35 years. The Reverend Reno loves to play guitar, plain and simple. A Chicago native and no stranger to the music scene, Reno has a history of guitar slinging across this town. He grew up listening to the music of the '60s, '70s and '80s, which clearly left its mark on his playing style, yet coalescing to create his own unique sound. Reno, the alter ego of Steve Torres, comes from a long line of musicians--he says it's in his blood. "Making people happy through music is important to me. It's what I'm all about. The smiles of our fans can't be taxed by Uncle Sam. They're all ours, baby!" ...And in case you were wondering, Yes, he is an Ordained Minister in the Universal Life Church Monastery, and "Gitbox" is slang for guitar. It's been a long, strange trip for Reno. "I've been influenced by absolutely everyone. People have told me that they've recognized players' styles in my playing that I've heard but not really studied. I really appreciate that. But if I had to choose... I would say the major influences would be the "Trinity". You know, Clapton, Beck and Page. But you can't overlook anyone." "I've been very lucky in my musical life to have played with, and met some really great musicians. Friends forever! The Chicagoland area has such a wealth of artistic talent. Thanks for letting me ride along." "The overall sound of a band is what I'm most concerned with. To me, it's a sum of all the parts. It's about everyone adding something to the stew. If something is missing, you can taste it."