| Guitarist Profile |
| JEFF "SKUNK" BAXTER |
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BORN: Dec 13, 1948 Washington, D.C. NOTED GUITAR: BEST KNOWN FOR: ORIGIN OF NICKNAME: SELECT DISCOGRAPHY: |
Guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter certainly has had a diverse professional career. The guitarist made his first mainstream appearance on record as a member of the psychadelic pop band Ultimate Spinach. He has played extensively with two of the most popular bands of the 70's - The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. Skunk produced albums by Nazareth and others. Jeff has had 17 gold records, eight platinum records, and has been awarded two Grammies. Most recently, Baxter has garnered a position as a defense analyst and a consultant to US Congressmen on Military defense.
Yes... you read that correctly. Although Baxter remains an active working musician, the guitarist has found work as "a defense analyst and a consultant to US Congressmen on Military defense and national security issues, mostly in the area of missile defense."
When asked whether President Bush has the right to explore the hotly debated missile defense system, the decidedly Republican Baxter believes that "it's a changing world, and a lot of people haven't caught up to it yet. Somebody has to take the initiative."
Despite being a rather flamboyant personality, and a terrific guitarist, Jeff Baxter's online presence is surprisingly small. No websites dedicated to Skunk... no lengthy online bios, and no mp3 sites. The following are the best resources the world wide web has to offer on guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter:
Steely Dan Tablature
Howard Wright's accurate transcriptions of quite a few (I count about 25) Steely Dan tunes. Lots of really tough stuff to play!
Doobie Brothers Tablature
Not a ton of great material here, but there just isn't very much Doobie Brothers guitar tab available on the web. Take your pick from the tab to nine different songs.
Jeff Baxter Video Clips
Skunk demonstrates the Roland VG-8 multi-effects unit, in a large assortment of video clips. Nothing too inspiring here, but if you want to see Baxter playing guitar, this is your chance to see him in action.
Ultimate Spinach FAQ
Created by the group's founding member, Ian Bruce-Douglas, this FAQ offers an interesting, if not slightly biased, glimpse into the history of Ultimate Spinach.
Guitar For the 21st Century Video
Through Guitarplace.com, you can order Jeff Baxter's advanced instructional video. I haven't seen it, so you're on your own as to whether the video is worth the money.
Steely Dan Guitar Lesson
Guitar.com presents an online lesson designed to show you how to play "Reeling in the Years". The lesson includes full analysis of the song, audio clips, and more.
Baxter and the Pentagon
A good article from the Washington Post, regarding the specifics of Skunk's involvement with Congress and the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization at the Pentagon.
Jeff Baxter AOL Interview
We all know that most online chat transcripts are superficial, and virtually unreadable. Having said that, this 1992 America Online Baxter chat transcript contains lots of great insight into Skunk's life as a guitarist.
Epiphone 'Jeff Baxter' Guitar
Epiphone created this fine looking electric-acoustic guitar with a cutaway in honor of Skunk.
