GINO RUBERTO (that's me) and DURANGO (that's them other hairy fellas...)
spent twenty months gallivanting across the Midwest, playing every nightclub, tavern,
ballroom, and road house that would let us in the door. In that time, we were able to bring big
smiles to the faces of club owners, bartenders, wait staffs, and patrons alike. Some of the most
talented musicians I've ever had the honor of working with were in this band. Together, we were
a potent formula. DURANGO was a band long before they made the decision to join forces with me
though, and prior to the abrupt departure of former frontman Jarrod Johnson in August of 2001,
DURANGO did alright on their own.
We had some unforgettable times together, on and off the stage, but our vastly differing long-term goals and artistic vision made a future of solidarity and teamwork impossible. Reclaiming the
band's former identity became an increasingly important issue to some in the band. This being paramount, we made the difficult decision to part ways. DURANGO's governing council drafted
some new blood, divided lead vocal duties among the able, and continued on their way.
I decided to take a musical path more true to who I really am, returning to my folk-rock songwriting roots, doing
acoustic shows with the continued loyal support of my excellent and groovy sister Nicole on
harmonies and lead vocals, as well as the occasional support of my OTHER little sister, Jennifer.
(Ever the Diplomat, Alex Nyhus has peacefully managed to continue playing on BOTH teams!)
Emotions can run pretty high in situations like this, but the bottom line is this: Alex, Chris,
Shawn, and The Road Dawg aren't just "former business associates..." They (along with
their zany dames: Joyce, Becky, Vernie & Dixie) were like a second family to Nicole and
me. (Comically dysfunctional? Definitely! But FAMILY, nonetheless...) I will
always care about these people, and I truly wish them only the best that this mixed-up,
muddled-up, shook-up world has to offer.
Questions? Complaints? Grievances? Feel free to e-mail me:
JUST CLICK HERE!
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"Gimme Three Steps"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"Alex and Wylie Pickin and a' Grinnin"
LIVE at "POVLITZKI'S On 65" in Spring Lake Park: 05-09-02
"Hillbilly Shoes"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"Louisiana Saturday Night"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"Thank God I'm a Country Boy"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"T-R-O-U-B-L-E"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"I Don't Even Know Your Name"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"Minnesota Redneck"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"Sold"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"Pour Me"
*Featuring Nicole!
LIVE at "Robert's Off 10" in Mounds View: 02-23-02
"Ice Cream Man"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"Wasted Time"
LIVE at "Mully's on Madison" in Mankato: 12-01-01
"Pride and Joy"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"Working Man Blues"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"The Dance"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"If Tomorrow Never Comes"
LIVE at "Robert's Off 10" in Mounds View: 02-23-02
"God Bless the U.S.A."
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"Honky-Tonk Woman"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"Sit Down and Be Quiet"
LIVE at "Mully's on Madison" in Mankato: 12-01-01
"Desperado"
LIVE at "Mully's on Madison" in Mankato: 12-01-01
"Pink Cadillac"
LIVE at "Robert's Off 10" in Mounds View: 02-23-02
"We've Got Tonight"
LIVE at "Lake Pepin Golf Course" in Lake City, MN: 03-23-02
"Guitars and Cadillacs"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"True Companion"
LIVE at "Robert's Off 10" in Mounds View: 02-23-02
"Take It Easy"
LIVE at the Anoka County Fair: July 26, 2002
"Have You No Shame (Acoustic)"
LIVE at "Mully's on Madison" in Mankato: 12-01-01
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And for this page's final song link...
Something you just don't normally hear from Gino Ruberto & Durango!
(You probably won't hear too many OTHER country bands breaking into THIS little ditty on the spur of the moment, either!)
It was recorded the first night ROCKIE RASH took the stage with Durango to temporarily cover our lead guitar duties. When it came time to do "Mustang Sally" Rockie used an ultra-funky guitar "wah-wah" pedal with that theme from "SHAFT" sound. (The stereotypical 70's porn music type funky guitar sound!) ...Um...er...or so I'm TOLD, anyway...
(Wocka-chicka-bomp-bow-wah-chicka-wocka-chicka!)
Click HERE to listen the little gem of a tune
that we somehow broke into next...
LIVE at "Mully's on Madison" in Mankato: 8-24-02
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