Ted Hoffman

Ted (far left) with his band, P.H.D.

Meet Ted Hoffman from Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

I'm an America fan. I remember in my early high school years (early 70s) learning to play the guitar. Of course, Led Zep and all were big at the time, and we thought that was the coolest, but there was another sound, too, that was more at home with acoustics around the campfire. I remember buying Neil Young's "Harvest" album, and playing it 'til the grooves got worn. Then I heard another band that had that great acoustic sound on the radio. Of course, the song was "Horse With No Name". Bought the album immediately, and "Riverside" and "Sandman" were the cuts me and my buddies jammed incessantly to, but really the whole album. Dug on the successive LPs. Finally got to see them in concert last year ('99) in St. Joseph, MO. Had a second row seat! I was in heaven!

Needless to say, at 43 now, I've got an acoustic trio, and we dig the harmony vocal sound, and wouldn't you know it, "Ventura Highway" and "Lonely People" still figure prominently in our setlist. Oh, in the picture, I'm the weird looking dude holding the acoustic on the left. You can read about my band by going to http://www.geocities.com/tedsblues2/phdweb.htm.

Feel free to send your comments or questions to Ted.