Spurling To Perform At SWC Senior Center Benefit
John Spurling has been making music for the better part of his 29 years.
A native of Southwest City, Spurling has always loved all things melodious. As a youngster he enjoyed private piano lessons for a while, but his passion for playing really took root inside the town’s music store — Jerry’s Music.
The store was owned and operated by resident Jerry Hallum.
“I was always in the store when he was open. And he’d be there, picking around on his banjo,” said Spurling.
At the age of 13, Spurling began taking guitar lessons from local teacher Frank On-The-Hill.
Like On-The-Hill, Spurling does not read music; rather, he plays by ear.
“He taught me to listen to chord progression by ear,” Spurling said. “What can I say? It’s served me well.”
Even though Spurling only took lessons for two years, On-The-Hill
remained a music mentor for years after.
“I actually had a band with his son, Mike. He really went on to kind of mentor the whole group,” he said.
The band, Dead Reckoning, primarily played classic rock covers from groups such as Bad Company and The Steve Miller Band. They went on to win two high school talent shows before an early disbandment due to the drummer’s graduation.
Over the years Spurling’s musical interests grew to include an arsenal of talented artists.
A pivotal moment in this timeline occurred shortly after his own graduation, when Bob and Joyce Morris invited him along to attend the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kan. He was exposed to a raw acoustic, bluegrass, and folk sound that resonated deeply with him.
Musicians that were instrumental in shaping Spurling’s unique sound include classic singer-songwriters John Prine and Kris Kristofferson, red-dirt group Turnpike Troubadors, and legendary guitarists Norman Blake and Steve Kaufman.
“I was heavily influenced by (Blake and Kaufman’s) flat picking style,” noted Spurling.
In one of his originals, “Missouri Beer,” Spurling recounts a run-in with Oklahoma law enforcement after a few brews and a cruise down an old dirt road.
To someone who grew up in the area, there’s a lot of unspoken meaning.
“I’m a product of my environment,” said Spurling, smiling. “The song is an homage to the experience and the area.”
For those that don’t know, Oklahoma beer is notoriously weaker than that of Missouri — and Southwest City rests just on the border of the two states.
Spurling currently has one album of originals available with another in the early stages of production.
His set list is fluid, constantly being honed to the audience’s energy.
“I do a few originals, a few audience favorites like Johnny Cash or Merle Haggard,” Spurling said.
Spurling is scheduled to perform at the Southwest City Senior Center’s benefit dinner on Saturday, Oct. 15. Spaghetti, garlic bread, and salad will be served at a cost of $7 and a pie auction will be held after the entertainment.
Proceeds will fund ongoing activities at the Senior Center as well as new countertops and exterior paint.
Those interested in purchasing a CD or inquiring about booking can contact Spurling via email at jspurl ing87@gmail.com or via phone at 417-699-1383.