Half Step Down performing at Emerald of Siam 15 FEB 2019. © 2019 Joseph Maday
Half Step Down
They play the blues and they play it HEAVY. Half Step Down has been stomping around south-eastern Washington State for around a year. Collectively they have over 60 years of performing experience in their pocket.
Half Step Down consists of Don Sumpter (bass, backing vocals), Fernando Pruneda (vocals, guitar), Jeremy Jay (lead guitar, backing vocals), and Rich Gutierrez (drums).
Don Sumpter
Bass & Vocals
Don has been performing professionally for over 30 years in some of the top cover and original bands in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Some of the previous bands are:
The Pole Cats
Hat Trick
Never Land
Black Sheep
Mr. Big Guy
Double Tap
Budakahn
And many more not listed…
Don Sumpter performing © 2019 Joseph Maday
Fernando Pruneda
Vocals & Guitar
Fernando was born into a family of musicians. He has a powerful and soulful style only he can bring. His vocal style is similar to Joe Cocker and Michael Bolton. Fernando has been performing in the area for six years. Known for signing shows off with, “Walk softly,” Fernando’s personal motto is: “If you want something, go get it, no matter how big it may seem. Some of his previous bands are:
Blackwater
Mr. Big Guy
Fernando Pruneda belting it out © 2019 Joseph Maday
Jeremy Jay soloing © 2019 Joseph Maday
Jeremy Jay
Lead Guitar & Vocals
At 20 years old, Jeremy has always listened to classic rock. Inspired by the likes of Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry, and Robert Johnson, Jeremy would finally settle in and study his idol Jimi Hendrix. Jeremy’s guitar playing is very similar to his idol’s. It isn’t unusual to find people gobsmacked by his playing ability. He’s very talented now, and will be even more so in the future.
Rich Gutierrez
Drums
Born and raised in California, Rich’s love of metal caused him to pick up the drums sticks in 1988, and he has never looked back. He’s played hard hitting metal for over 30 years.
In 2009, Rich moved to Washington State and hit the music scene hard from day one. After eight-plus years playing classic rock, he made the move to the blues in 2018.
Through his 30 years on the drums he has played countless shows and with many exceptional musicians. Rich brings many different styles of drumming to the table, and the love of music is strong in his life.
Rich Gutierrez setting the groove © 2019 Joseph Maday
Demos
Booking
Don Sumpter
E-mail: donsumpter44@yahoo.com Phone: 208.413.8892
Fernando Pruneda
E-mail: fernandopruneda33@hotmail.com Phone: 509.205.9963