Mario Ramos Classical guitar and regional folk music played a large part in the musical development of Honduras born Mario Ramos. Arriving in the United States in the late eighties, the rock and roll juggernauts of the era changed Mario’s perspective on music. Diverse influences such as Luiz Bonfa, Jimmy Page, Randy Rhoads, and Wes Montgomery, have collectively inspired Mario to utilize the guitar in his relentless efforts to craft transcendent music that will change the world. “I believe any instrument can be an extension of emotions, thoughts, and at times… the soul,” Mario Ramos, 2009, and no where else is this philosophy more evident than in Mario’s immense contribution to the music of Universal Joint.Current CD: Molim  |
David Anderson Spellbound by music at an early age, Dave found he had a gift for percussion and beats, so the drums quickly became his preferred means of expression. At a young age, and long before he ever touched a drum kit, Dave, or “the Soul,” would craft his own drum set by arranging any book at hand, assembling a make-shift means to percussion, and thus began his never ending beat alchemy. Raised in a Christian household of Baptist denomination, Gospel music played a pivotal role in igniting a life long love affair with music and to this day, Gospel music still influences Dave’s music. Along with Jazz, both Fusion and Progressive, Pop, R&B, and Hip Hop, Dave draws from numerous different genres to help create the sound that sets Universal Joint’s music apart from the usual Rock and Roll fodder. Born in Detroit Michigan – yes, the birthplace of Motown – and currently residing in Iowa, Dave continues to remain loyal to his roots and ideals through his music and performance.Current CD: Molim |
Rogelio Gutierrez  Mexican native Rogelio Gutierrez has always had a strong affinity for music, especially the mind-melting genre of Metal. In his formative years, Rogelio’s older brothers played a large part in his musical education by influencing the music he listened to, but Rogelio felt something was missing and knew that he wanted more… Following in the footsteps of his older brothers, Rog began learning the guitar and succumbed immediately to its almost mystical allure and quickly lost himself within the instrument. Emboldened by both the sonic and artistic possibilities the guitar provided, Rogelio set out to create potent original music, blending Classical Spanish guitar with Power Speed Metal. Currently Rog lends his abilities to Universal Joint, bringing a innovative interpretation to both the guitar and the bass, reinforcing the beats of a new genre, and providing the rhythmic backbone of the group’s music. “Bass and drums are what bring songs to life… guitars and vocals serve to perfect them,” Rogelio Gutierrez, 2009.Current CD: Molim |
Clyde b.b According to Clyde b.b, music has been the most fundamental influence in his life, only surpassed by his parents and religion. While learning to speak, his father played and sang standards from the greats – Beatles, Eagles, Doors, Credence Clearwater Revival, etc. – and Clyde b.b’s first sentences were ill-fated attempts at singing Manfred Mann’s Do Wah Diddy Diddy, an all-time favorite still to this day. While sweeping floors in his father’s shop or traveling to the local fishing hole, Abby Road and the Beach Boy’s greatest hits provided the sound track for an amazing childhood. Later, bands like VanHalen, Metallica, and Aerosmith took rock and roll to more intense places, pushing Clyde b.b towards heavier guitar driven music, but his love of pop is a part of his DNA. The early nineties brought Hip Hop to the main stream and thus to the attention of would-be song writers. Clyde b.b’s number one goal is to create a new sound for rock and roll, one that incorporates the best of both worlds – driving Hip Hop beats with hard rock guitar and pop based lyrics and harmonies. Universal Joint has become the vehicle by which this music will reach the masses and hopefully change the world of music one more time like the greats that paved the way. Current CD: Molim |
Universal Joint Yellow Hills Music is proud to announce the release of Molim, Universal Joint's debut album. Molim, a Serbo-Croatian word for please, is the brainchild of ClydeBB and Jason Nelligan, inspired by their love of music and experiences in Bosnia Herzegovina. The songs exude raw emotion and a positive energy, even when touching on serious topics. Sprinkle in a bit of pop, Baby's Back Again and Prisoner of a Sweet Smile, and you have a very strong first album that leaves no one wanting. Third Lane Over and Suicidal Dreams have been featured on American Idol Underground and we hope to build on that exposure. Purchase the disk April 21, 2008, by contacting Bud Barnes at Yellow Hills Music, or at CD Baby.com, and join the grass roots movement to make Universal Joint a household name.Current CD: Molim |