A few months back, someone sent me a mass email. Looking over the list of names of the other folks who received said email, one particular name jumped off the page, “Mark Varel.” For you see, my mom’s adopted father was named Dan Varel – and it ain’t the most common of names. So I dropped Mark a note and it turned out we are indeed…um…in kind of a round-about, adoptive sort of way, related. It also turns out that Mark is, not only a gifted musician/vocalist, but he’s been frontin’ a successful cover/tribute band for years.

Spector’s Gun Collection isn’t just a group of guys that can play guitars, drums, and keys like they grew up on the instruments. They’re a tight knit band of session men who’ve seen the rock and roll road from both sides of the highway.

What started in 1974 as The Menagerie, is now in the spotlight as Spectors Gun Collection. Spector’s Gun Collection is a union of seasoned players who come together with a refreshing splash of musical spirit and instrumental execution, who take their audiences on a musical journey along a road of great rock and roll memories. The band says, “we’re playing the songs that made us all want to become musicians in the first place.”

In the 70s, as The Menagerie, they made their mark on the Dallas music scene for many years, spawning several recorded works and a handful of singles that were launched by the infamous rock station The Zoo (KZEW), including the rock radio anthem, Life is a Zoo. They all have music in their educational backgrounds.lab bands, orchestras, stage bands, and enough rock and roll under their belts to bring down the house. Spector’s Gun Collection is also an impressive display of rock and roll weaponry. From 6 and 12 string electric guitars, searing electric slide guitar, acoustic guitars, and mandolin combined with the incredible percussive ordinance of digital drums, bass and Hammond B-3 organ, they not only recreate the unforgettable instrumental sounds of rock and roll classics, but breathe new life into the timeless songs they play.

Powerful vocals are the icing on this rock and roll cake. It a six degrees of Clapton musical theme featuring songs from The Yardbirds, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek & the Dominoes, Beatles, Stones, Morrison, even the Allman Brothers. Some are deep cuts, some are classic hits, but they’re all great memory buttons. songs that we love to listen to and love to play even more. Spector’s Gun Collection has become one of the most hailed bands to emerge from Dallas in years.

The band has performed some pretty impressive gigs including Ameriquest Field, Cottonwood Arts Festival, Huffines Arts Festival, White Rock Lake Festival and more.

Tonight you can catch Spector’s Gun Collection at Enchilada’s on Upper Greenville, toss back a few Margarita’s and have yourselves a time. Who knows, I might even roll over there and meet my Unkie Mark…

Spector’s Gun Collection Sampler