BIOS
Ed Mathews
Guitar & vocals
Ed began playing drums in elementary school, playing in many bands during his school days. He attended Towson University as a music major, while teaching part time, playing in part-time and full-time bands, and playing shows. After graduating, he continued to teach for a short time, then soon began devoting all of his time to his family. Recently, music began to call him back, and this time with the brand new challenge of playing guitar and singing. Ed says his love of music and this new challenge, combined with playing with his friends, has brought a huge joy into his life.
Bob Watson
Drums & vocals
Growing up in Northeast Baltimore, Bob's first musical influence was his Dad, who always liked to try imitate the "big" drummers of the era, such as Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. Following his lead, he started on his musical journey in elementary school, continuing to play in the school bands through high school.
It was during the late junior high school days that Bob and several school friends joined forces in their first band, "Skyline". A few years later, he departed the group to become a member of "Knight Train", a college band playing school dances, weddings and the "bull roast" circuit. It was with this band with whom he first thought, "hmm... you mean they pay me to play music....? This is great!" He was hooked and went on to play with local groups, "Gratitude", "Step n' Blues", and finally, "Brandy", which eventually disbanded in the mid-80's. That marked the "first" end of his musical performance days.
Devoting the next 20 years to marriage, family, and a career, he continued pursuing his passion for music, but only as a bystander, settling for lots of listening and catching the occasional live music band. Starting back up again in 2002 with "Mid Life Crisis", consisting of several of the same musicians from "Skyline" they enjoyed many years of great shows together until 2012, when the group slowly dissolved. Playing now in "Simple Theory" with yet another subset of friends from his earlier years, he is excited about the latest project and the chance to play in Baltimore and the surrounding areas.
John Burghauser
Bass & vocals
John expressed an early interest in music- playing trumpet, baritone and various other horns- but the tuba was the instrument that really 'got him'. When he turned 16, in the mid-seventies, his friend Ed suggested the bass guitar would be a 'cooler' instrument. John saved to buy a Rickenbacker bass & Peavey amp- and dedicated many hours learning the craft. He went on to play in a number of bands over the next 30 years. When Ed switched instruments, from drums to guitar, he asked John about jammimg- playing some of the songs they used to listen to... that was the start of Simple Theory! Johns main influences are Geddy Lee & Stanley Clarke and he uses Fender basses & Markbass amplification.
Jeff Vogtman
Guitar & vocals
Once upon a time Jeff played in a few rock bands: “Arsenic,” “The Thieves” and “Red October.” He took some time off to raise a family but has come back to one of his first loves... playing the guitar!
He also plays music for church and says, “ Musical talent is a gift from God, what a shame it would be not to use it.”
Jeff and John have been playing together for a number of years and are enjoying the different areas they have to express their gifts and talents!
