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Bio page for Brian D

The former lead guitarist for the Southern California Rock band, West 78, is Brian Donaldson. He has been playing since he was a youngster. Brian stated he learned to play the guitar because his older brothers used to beat him up all the time. They were interested in playing Beatles songs and needed another guitarist. With only a tenor ukulele available, he started his musical career as a bassist.

Later in his youth, Brian and one of his older brothers, Kevin, started their own band. Brian was the bassist while Kevin the rhythm guitarist/singer. They found another lead guitarist who didn’t play so well, so Kevin had them switch instruments. Brian has never gone back to the four-string world.

While living in Tehran, Iran, Brian played in several bands comprised of Americans, Germans, Brits, Iranian and other nationals. He says that he learned so much there and really credits his fellow players for his current style. Brian also started to write songs and started to concentrate on acoustic style guitar playing. Brian has closeness with anyone who lived and went to school in Iran, or for that matter, anywhere outside ones home country. He would like to say “hi” to alumni from Community High School, Tehran American High School and Tehran International High School. General information on the Persian Community can be found at Persepolis.com. Brian keeps close contact with his friends from Iran.

Brian has posted some photos from his days in Iran. They can be found here.

After leaving Iran, Brian enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While serving his country, he started to concentrate on the electric guitar again, but as a solo artist. It was not until he started life again as a civilian that he put his talents back on the market. Brian still has an affiliation with anyone who has answered the call of duty for their country, whether it is in the military or public service.

He is currently employed as a System Test Engineer for Satellite Communications Hardware/Software at ViaSat, Inc. While working for ViaSat, Brian has traveled extensively throughout Asia/Pacific, Europe and Africa. Most memorable locations he has visited were Japan, Australia, and Scotland.

Brian can be heard performing on the American Girl CD by West 78. His guitar style comes from the heart, as he believes that is where music comes from. He has stated that the DC-127 in combination with the Legacy is what really defines his tone.

Brian’s next project, Kermit’s Finger, was a local San Diego band, but has disbanded. To say that these were the best musicians he has ever played with is an understatement. KF was short lived when the Bassist moved to Texas and the others are busy with other projects. The music produced in KF was some of Brian’s most creative. After the KF project, Brian hooked up with a Classic Rock band Hammersmith. The band's last gig was the 4th of July celebration in Dana Point, Ca.

It wasn't too long after that Brian got invited to play Jazz. The group was called Chill Factor, and they did one show. Short lived, but a dream finially come true.

This page last updated Saturday, September 24, 2005