Band History
Photo courtesy of James Giffen
Band Bios
Chris "Mo" Morris
Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar/Harmonica
“Rooster Stone is my dream band— great song writing, tight harmonies, killer licks, screaming guitar solos—it’s like all the bands I loved growing up. And as a bonus--these guys are my best friends.”
Chris “Mo” Morris grew up singing all the time, whether singing with his family while his dad played guitar or singing at church. In high school, he starred in the school plays and musicals, and sang lead as a part of two Mid-Atlantic Barbershop Quartet Champions. Mo began writing songs in 1995 with Red and Keith in a project that eventually morphed into the regional act “Jack Shift”—an emotionally charged psychedelic rock band that showcased intense, intellectual songwriting with his unusually stark and signature vocals. Several acoustic acts followed, including MoGeo, before the gradual formation of Rooster Stone from 2011-2013. Mo has also been part of several regional projects with some of the best musicians in the area including an Aerosmith and also a Police cover band.
Photo courtesy of James Giffen
Lead Guitar/Back-up Vocals
"Rooster Stone is the kind of band that everybody can dig. I've never seen us not take a room and make it ours. These guys are the real deal."
Eric “Red” Morris grew up singing with his family and in school. Though Red was always heavily into music, he didn’t even pick up a guitar until he was 21 years old. But like everything else Red has ever done, he poured himself into it and once he picked it up, he hasn’t laid it down since. Within 2 years Red was the guitar player in a band, and one short year later, he was the lead guitar player in the regional rock titan “Jack Shift.” In 2001, the day after Jack Shift’s final show, Red began an acoustic duo with his brother Mo. Red is a songwriter at heart and his signature licks permeate the music of Rooster Stone. His influences range from Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix to Supergrass and Joe Satriani.
Photo courtesy of James Giffen
Bass Guitar/Back-up Vocals
"Rooster Stone isnt interested in trying to keep up with the latest crap on mainstream corporate radio. We play the songs that have stood the test of time, along with our rich and diverse collection of original music."
Keith Knowles grew up listening to music and singing and picked up the bass guitar in high school. Keith was a star in the school plays and musicals, and sang tenor as part of a Mid-Atlantic Barbershop Quartet Champion. He began writing songs with Mo and Red in 1995 and was a songwriter and bass guitarist in the regional act “Jack Shift” until 2001 when he joined the Reading-based original band “Shame.” During his time with Shame, Keith worked with some top-notch industry people through recording/ songwriting opportunities and publishing companies. In 2012, Keith came back to work with his old songwriting partners and band mates in the Rooster Stone project on a temporary basis, and just never left. We’re glad he didn’t!
Photo courtesy of James Giffen
Lead Guitar/Back-up Vocals
"Rooster Stone sounds like battling Ogres and the Cyclops from the back of unicorns with a sword forged by the Power of Greyskull and lined with the blood of faeries."
Scott George has played a host of instruments since he was 6 years old including: piano, drums, and guitar. He spent 4 years in the Marine Corps after high school and upon his return began sitting in on djembe with Mo and Red at the acoustic shows they were playing at the time. When Red took a job in Philadelphia, Scotty began playing acoustic shows with Mo under the name MoGeo. After playing for several years together, Scotty moved down to Virginia where he played in several local Fredricksburg bands and continues to do so. Once we started recording again, Scotty wanted to be on board, and has since brought his electrifying talent to the group. Scotty’s influences are broad and diverse from AC/DC and the Allman Brothers to Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters.
Photo courtesy of James Giffen
Jeff Rettew
Drums/Percussion
"Rooster Stone is not a band for the sake of being a band, it is a group of like minded musicians hell-bent on creating what people will love."
Jeff Rettew has been playing drums since he was in second grade. Inheriting his musical talents from his father, he is passionate about having a personal style and sound. He has played locally for years in regional acts most recently coming off an amazing ride with local powerhouse Sweet Ember. Jeff has an artistic drive to create and his personal and musical vibe meshes with the Rooster Stone philosophy. We are absolutely delighted to have him join our family. His influences, experience, and playing styles range from dixie to symphony, rock-a-billy to musical theater, and all stops in between.
Picture by James Giffen
