---

DECEMBER 29, 2000

Musical pedigree helps guitarist stay rooted

By Patrcia Morris Buckley

All through her 20s, Tracy Niles struggled to find the right profession. But when she went back to her roots, she discovered exactly what she wanted to do with her life.

"My father was a jazz musician and he used to take me to jazz clubs when I was growing up," said Niles, now 36, who grew up in Los Angeles. "We would go to hear all these wonderful jazz musicians. That was my life."

Niles' father is Chuck Niles, a professional clarinetist and actor who is best known for his 50 years on the radio as an announcer. He is currently the jazz announcer for KLON in Long Beach.

"He's a real jazz purist," said Niles, an Encinitas resident. "I didn't even know what rock music was until I was 12."

In her teens, Niles developed a love of jazz rock, such as Santana and Chicago. That led to a passion for blues rock.

"I like all kinds of music," she said. "I can still remember listening to Aretha Franklin, but Ernie Andrews was my favorite. His voice is so soulful. I tried to imitate him."

Niles started playing piano at age 6 and then switched to guitar at 15. She now plays rhythm guitar. But in her 20s, she started to go to a completely different direction. She attended UC San Diego and the Design Institute of San Diego. "I used to visit San Diego a lot when I was young," said Niles, who works as a facilities planner for Callway Golf Co. "So I wanted to come to college here, but I had a hard time deciding what to do. I ended up in design, which is creative. But I should have been playing music."

Niles started meeting other musicians in town, including guitarist Ean Corbet. The two started writing songs together, then playing together.

"Things kept processing and the next thing we knew, we had a four-piece band," said Niles who is the lead singer of the group as well as guitar player. "Our first gig was one year ago exactly. We played on Jan. 1, 2000, and made $8."

Not only has Niles grown as an artist, but she's defined what it is she wants to do. For instance, she only plays original music.

"I didn't want to be another cover band playing Friday and Saturday nights," she said. "I don't like trying to play a song like the original artist playing it. I get more out of playing music that comes from my own experience. Being able to elaborate and improvise on my own music is a lot more fun."

At first, Niles felt a bit shy about her father coming to see her. But he has been quite encouraging.

"I was nervous because we don't have the same musical tastes," she said. "But the more he saw how dedicated I was to this, the more he supported me. Now he's so happy for me -- and proud."

Niles is proud of herself as well. She's played at the Belly Up Tavern, the Surf & Saddle, the Del Mar Fair, at Blind Melons, the Casbah and Humphrey's Lounge. It's been a long road, but she finally is sure she's on the right path. By returning to her musical roots, she discovered what she really wants in life.

"I do this because I really love the music," she said. "Right now, I just want to keep progressing and be as good as I can get. I look back on the past years and see how much progress we've made. And now I'm looking at the new year and I'm excited about taking it to the next level."