Tom Kneesel

Tom Kneesel, known to his friends and fans as “Kneese” has been playing guitar since he was eleven years old.  Throughout grade school and high school he was part of the “garage band” movement that started back in the late 60’s and early 70’s.  During his college years, inspired by one of his major musical influences, Jerry Garcia, he picked up   the pedal steel and mandolin.
Prior to joining the Yellowhammers, Kneese was the lead guitarist and vocalist with his band, “Take a Sip” performing mainly in the Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin area.
Fortunate enough to study with Buddy Cage, Kneese’s other major influences are Dickey Betts, Tony Rice, Jorma and Dick Eliot. Kneese plays from the heart and rarely repeats a jam.
Kneese would like to thank his wife, Beth for encouraging him to follow his dreams and his three daughters, Katie, Annie and Susan, who are his biggest fans.