Trey Batts joined Moossa in July of 2006 bringing over 20 years of songwriting and guitar playing to the configuration. Trey actually sang backup on some of the band’s first album and was always impressed with Moossa’s songwriting, persistence, and professionalism. One evening, Trey had Moose over to help paint a room in he and wife Gina’s new home when the position was offered. Trey had been looking for this kind of opportunity for some time now and did not hesitate to jump in. Laced with influences from David Gilmore, Danny Gatton, and John Scofield, Trey brings a versatile playing style that fits in perfectly with Moossa’s broad range of music.
Trey Batts was born “Alger Batts III” a Cancer on July 5th 1971 and lived the first 7 years of his life in Richmond, VA in close proximity to his grandfather who, through the course of the next 30-something years would play a major role in inspiring Trey’s musical direction. Trey actually did most of his growing up in Salem, VA and started forming bands as early as 13 years old with good friends Mike Parrish and Brian Nelson (Trick Pony). Trey’s grandfather (Alger Batts Sr.) has to be acknowledged as the constant primary driving force in his musical existence. Good genes gave Trey the musical ear and stubborn traits that make him what he is today. Grandaddy Batts was one of the most gifted and educated musicians of his generation. He was close friends with both Tal Farlow and Chet Atkins showing versatile appreciation and influence. He was once quoted as saying, “Chet doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing but he sure can play that hillbilly guitar.” Over the years, Trey has played in a handful of acts coving styles ranging from straight up cover material to original hip-hip compositions. It wasn’t until Trey moved back to Richmond in his late 20s that he really began to develop into an artist. He almost considered it quits when Jeremy and Dusty Simmons showed up one day and talked some sense in/out of him (depending on how you look at it). These were the Gray-V days. These were also the years that Trey started to actually make some sense out of music. Grandaddy’s knowledge was right around the corner and Trey surrounded himself with local musicians and VCU students/grads in hopes of learning as much as he could. This is the era where Trey met John Moossa and their friendship would lead their eventual collaboration as it exists today. This was the era that has become now….. |
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