Bill Fulton on keys or piano with Touch n Go Band
The Touch N Go Band San Jose June 13 1986 engagement featured Bill Fulton on keyboards or piano. The group performed in the cocktail lounge at the former Red Lion Inn. The property is now known as the DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose.
Friday Night with the Touch N Go Band
This Friday engagement was part of a run of performances at the San Jose hotel. Multi-night bookings allowed a band to settle into the room. However, every evening still brought a different audience and atmosphere.
For that reason, professional musicians had to remain alert and flexible. The group could adjust its pacing as the evening developed. It could also vary the balance between listening music and more energetic selections.
Fulton’s keyboard work helped support those shifts. He could use piano for clear harmony and rhythmic definition. Meanwhile, electronic keyboards could provide other sounds and textures. Each choice depended on the needs of the arrangement.
Supporting the Ensemble
A keyboardist must listen closely to the bass player and drummer. That connection helps define the groove. The player must also leave space for singers and instrumental soloists. Therefore, effective accompaniment involves restraint as well as technique.
Fulton’s experience as an arranger also informed his playing. An arranger considers how every instrumental part contributes to the full sound. That broad perspective can be valuable during a live performance, especially when the band changes dynamics or phrasing.
Live Music at the Red Lion Inn
The Red Lion Inn stood at 2050 Gateway Place in San Jose. Today, visitors will find the DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose at that address. Hotels regularly hosted live bands in their lounges during the 1980s.
The Touch N Go Band San Jose June 13 1986 performance preserves a record of that hotel-lounge tradition. It also documents another appearance from Fulton’s long career as a professional pianist and keyboardist.
Explore Bill Fulton’s professional keyboard credits. You can also view more entries in his live music and events archive.
Event Details
- Artist: Touch N Go Band
- Keyboardist and pianist: Bill Fulton
- Date: June 13, 1986
- Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose, formerly the Red Lion Inn
- Location: San Jose, California
Date/Time: June 13, 1986 12:00 am
Venue: Doubletree by Hilton (fka Red Lion Inn)
Address: 2050 Gateway Pl San Jose, CA 95110
