The GCO

Galactic Cowboy Orchestra was started in 2009 by founding member/bass player John Wright. The band was born out of a desire to play technically challenging music derived from John’s influences ranging from Mahavishnu Orchestra, The Dixie Dregs and King Crimson, to name a few. Wright enlisted the aid of guitarist Dan Neale, who brought to the table many deep Jazz influences in his advanced playing and composing style. Along with the band’s first drummer, Mark O'Day, the beginnings of Galactic Cowboy Orchestra were found. Soon after, violinist (and John’s wife) Lisi Wright joined the band with her aggressive "electric guitar player plays violin" style and engaging stage presence to complete the band’s sound and look. Fast forward 16 years: 6 studio releases (and one live), 3 Downbeat Nominations, a Minnesota Arts Tour Grant, collaborations with symphony orchestras, thousands of miles of touring and the band is just getting started. 2025 sees the GCO with a new studio release and a stronger than ever commitment to create the ultimate musical moment between the players and the audience with their Art Rock/Jazz Fusion creations.

What other bands do we sound like? We have been compared to King Crimson, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Dixie Dregs, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

THE PLAYERS!

Lisi Wright – Violin/Vocals – Lisi started playing the violin at the age of 5 on a cute little 1/4-size violin. She grew up in a tiny town in southern MN that didn’t have an orchestra, so she took private violin lessons while playing French horn in the Blooming Prairie HS Band. From there, she has played with Tim Sigler Band, Mark Stary & The Whiskey Roses, Martin Zellar & The Hardways and you can still find her on stage with The Geoff Elvee Band and Mick Sterling. Lisi, aka Elisa, founded New Folk Booking. She is endorsed by Bridge Violins.

Important things to know about Lisi:

I'M OBSESSED WITH RUSH! Witch Hunt, Circumstances, Armor & Sword, Driven, Anthem, Natural Science, Jacob's Ladder, The Wreckers, Peaceable Kingdom, Passage to Bangkok, on and on and on, baby. They are, in fact, the GREATEST BAND EVER! I can tell you exactly why, just ask me some time. I’m also OBSESSED WITH BIG WRECK! They’re actually tied for my #1 with RUSH! Diamonds, Do What You Will, The Arborist, Hey Mama, A Speedy Recovery, Wolves, Look What I Found… just check them out. And, yes, I love The Beatles too. And Soundgarden. And Collective Soul. And Metallica. The list goes on.
I fret for my lattes.
I’m married to the bald guy in the band and we have a daughter. She has her father’s eyes…
Best drum fill: Matt Cameron on Soundgarden’s “Burden in My Hand” at 4:35.

Dan Neale – Guitars/Vocals
Dan Neale is one of the Twin Cities’ most adored pickers, known for his soulful guitar playing and undeniable stage presence. He’s shared the stage with the legendary Bo Diddley and has been a guest artist and fill-in for Pat Donohue on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. Dan’s impressive resume also includes performing with Chuck Leavell (keyboard player for The Rolling Stones), Hutch Hutchinson (bass player for Bonnie Raitt), and Kenny Arnoff (drummer for John Mellencamp) in the 50th Anniversary Buddy Holly Tribute, backing music icons like Graham Nash and Wanda Jackson.

What you need to know about Dan:

Favorite bands: Dixie Dregs, Roger Miller, Mahavishnu Orchestra.
He hails from Fort Oglethorpe, GA, a suburb of Chattanooga.
Dan’s a serious baseball fan with an encyclopedic knowledge of the game.
He’s a marathon runner—because sometimes playing guitar for hours isn’t quite enough of a challenge, apparently.

John Wright – Bass/Vocals
John first picked up the bass in 1989. His versatility on the instrument has led him to play alongside a range of artists, from Pop Fusion/New Age guitarist Billy McLaughlin to Blues and Soul legend Mick Sterling. He also spent four years with MN pop star Tim Mahoney.

In 1999, John co-founded the critically-acclaimed Celtic/American Folk-Rock trio, Lehto & Wright. John’s musical journey has spanned multiple genres, including Prog Rock with his own band, US, whose debut recording even made the cover of College Music Journal.

John also has a degree in forestry, but his love for music led him to develop a successful career as a recording engineer and producer. With over 75 full-length CDs and countless other sessions under his belt, he’s become an in-demand producer in Minnesota and beyond. John is the founder of The Villa Recording Studio in Savage, MN.

What you need to know about John:

Favorite bands: Yes, Jethro Tull, Fairport Convention, King Crimson, Genesis.
Favorite drum fill: Barrimore Barlow’s legendary fill in Jethro Tull’s Passion Play.
John loves balsamic vinegar and he’ll put that sh*t on anything.
John’s a man of many talents: he can play bass, produce albums, and turn any meal into a gourmet experience with just a bottle of vinegar.

THE DOGS

It is very important for you all to know the we travel with two road-dogs as mentioned above, Nicko Geddy Wright and Jakey Alex Wright. Lisi had wanted to name Nicko Geddy originally, but John thought it was cheesy, so we went with Nicko after Iron Maiden's drummer. But, you now understand why Jakey's middle name is Alex. If you don't, Google 'Geddy' - you'll find it. Here are the photos. You're welcome: