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The Bluesnet

St. Louis local & regional talent

Last Modified - December 12th, 2001
New Artists: Boo Boo Davis & Ted May

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Tommy Bankhead

Mr. Tommy BankheadTommy Bankhead....a legendary name synonymous with St. Louis Blues music. Just mention his name to any true St. Louis Blues lover, and you'll see what I mean. Born in Lake Cormorant, Ms. on October 24, 1931, we are certainly blessed that this talented man chose to make St. Louis his home. Mr. Bankhead's history reads like a Blues " Who's Who", beginning with his early days playing with Woodrow Adams and the 3 B's, Joe Hill Louis, Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin' Wolf, Elmore James, and of course, our local Blues Patriarch Henry Townsend. From his beginnings here with his group 'The Landrockers", Tommy then went on to form his locally famous group The Blues Eldorados, and could be seen playing down in Soulard every weekend for over 17 years. For more on this St. Louis legend, read his interview

Billy Barnett

Billy BarnettThe name Billy Barnett is synonymous with great St. Louis guitar. Having had opened for and shared the stage with names like Roy Orbison, The Neville Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Jean Luc Ponty, the Billy Barnett Band is one of St. Louis most spirited Blues bands. Billy even spent a year playing with Country fiddler Shoji Tabuchi in Branson, Mo. Tours have taken them through Puerto Rico, Panama, Cuba, and as far north as Greenland. "Feel is what we specialize in", as Billy describes the band. With Mississippi Mud and now thier newest CD Brand New Boogie out, the Billy Barnett band is here to stay. For booking info call Billy at 314.504.6510
Barbara Carr


Barbara CarrBarbara Carr is a native of St. Louis, and developed her musical roots singing at the Mount Zion Baptist Church. As a teenager, Barbara and her sisters began to experience show business as they formed "The Crosby Sisters" musical group. Afterwards she was in a group called "The Crumb Crushers, formed by her grade school teacher, and performed on shows such as "The St. Louis Hop". Musically inspired by her family, Barbara also includes as musical influences artists like Faye Adams, Ruth Brown, Mahalia Jackson, Koko Taylor, Jimmy Reed, and Etta James. Other early St. Louis performances include shows at the old club Dynaflow, and on Dave Dixon's "Shower of Stars". A veteran performer, Barbara has performed with everyone from the Memphis icon Rufus Thomas, to our own hometown legend Oliver Sain. For more on Barbara, read her interview.


Bonedaddy & the Blues ShakersThese guys have been together about 3 years but have all played locally for over 25 years. 5 pieces - Danny Balsamo-the man with the golden voice also doubles on sax and flute, Chris Black- holding down the bottom on bass and vocals, Steve Simpson-keys, guitar and vocals (also a great amp tech at Gravity Strings and Fazio's), Rick Gibson- guitar (the Fender Stratocaster guitar that is),vocals & harp and Daryl Baluco - keeping the beat on drums & vocals. They pride themselves on playing Blues and Soul tunes we all know and love.They had a Top 10 mp3 hit in 1999 called "Y2K Blues". Check out their website for lots more Bonedaddy info (like their schedule)!

James Crutchfield

Mr. James CrutchfieldJames Crutchfield was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1912, and came to St. Louis in 1948. Early in his career, James was Elmore James' piano player. "I happened to help make his record "Dust My Broom". In Memphis, TN., B.B. King would play on the right side of the street and me and Elmore played on the left side." James Crutchfield is a local treasure. For more on this amazing man, read his interview.
Sadly, James passed away on Dec. 7th, 2001


Brian Curran


Brian CurranBrian Curran is probably St. Louis's youngest acoustic fingerstyle player. At only 23 he has been playing professionally for over 4 years and has earned himself quite a reputation on the local blues scene. Brian has studied with some of St. Louis's finest guitar players such as Tom Hall and Billy Barnett. He's performed in many of the areas top venues including Off Broadway, Focal Point, Blueberry Hill, Broadway Oyster Bar, BB's Jazz Blues & Soups, Mike & Mins, and Soulard Ale House. Brian has also performed with some of the areas greatest players such as Ron Edwards, and Leroy Pierson. Brian has a wide range of styles from gritty delta slide guitar to the soft sounds in the style of Mississippi John Hurt. He plays a variety of covers from pre-war blues of Tampa Red & Robert Johnson to more modern songs of Eric Clapton & SRV. Brian also has a huge arsenal of original tunes and is currently working on a solo CD project at Music Masters here in St. Louis. Catching Brian here in town is easy, he plays at Mike & Mins on Wednesday nights at 8:00 & Saturday at 4:00, and Soulard Ale House Fridays at 4:30. Brian is available for lessons, and all types of occasions and can be reached at 314.846.7815 or 314.208.0670

James DeShay

Mr. and Mrs. James DeshayJames DeShay's first "guitar" was a one-string rig he concoted by nailing a piece of baling wire to a post and tightening it with a snuff box. From that single-string instrument he was able to play melodies and change pitch by mashing down on the wire. DeShay's earliest influences included the great Charlie Patton, Howlin' Wolf and Robert Jr. Lockwood. James was already an accomplished guitar player when he moved to St. Louis in the mid 40's, when he struck up a friendship with Little Walter Jacobs with whom he played around town. James often also worked with Robert Nighthawk and Big Joe Williams. By the early 1950's he had his own band, and by the 1960's his own tavern which he operated and played in. (The BBC shot footage of James there in 1976 for part of the 'Devil's Music' series) Sadly, James never recorded commercially, but his memory and music lives on in all his fans.

Boo Boo Davis

Mr. Boo Boo DavisJames 'Boo Boo' Davis was born on November 4, 1943 in Drew, Mississippi. He started playing drums with his family band when he was seven years old. At that time he didn't have a drum kit so he used a lard can instead. This band, called the Lard Can Band, featured his father Sylvester sr. on vocals, his brother Sylvester jr. on bass, his younger brother John on guitar and his sister Clara also on vocals. His brother Sylvester jr is also known as S. L. Davis.
This band played in Mississippi cities as Minnow City and Rulevine and during this time they also backed up young B.B. King who was at that time completely unknown outside Mississippi.

Boo Boo moved to St Louis and started playing real drums. His first gig was with Doc Terry. After he left Doc Terry he started a band with Little Aaron who composed the song "East St Louis" on Boo Boo's new CD. That band became one of the hottest backup bands in St Louis and they backed up great blues legends like Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Milton and Elmore James. In 1972 Boo Boo formed another Davis family band featuring his brother John Davis on guitar and S.L. Davis on bass. This trio, known as the Davis Brothers Band was the weekend house band at a club called Tabby's Red Room in East St Louis for 18 years. They played from 2 to 6 a.m. every friday and saturday.

Boo Boo can be heard on the new Arthur Williams CD "Harpin' It Out" on Fedora Records. Boo Boo's recording debut under his own name took place in September 1999 and the result was released on Black and Tan Records in January 2000. The CD got very nice reviews in the international blues magazines like Blues Access and is played on blues radio stations all over the world. With Arthur Williams & the Bluesmasters Boo Boo Davis already performed at the Handzame Blues Festival (Belgium) in September '99.

His first european tour under his own name took place in April 2000. He did 16 successfull shows in Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France and the UK. In the UK he made recordings for the famous Paul Jones Show on the BBC Radio. In December 2000 and May 2001 he toured Europe again and his next european tour is scheduled for December 2001. His next recording project (again for Black and Tan Records) is also scheduled for December.


Nephew Davis

Nephew DavisNephew Davis on bass, has an impressive and varied musical background. He is equally at home with jazz, blues and rock. He has worked with such luminaries as James Brown, Bobby McClure, Shirley Brown, Tyrone Davis, The Moments, the Funkadelics and the Dells. Among the many local entertainers he has played with are Tommy Bankhead, Doc Terry, Rondo, David Dee, Piano Slim, Oliver Johnson, Bill Tucker, Keith Doder, Ross & Hunt, Arthur Williams and the Bosman Twins. Nephew is a versatile, professional musician who can provide any song with "bottom" that just won't quit. During his over 30 years jamming professionally on the bass guitar, Nephew has released several cd recordings, including 'Get It While the Gettings Good' and 'Christmas in the Neighborhood', both with Ross & Hunt, 'Williams and the Blues Master' with Arthur Williams and 'Jack & Coke' with Erstin Overnight. A studio bass player, talented and soulful, Nephew can be heard live at all the regular St. Louis venues for blues, including Soulard's Mike & Mins, Mollys, Soulard Ale, Grizzly, etc. He has traveled nationally and can be scheduled for bookings at 618-332-2932.




Keith DoderOver the past twenty-five years, Keith Doder has emerged as a dominant Harp & Vocals presence on the St. Louis blues scene and a rising national talent. Keith Doder formed The Blue City Band in the early 1980's along with drummer/vocalist, David Tims. But the seeds of Doder's love of blues and harmonica were planted much earlier when Doder honed his harp-playing skills as a regular harpist with St. Louis blues great, Tommy Bankhead. Doder was recruited by the late Chicago blues legend Jimmy Rogers in 1997 and travelled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe as a featured harpist. Doder filled the shoes of a long line of blues harpists who backed up Jimmy Rogers. Rogers remarked that,"Keith, you get up underneath me on that harp just like Little Walter used to do." Doder has captured the trademark Chicago blues harp sound and refined it into his own distinctive style. Check out the Blue City Band release, "By Invitation Only", which showcased Doder's lyrical and instrumental prowess. Doder recently released a new CD, "Blue To Bright," which truly captures his rich-toned harp style, songwriting and insightful vocals. The Blue City Band is moving forward along with Doder as this ensemble steadily moves forward regionally and nationally. To learn more about this talented band, email Keith , or surf on over to their website



Gumbohead hangin' on Bourbon Street GUMBOHEAD is a psychically-connected group of musicians, raconteurs and tricknologists dedicated to the presentation and preservation of red-hot Louisiana dance music. Their rhythmic vocabulary includes blues, funk, jazz, zydeco, swamp rock and traditional second line grooves, all 100% guaranteed to make every party a Mardi Gras party

Gumbohead is:
Joe Balestreri -- guitar, trumpet, vocals | Dave Mills -- saxophones
Andy Coco -- bass, vocals | Jeff Thompson -- drums | Ron Sikes -- percussion
Tim Halpin -- guitar, harmonica, vocals | Tom Martin -- accordion, keyboards


For booking, send an email to Gumbohead, or call Tim at 314.727.2342.

Richard Hunt


Mr. Richard Hunt on drumsRichard Hunt (shown here with Johnnie Johnson at Buddy Guy's Legends) began performing on stage as a High School student. Hunt received his training as a drummer while performing in popular clubs and any number of other Blues Festivals and concert venues. Mr. Hunt studied and completed a Bachelors of Fine Arts from Southern Illinois University, then later traveled throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. Mr. Hunts Masters Degree Thesis focused on computer technologies in interdisciplinary curriculum design. Richard Hunt is a professionally certified veteran Educator. Today Blues Drummer Richard Hunt serves as a Clinician, Professional Consultant and Classroom teacher in St. Louis County. For more information email Richard or call 314.771.5896.




Mr. Johnnie JohnsonSo much has been said about Johnnie Johnson, by so many artists. A short list of the musicians he's performed with over the years includes Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Bonnie Raitt, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Howlin' Wolf, Albert Collins, Johnny Lee Hooker, Little Milton, Albert King, Little Walter, Memphis Slim, Charlie Musselwhite, the late Jimmy Rogers, the late Roy Rogers and of course, Chuck Berry.
Johnnie has his own website, and was also inducted into the Sideman category of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Chuck Berry, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Johnny Lee Hooker, Dick Clark, Little Richard and Bo Diddley are among those who have lent their names to the effort. The co-chairman of the Hall of Fame (and also the co-chairman of Atlantic Records) issued a statement calling Johnson "undoubtedly the best blues pianist in the world today."

Stacey Johnson

Mr. Stacey JohnsonA living St. Louis Blues legend, Stacey Johnson's career dates back to his early days with Ike Turner and the Ikettes. Soft spoken as he is, Stacey is one of St. Louis' best vocalists, which you really need to experience for yourself. Raised on the Gospel, Stacey has that soulful sound that wraps you in the true feel of the Blues. "Performing with Ike and Tina Turner was probably the biggest learning experience of my life!", Stacey informed the Bluesnet. To learn more about this talented artist, read his interview

David Krull

Mr. David KrullDavid Krull has performed and developed his talents for over 25 years in Kansas City, Chicago and New Orleans. The early influences of Ahmad Jamal, Otis Spann, and Leon Russell provided David with a foundation for inventive romps on the eighty-eights. Improvising with wild abandon, David Krull at the helm of a piano can bring the house down with a natural blues, eight-to-the-bar boogie, or a Crescent City rhythym, reminiscent of the great Professor Longhair. A highlight of St. Louis piano blues was the Sheldon concert that paired Johnnie Johnson and David Krull on dueling Steinways. David's career took another exciting turn when he was asked by Mr. Jimmie Rogers to join his band. The rest, as they say, is history. For more on this talented artist, who now calls scenic Alameda, Ca. his home, read his interview


Mr. Clayton LoveClayton Love is St. Louis' blues music royalty. Clayton Love was born in a little town called Lamberts, Ms., near Clarksdale, one of the hottest beds of blues down throughout history. Clayton came by piano as an accident, and has loved music ever since he can remember. "I was aware of music because my family was a musical family. My mother was a pianist and she played in the church. Eveybody in my family had some kind of musical background. If they couldn't sing they could play! I was blowin' trombone in a marching band in high school, playing drums in the marching band too! It ended up we said "let's start a swing band"." Clayton claims Charles Brown as an early influence. "Tremendous, tremendous, I guess I was about as crazy about him as the women were. His talent and the way he delivered! I've always been amazed by him. He was a brilliant guy too, a chemistry teacher I think, before he went off into the music business." Louis Jordan told me "always seek out somebody who knows more than you do, and don't fool around with these guys who dont know anything". Clayton is married, with seven children. "I'm a great-grandaddy now, cause my grandson who lives down in Florida, he has a child. My daughters - I have five daughters - they have children. I think I have eight grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren, and they're keeping the family name going" (laughs). For more on Clayton Love, read his interview.


Ted May

Ted May on bass
Ted picked up a bass guitar in 1975 and embarked on a lifelong musical journey. He began his career in the St. Louis local scene with Shepherd playing throughout the Midwest, including Kiel Opera House, and recording on the K-SHE Seeds album. His sense that he had to change his environment in order to advance his career led Ted to relocate to Los Angeles. There he studied advanced bass techniques with former Racer X bassist and Musician’s Institute Instructor, John Alderete. He also studied under Dave Spitz of Black Sabbath and Great White. As a member of several bands, Ted established himself as a fixture on the hard rock club circuit playing such venues as The Roxy, The Whiskey, Gazzarri's and The Troubadour.


In 1990, he was awarded 2nd place in the "Best Bassist in Los Angeles" contest sponsored by The Bass Center and hard rock radio station KNAC. In 1992, he released a solo cassette, which highlighted his command of the bass. Both events resulted in Ted having been featured in Bass Player, Guitar for the Practicing Musician, Burrrn (Japan), Guitar World and Screamer.


When he returned to St. Louis he joined Warner/Chappell recording artist Javier Mendoza (produced by Ken Hensley of Uriah Heep). After several years with Javier he moved on to 5 Long Years, a local blues band playing Off Broadway, 1860's, Broadway Oyster Bar, etc. After working the reunion tour of CBS/Sony recording artists Pavlov’s Dog, Ted, again felt the need to travel and joined up with Blind Pig Records artist Studebaker John & the Hawks for a national tour of the U.S. including the Jazz & Blues Festival in Juneau, Alaska, Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago and other well known clubs.

You can reach Ted by email
for any booking info!


Buzzy Morton


Buzzy MortonBuzzy Morton is one of St. Louis' most enduring guitarists. Music came early in life to this talented musician. At the age of 9, he began playing the drums that his Dad gave him, then went on to learn the bass guitar. At 15, he found himself playing his first gig, and having to get a permit to be allowed to work in the clubs. Lead guitar then drew his attention, and he's never looked back! Having played with such names as Richard "Groove" Holmes, Albert King, Oliver Sain, The Soulard Blues Band, and Patti and The Hitmen has brought Buzzy local recognition, and led him to form his own band, Buzzsaw and the Toolmen


Melissa Neels Band

The Melissa Neels bandI know you have never seen a woman play lead guitar like this!! If you are curious as to what I am talking about you have to check out a young, blond, beautiful, and loaded with talent, Melissa Neels. Recently coming into the St. Louis blues scene with her band the Melissa Neels Band, she will knock your socks off and thoroughly entertain. Already playing at some of St. Louis's premier blues clubs like Broadway Oyster Bar, Mike & Min's, and Hammerstones, she is taking St. Louis by storm. She has sat in with Bennie Smith at Hammerstones jam session on Sunday nights. Melissa considers Patti Thomas of Patti and the Hitmen to be one of her mentors. Melissa's influences are Stevie Ray Vaughn, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, and Susan Tedeschi. It has taken her a long time to come into her own and create her own voice but she is definitely making it now. Her gutsy vocals and wailing guitar licks offer something for everyone. Melissa likes to credit her mom and dad, Judy and Jim, with sparking her interest in music and especially the blues. For a real treat come see her band down in Soulard. Her strong originals compliment her cover material. Her band is often listed in the Riverfront Times. Also check out her website! Her band members include Bud Rager on drums, Dominic Consolino on bass, and Mike Roseman on keyboards,(who used to play with Rondo's Blues Deluxe) and frequent guest appearences by Howard Young on harmonica (Article written by a good friend). For more on this local talent, read her interview

Original Recipe


Ortiginal RecipeGlenn Butterhorn on slide and lead electric guitar and vocals. Glenn is the leader and founder of the Original Recipe Band, and very active in the St. Louis Blues Society. For bookings & info.

Chris Taylor on vocals and harmoncia. Chris was formerly in the Blues Deville Band, Spanky and Our Gang Band, Phillip Johnson and the Interstate Blues Band.

John "Bud" Cooper on lead vocals is Mr. Smooth. Best known for his involvement with Ben Sharp and Bennie Smith with Bennie and the Sharpies. John has also done work along with Stacy Johnson and many others.

Gerry Mandel on keyboards. Gerry Mandel tears up the keyboards with a fiery brand of boogie woogie, barrel house and Chicago piano styles, or a dose of the B3 hammond.

Gary Dillon is the percussionist. Gary also was a member of Bennie Smith's band and is frequently called upon to do fill in work for other St. Louis drummers in both blues and jazz.

Rich Lilie on vocals and bass guitar is the other half of the rhythm section. Rich has worked extensively in the St. Louis area in both blues and R&B groups, previously with Blues Attitude.


Steve Pecaro

Steve PecaroGrowing up here in St. Louis, Steve Pecaro has had a loyal following of local fans for a long time. His intense guitar skills onstage reflect the presence of his musical influences, Freddie King and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Steve can usually be found every weekend in Soulard playing with his band Steve Pecaro & The Tone Kings. Check out his SRV tribute concert review!







Billy Peek

Billy Peek For nearly 30 years Billy Peek has rocked, rolled and duck-walked his way through the clubs and lounges of St. Louis and
East St. Louis. When he asks the question "Can a white boy play the Blues?", you'll answer a resounding "YES". Billy can be found around town every weekend showcasing his guitar ability to his loya l following of local fans.










Leroy Pierson

Mr. Leroy PiersonFor the past twenty years, guitarist, record producer, and Blues historian Leroy Pierson has been one of the St. Louis Blues scene's most active and productive participants. Leroy's stlyes of music cover a broad spectrum, from Reggae to Blues. Pierson learned guitar firsthand from brilliant musicians of pre-war vintage such as Mance Lipscomb, Johhny Shines, Robert Wilkins, and Fred McDowell. Pierson made long and frequent trips to rural Mississippi to study with his mentors, and the esteem which they held for him is evidenced by the fact that when Fred McDowell passed away, he willed Leroy his treasured guitar. Today Pierson uses that instrument on frequent appearences here in St. Louis and around the world.

Rx Blues Band

Rx Blues Band-Surgoen by day, guitarist by nightThe RX Blues Band was formed in 1992 by two doctors from Highland, Illinois and has evolved into one of the premier original music acts in The St. Louis Metro Area. The only original member left, Dr. Jose Diaz, is a surgeon by day but a blues guitarist at night. The current lineup consists of Jeff Davis - Bass and Lead Vocalist; Al Winkeler - Guitar, Vocals, And Harp; Gwyddon Kelly - Lead Vocalist; Ray Tomkins - Lead Vocalist; and 18 Year Old Triple Threat Cory Shaeffer - Guitar, Keyboards, and Saxophone. In 1997, they released their debut CD, "Rainy Days", on the Kode Blue record label, which has received airplay not only locally but also in New Zealand and Europe. Their New CD, "Mississippi Moses" was released in December of 1998, contains 14 all original Blues based songs, and is available at most music stores in the St. Louis area through Blue Sky distributors. The song "Big Head Franklin" was recently included in a compilation CD for Elite Entertainment along with soundtracks from acts such as Roomful of Blues and Tommy Castro. The new CD is receiving air play in Europe and it has received strong reviews, particularly in the recent Kansas City Blues Society newsletter. For Bookings call: Lucy at 618.654.9245, or send them an email!


Oliver Sain

Legendary Mr. Oliver SainMusicians come and go, but in St. Louis the person who has been at the center of music in every capacity (and survived) with the greatest influence, is Oliver Sain . As multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, arranger, songerwriter, producer and owner of recording facilities, Sain is the man. Only his friend Ike Turner can claim comparable influence. In the late sixties, he opened his Archway Studio on Natural Bridge Boulevard in St. Louis. Nearly every musical style has been recorded there in the past twenty-five years, from Phil Perry's smooth vocal group The Montclairs, to avant-gardist Julius Hemphill's Coon Bid-ness. Oliver Sain still plays as strongly as before, leading his band onstage regularly in St. Louis, as well as the occasional European appearances, and all the recognitions and perks of being a master of the craft come his way: Lifetime Achievement awards, live shots on "Good Morning, America" and NPR, and some royalty checks. Having reached his sixties in full control of his musical gifts, why expect Oliver Sain's story to be finished. Oliver Bio written by Tom "Papa" Ray "The Soul Selector" St. Louis radio KDHX 88.1 FM St. Louis, MO.

For booking information, please contact Oliver at 4521 Natural Bridge Road, Saint Louis, MO 63115-2347. Office: 314.383.0067 Fax: 314.382.2217

Bennie Smith


Bennie Smith, a St. Louis legendBennie Smith is one of St. Louis' leading blues guitarist, with his musical heritage firmly rooted here in St. Louis. Those of you who were fortunate enough to have seen Bennie perform can attest to his musical genius. Bennie recorded "Box Top" and quite a few songs with Ike Turner. Over the years Bennie has played with artists like Little Milton, and Aretha Franklin. Bennie has also played with or taught just about everybody! You name them - Billy Peek, Little Herbert, Q.T. Macon, Larry Davis, Oliver Sain, Billy Gayles, Ike Turner, Albert King (who called him Alvino Ray), BB King, Bobby Bland, and Little Milton.

John David Tims, Jr.

Capp at the drumsJohn David Tims, Jr. ("Capp") started playing drums in a gospel choir at the age of 13 and has not missed a beat since. He has been playing professionally; locally, nationally and internationally for over thirty years. He is well known and respected around town, as "Capp", for his magnificent vocals and spectacular drum rolls. He can be heard crooning in the Soulard area, Clayton, St. Charles and Webster Groves. He has entertained crowds in Kansas, Indiana and Oklahoma. He had the opportunity and privilege to travel abroad and jam for our soldiers in the Armed Forces in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Portugal.
Capp can sway any crowd with the soulful sounds of the Temptations and timeless tunes like Under the Boardwalk. His favorite blues are ZZ Hill's Down Home Blues, Little Milton's The Blues is Allright and Otis Redding' Sitting on the Dock of the Bay. He has played with some local bands, Skeet, Blue City Band, Marcel Strong, Blues Knights, Soulard Blues Band, Mojo Syndrome, and Interstate Connection Blues Band. He has made several recordings with the Blue City Band where he is featured singing "Blues is My Religion" on their cd "By Invitation Only" and more. Capp is available for freelance gigs and is starting up a new band. If you are a musician who needs a great drummer or if you are interested in being part of a fresh, brand new sound around time, give him a call at 314.645.6938 or email Capp . To follow his schedule, see more pictures and hear live sounds, check out his website "The Drummer's Diary"

Henry Townsend

Mr. Henry Townsend, our Blues Partriarch!Henry Townsend (pictured here with good friend Oliver Sain) has recorded in every decade since the twenties. Born in 1909 in Shelby Mississippi, he ran away from his family to St Louis where, as a teenager he heard Lonnie Johnson and other St Louis legends developing the blues sound. Henry was influenced by local barber Henry Spaulding's recording of "Cairo Blues" and his boyhood friend, David Perchfield. An obscure St Louis blues legend named Dudlow Joe took
Henry around with him to the poolhalls and bars and helped him learn the blues circuit.
In 1929, an audition was arranged by a music store competitive of Jesse Johnson's; Sam Woolf. Sam's shop was at 15th and Biddle, and perhaps his only offering to the history of the blues was Henry Townsend, for he recorded for Paramount and Columbia in that year. Henry's music benefited from associations with Roosevelt Sykes and Walter Davis. In 1937 in, Big Joe Williams, Robert Nighthawk and Sonny Boy Williamson traveled to Aurora Illinois with Henry and other St Louisans to record one of the most influential sessions of the Prewar period. The songs from this meeting shaped the blues and influenced the direction of the genre. Today Henry lives in a modest home in St Louis and fulfills his role as the last remaining descendant of the early blues. His latest release is The "88" Blues, which makes 8 consecutive decades of musical recordings! Want to learn more on this St. Louis Blues Patriarch? Here's his most recent interview, enjoy!


John Wolf

Mr. John Wolff
Greetings! My name is John Wolf. I play the alto, tenor, and bass trombone, and the euphonium. I also compose and arrange. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, I am the leader of the JOHN WOLF QUARTET, a jazz ensemble with a somewhat unusual format,(and which, when flautist/vocalist MARGARET BIANCHETTA is available, I expand to a QUINTET). I am also the sole proprietor of my own record label and marketing organization, BONEHENGE MUSIC. I recently ended a year-and-a-half run with Providence, R.I.-based ROOMFUL OF BLUES, one of the finest jump blues/ swing bands in the country. Now that I'm back home in St. Louis, I will be spending more time fronting the JOHN WOLF QUARTET, in addition to freelancing with groups of all types in and out of the St. Louis area. Of course, as is my custom, when not actually working, I will be jamming all over the place (old habits die hard!). For more info, check out my website
Arthur Williams

Mr. Artuhr Williams blowin a mean harp
Born in Mississippi, Arthur Williams is one of the few remaining authentic Delta-style blues harp masters. While growing up in Chicago, Williams carefully listened to the records and radio broadcasts of his two idols, Sonny Boy Williamson and Little Walter. He went on to play with Elmore James, Eddie Taylor, James Cotton, Junior Wells, and the great Muddy Waters. Arthur's harp prowess on Frank Frost's 1966 album earned the respect of legions of music critics and fellow bluesmen. After moving to St. Louis, Williams recorded and toured with Big Bad Smitty. An incredibly gifted harmonica player, Williams is finally achieving his long-overdue recognition as a world-class musician. 










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Send us a short bio describing you and your band, your contact/booking info, along with a picture and your discography....and of course tell every other band you know! We prefer e-mail and jpegs (try to keep them under 30 kb), but you can also snail-mail to Stlblues at 2111 Victor, St. Louis, Mo. 63104. All materials sent to Stlblues are non-returnable.