Boogie Bone by Katie Naylor

Boogie Bone Makes Magic With Perfect Combination of Talented, Skilled Musicians

June 30, 2008

by Katie Naylor

Boogie Bone is: Jake Johnson, lead vocals, Portland, Ore.; Steven Dee Williams, guitar, Honolulu, HI; Steve Snyder, saxophone, harmonica, keyboard, La Grande, Ore.; Henry Gavaldon, bass, Phoenix, AZ; and Todd Stevens, drums, Walla Walla, Wash.

These guys have known each other and played together in different bands and styles over the past 20 years, but never all in the same band at the same time. What you notice right away are tight breaks, crisp endings that catch you off guard and a band with an attitude that is at the same time humble and fun-loving.

This is how it all began: Drummer Stevens was contacted by a friend with the PDX Brewers Club to see if he could throw together some music for the clubs' winter party. So he called Johnson to see if he was interested; Johnson said, "why not," and called Dee. Read More

Award-winning, LA band Mannish Boys return to Waterfront Blues Festival

June 30, 2008

by Kurt "SwingCat" Johnson

In their first return appearance since the 2004 Waterfront Blues Festival, The Mannish Boys and DeltaGroove Review have received multiple Blues Foundation Award nominations both for individual categories, as a group and for best CD. They have concluded both national and European tours and have released three highly-recognized, traditional blues CDs, including a live set since last visiting The Waterfront Blues Festival.

Each band member is legendary in their own right with most having long and storied recording careers. The Mannish Boys are: Drummer Richard "Bigfoot" Innes; on bass, Ronnie James Webber (The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Little Charlie and The Nightcats); and a returning original member; on guitars are the great Kid Ramos and Kirk "Ely" Fletcher and Franck "Paris Slim" Goldwasser; the vocalists are the band's leader Finis Tasby and newcomer Bobby Jones.

The band's harmonica aces are the legendary Johnny Dyer (vocals also) and DeltaGroove CEO and Emcee Randy Chortkoff, who also does some singing. Their return appearance will feature an afternoon blues cruise show, a mainstage show just before fireworks on the 4th of July, a guitar workshop presentation and participation in the Bill Rhoades Harmonica Blow-off show. Phillip Walker will be appearing on Sunday and perennial favorite Elvin Bishop will be headlining in support of his new DeltaGroove CD release. Read More

Former Rose City Kings make waves as KOLVANE

June 30, 2008

by Kurt "Swingcat" Johnson

Hey! Isn't that the guy from the Rose City Kings? Well, it was the guy from RCK. But now he's KOLVANE! And that's the name of his new band.

Kolvane is the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist for Portland's eclectic blues-rock band KOLVANE. With a much harder rock sound than the original Rose City Kings, KOLVANE incorporates vintage rock riffs, parts of funk, blues and a mix of indie influences to create the new harder KOLVANE sound. Although their sound is harder, it's eminently danceable. You can't help but be caught up in their groove when you hear them live. The dance floor fills quickly and stays full all night.

A team of dedicated Professional musicians, each player in the band is on the same page as the other. Their goal is to deliver their absolute best performance to the listener both live and recorded.

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