Time to get you all up to date with all that’s been happening in Tas Cru World. It’s been a busy summer so far with a combination of regional and national shows and working on the next album. Here’s a few highlights:
Ridin’ the Rails on the Cooperstown Blues Express (Cooperstown, NY)
Summer kicked off with this great show aboard the Blues Express. The open car train scuttled through the pristine woodlands of New York State’s famed Dutch Heritage Leatherstocking Region with a Blues party going down! We rocked and rolled the rails from Milford Station to the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame playing fields and back - at times holding on for dear life and hoping the mic and cymbal stands didn’t flop out of the car! This is always such great fun and a highlight gig for sure. Word to my fellow musicians: You want this gig you better bring your sea (rail) legs!
North Atlantic Blues Festival (Rockland, ME)
NABF is one of the premiere Blues festivals in the country. The line-up is always top-shelf and to be invited to play is pretty special. Producer/Promoter Paul Benjamin is a long-time friend and supporter of my career. I have played his Monday Night Blues Series countless times now and performed at several of his festivals (Gloucester Blues Fest, Camping with the Blues, Blues Bash at the Ranch). For NABF I paired up with Mary Ann Casale in our stripped-down acoustic duo, Eclipse. It was a beautiful July weekend right on Rockland Harbor and a jubilant crowd! Thanks Paul!
Recording at Subcat Studios (Syracuse, NY)
I am in the final stages of finishing up my next studio album. There have been some twists and turns with this one, all of which are producing some very, very positive and exciting, albeit unexpected outcomes. Of these, the most significant is that one of the songs came out so good and so powerful that I am considering making it the lead track and changing the album title itself! By the time the next newsletter reaches you, there will be a firm decision about this given that pre-release promotion will need to commence well ahead of the drop date. The album will be all original songs (of course) and includes my usual studio heroes - Bob Purdy (bass), Andy Hearn (drums), Mary Ann Casale (backing vocals),and Ron Keck (percussion). This time around I am thrilled to announce that I have the very talented Bruce Katz on keys throughout.
Riverfront Blues Festival (Libby, MT)
Well, I can cross this one off my bucket list. I now have performed in every one of the lower 48! Nestled in the Northern Rockies of Montana, Libby lies just west of Glacier National Park so you can imagine just how stunning this spot is. I headlined the first night of this two-day festival performing with a great band assembled just for this particular road trip. Anchored by Mary Ann’s always spot-on vocals, the band included Portland’s fabulous Anni Piper (bass) and Jimi Hardin (drums). COVID reared its ugly head once again, knocking my keyboard player out of the line-up, but I was fortunate to have Seattle-based Bruce Levan (Duffy Bishop Band) step up! Our hosts were super welcoming and this event is one of the best run shows I have ever played. Thanks Riverfront!
Donate for Life Celebration (Bolton Lake, CT)
For the 3rd year in a row, Laurie and Chuck di Mauro invited us back to play this super fun Blues picnic, a fundraiser to support organ donor programs hence: Donate for Life. The CT blues community has become a very strong group of folks supporting my music over the years and I am always pleased to play there. The Bolton Lake folks in particular have become great friends! For this year’s event we were paired with my dear friend, Gracie Curran and her High Falutin’ Band on the double bill. Though Gracie is a Boston gal, we met in Memphis several years ago and have performed and jammed together many, many times down on Beale Street. Let’s do it again Gracie. Love you Laurie and Chuck!
]]> What's Happening In Tas' World?August 2022 Newsletter
Welcome To The Tas Cru Newsletter
August 2022
What's Been Happening In Tas' World?
Time to get you all up to date with all that’s been happening in Tas Cru World. It’s been a busy summer so far with a combination of regional and national shows and working on the next album. Here’s a few highlights:
Ridin’ the Rails on the Cooperstown Blues Express (Cooperstown, NY)
Summer kicked off with this great show aboard the Blues Express. The open car train scuttled through the pristine woodlands of New York State’s famed Dutch Heritage Leatherstocking Region with a Blues party going down! We rocked and rolled the rails from Milford Station to the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame playing fields and back - at times holding on for dear life and hoping the mic and cymbal stands didn’t flop out of the car! This is always such great fun and a highlight gig for sure. Word to my fellow musicians: You want this gig you better bring your sea (rail) legs!
North Atlantic Blues Festival (Rockland, ME)
NABF is one of the premiere Blues festivals in the country. The line-up is always top-shelf and to be invited to play is pretty special. Producer/Promoter Paul Benjamin is a long-time friend and supporter of my career. I have played his Monday Night Blues Series countless times now and performed at several of his festivals (Gloucester Blues Fest, Camping with the Blues, Blues Bash at the Ranch). For NABF I paired up with Mary Ann Casale in our stripped-down acoustic duo, Eclipse. It was a beautiful July weekend right on Rockland Harbor and a jubilant crowd! Thanks Paul!
Recording at Subcat Studios (Syracuse, NY)
I am in the final stages of finishing up my next studio album. There have been some twists and turns with this one, all of which are producing some very, very positive and exciting, albeit unexpected outcomes. Of these, the most significant is that one of the songs came out so good and so powerful that I am considering making it the lead track and changing the album title itself! By the time the next newsletter reaches you, there will be a firm decision about this given that pre-release promotion will need to commence well ahead of the drop date. The album will be all original songs (of course) and includes my usual studio heroes - Bob Purdy (bass), Andy Hearn (drums), Mary Ann Casale (backing vocals),and Ron Keck (percussion). This time around I am thrilled to announce that I have the very talented Bruce Katz on keys throughout.
Riverfront Blues Festival (Libby, MT)
Well, I can cross this one off my bucket list. I now have performed in every one of the lower 48! Nestled in the Northern Rockies of Montana, Libby lies just west of Glacier National Park so you can imagine just how stunning this spot is. I headlined the first night of this two-day festival performing with a great band assembled just for this particular road trip. Anchored by Mary Ann’s always spot-on vocals, the band included Portland’s fabulous Anni Piper (bass) and Jimi Hardin (drums). COVID reared its ugly head once again, knocking my keyboard player out of the line-up, but I was fortunate to have Seattle-based Bruce Levan (Duffy Bishop Band) step up! Our hosts were super welcoming and this event is one of the best run shows I have ever played. Thanks Riverfront!
Donate for Life Celebration (Bolton Lake, CT)
For the 3rd year in a row, Laurie and Chuck di Mauro invited us back to play this super fun Blues picnic, a fundraiser to support organ donor programs hence: Donate for Life. The CT blues community has become a very strong group of folks supporting my music over the years and I am always pleased to play there. The Bolton Lake folks in particular have become great friends! For this year’s event we were paired with my dear friend, Gracie Curran and her High Falutin’ Band on the double bill. Though Gracie is a Boston gal, we met in Memphis several years ago and have performed and jammed together many, many times down on Beale Street. Let’s do it again Gracie. Love you Laurie and Chuck!
]]> Tue, 23 Aug 2022 15:24:35 +0000 <!--{C}%3C!%2D%2D%5BCDATA%5BJune%20%26%20July%20Happenings%5D%5D%2D%2D%3E--> https://mailchi.mp/e1f6baec5463/june-july-happenings https://mailchi.mp/e1f6baec5463/june-july-happenings June & July Happenings
Welcome To The Tas Cru Newsletter
June 2022
Like The Weather Things Are Heating Up!
A Memorable Memorial Day Weekend Run
I have often heard it said it is wise stay off the roads on this holiday weekend. Nah – rolling down the road we went and, in fact ripped right through Indianapolis as the race was on. I loved the flashing signs along I-70 that read “You are not in the Indy 500. Slow down!” This was a great run that included shows in two new venues in Columbus and Dayton, OH and anchored by a great festival in Rockford, IL put on by the Crossroads Blues Society. Society President, Steve Jones gave kudos to the band, proclaiming this is the best band I had yet to bring out with me. I could not agree more! Much thanks to Bob Purdy and the “A” team – Chris & Christine Alexander.
Back in the Saddle Again – Blues in Schools Face to Face
After 2.5 years it felt great to get back in front of an auditorium full of kids (grades K-2) and sing blues songs about dogs and caterpillars. In these otherwise dark times, it brings me so much joy to see innocent children so happy and carefree, made to feel safe and secure by caring and dedicated teachers armed with a fully loaded magazine of love.
Thank you to Albany City Schools! I am quite honored that the Capital Region Blues Network trusted in me to represent them.
Great Stuff Stirring
Festival season is full upon us and I am so looking forward to being back on those stages! I’ll be flying the skies from the Northeast (North Atlantic Blues Festival) to the Pacific Northwest (Libby MT -Riverfront Blues Festival) as well as several big stages closer to home! Check the website for details as things are always being added.
Riffin’ The Blue – October 22
We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! This album like all my others is all original. What these songs have in common is that they are all written starting with their own distinct guitar riff. These riffs, or hooks each informed the feel, concept, and eventually, the lyrics. Riffin’ is a guitar album, make no mistake, but it also features great work by some of my usual bunch – Bob Purdy (bass), Mary Ann Casale (backing vox) and Andy Hearn (drums). New to my crew is Bruce Katz who contributes plenty of top-shelf keyboard work.
I have often heard it said it is wise stay off the roads on this holiday weekend. Nah – rolling down the road we went and, in fact ripped right through Indianapolis as the race was on. I loved the flashing signs along I-70 that read “You are not in the Indy 500. Slow down!” This was a great run that included shows in two new venues in Columbus and Dayton, OH and anchored by a great festival in Rockford, IL put on by the Crossroads Blues Society. Society President, Steve Jones gave kudos to the band, proclaiming this is the best band I had yet to bring out with me. I could not agree more! Much thanks to Bob Purdy and the “A” team – Chris & Christine Alexander.
Back in the Saddle Again – Blues in Schools Face to Face
After 2.5 years it felt great to get back in front of an auditorium full of kids (grades K-2) and sing blues songs about dogs and caterpillars. In these otherwise dark times, it brings me so much joy to see innocent children so happy and carefree, made to feel safe and secure by caring and dedicated teachers armed with a fully loaded magazine of love.
Thank you to Albany City Schools! I am quite honored that the Capital Region Blues Network trusted in me to represent them.
Great Stuff Stirring
Festival season is full upon us and I am so looking forward to being back on those stages! I’ll be flying the skies from the Northeast (North Atlantic Blues Festival) to the Pacific Northwest (Libby MT -Riverfront Blues Festival) as well as several big stages closer to home! Check the website for details as things are always being added.
Riffin’ The Blue – October 22
We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! This album like all my others is all original. What these songs have in common is that they are all written starting with their own distinct guitar riff. These riffs, or hooks each informed the feel, concept, and eventually, the lyrics. Riffin’ is a guitar album, make no mistake, but it also features great work by some of my usual bunch – Bob Purdy (bass), Mary Ann Casale (backing vox) and Andy Hearn (drums). New to my crew is Bruce Katz who contributes plenty of top-shelf keyboard work.
]]> Wed, 22 Jun 2022 20:35:37 +0000 <!--{C}%3C!%2D%2D%5BCDATA%5BMay%202022%20Newsletter%5D%5D%2D%2D%3E--> https://mailchi.mp/1269727eeaef/may-2022-newsletter https://mailchi.mp/1269727eeaef/may-2022-newsletter May 2022 NewsletterHi From Tas
Welcome To The Tas Cru Newsletter
May 2022
Memphis, Riffin' & Tours
Singing My Memphis Song
So wonderful to finally get back to the Delta! What a week!
It started off on Beale with a return to the Rum Boogie stage. So many friends – early arrivals for the Blues Foundation’s combined Blues Music Awards and International Blues Challenge were in the house. Thanks to the band, Memphis Deep (Bob Kelsey, David Dunn and Leroy Clay) for backing me up and to the musicians who came to sit in (Barbara Blue, Chris “Bad News” Barnes, Mick Kolassa, Matt Lomeo and Stratcat Willie Hayes).
I was honored to take part in several jams including John del Toro Richardson’s Annual Pro Jam and with my old friend (yes, old as I have known him since he was 13) Gabe Stillman at the Bratgirl Media/Vizztone Blues Party. It was wonderful to reconnect with Amanda Gresham and the United By Music North America band for two showcases. Next up in this extraordinary week of music and friendship, I took part in the Annual Pinetop Perkins Boogie at the Clarksdale, MS infamous Ground Zero Blues Club where I go to play as a sideman for two of my favorite blueswomen – EG Kight (the Georgia Songbird) and the intrepid powerhouse singer, Diuna Greenleaf.
The capstone event followed on Sunday morning at Clarksdale’s Bluesberry Café where I did a solo acoustic set that also included a couple of tunes with my old friend, Watermelon Slim who is always a hoot and a half. I left town smiling and feeling so uplifted by reconnecting with so many I have missed these past couple of years.
New Album –Riffin’ the Blue
Bookending my trip to the Delta were recording sessions for the new album. We laid down 14 songs at Subcat Studios (Syracuse, NY) on Thursday, April 28th – Sunday, May 1st. I returned this past Thursday, May 12th to record lead vocal tracks and we will begin mixing soon. Kudos to Andy Hearn (drums), Bruce Katz (keys), Bob Purdy (bass) and Ron Keck/ Mary Ann Casale (production) for making this start off right! I look forward to working on the next phase of this project. Riffin’ the Blue is tentatively scheduled for release in early Fall.
Back On The Road
Getting ready to be on the move again at the end of this month! After a quick run up to Rockland ME to play Paul Benjamin’s Monday Night Blues Series on May 23rd, it’s off to the Midwest for four shows. Included in this run are two new Ohio venues. May 26th it’s Natalie’s in Worthington (Columbus) and the Hidden Gem in Centerville (Dayton). I am really looking forward to jamming with special guests at each show – Colin John and Doug Hart respectively. In between these stops are two shows in Rockford, IL hosted by the Crossroads Blues Society. Friday, Mat 27th the band returns to Mary’s Place and on Saturday, the band headlines the Blues in the Schools in the Park festival at Rockford’s Lyran Park.
So wonderful to finally get back to the Delta! What a week!
It started off on Beale with a return to the Rum Boogie stage. So many friends – early arrivals for the Blues Foundation’s combined Blues Music Awards and International Blues Challenge were in the house. Thanks to the band, Memphis Deep (Bob Kelsey, David Dunn and Leroy Clay) for backing me up and to the musicians who came to sit in (Barbara Blue, Chris “Bad News” Barnes, Mick Kolassa, Matt Lomeo and Stratcat Willie Hayes).
I was honored to take part in several jams including John del Toro Richardson’s Annual Pro Jam and with my old friend (yes, old as I have known him since he was 13) Gabe Stillman at the Bratgirl Media/Vizztone Blues Party. It was wonderful to reconnect with Amanda Gresham and the United By Music North America band for two showcases. Next up in this extraordinary week of music and friendship, I took part in the Annual Pinetop Perkins Boogie at the Clarksdale, MS infamous Ground Zero Blues Club where I go to play as a sideman for two of my favorite blueswomen – EG Kight (the Georgia Songbird) and the intrepid powerhouse singer, Diuna Greenleaf.
The capstone event followed on Sunday morning at Clarksdale’s Bluesberry Café where I did a solo acoustic set that also included a couple of tunes with my old friend, Watermelon Slim who is always a hoot and a half. I left town smiling and feeling so uplifted by reconnecting with so many I have missed these past couple of years.
New Album –Riffin’ the Blue
Bookending my trip to the Delta were recording sessions for the new album. We laid down 14 songs at Subcat Studios (Syracuse, NY) on Thursday, April 28th – Sunday, May 1st. I returned this past Thursday, May 12th to record lead vocal tracks and we will begin mixing soon. Kudos to Andy Hearn (drums), Bruce Katz (keys), Bob Purdy (bass) and Ron Keck/ Mary Ann Casale (production) for making this start off right! I look forward to working on the next phase of this project. Riffin’ the Blue is tentatively scheduled for release in early Fall.
Back On The Road
Getting ready to be on the move again at the end of this month! After a quick run up to Rockland ME to play Paul Benjamin’s Monday Night Blues Series on May 23rd, it’s off to the Midwest for four shows. Included in this run are two new Ohio venues. May 26th it’s Natalie’s in Worthington (Columbus) and the Hidden Gem in Centerville (Dayton). I am really looking forward to jamming with special guests at each show – Colin John and Doug Hart respectively. In between these stops are two shows in Rockford, IL hosted by the Crossroads Blues Society. Friday, Mat 27th the band returns to Mary’s Place and on Saturday, the band headlines the Blues in the Schools in the Park festival at Rockford’s Lyran Park.
]]> Thu, 19 May 2022 21:21:17 +0000 <!--{C}%3C!%2D%2D%5BCDATA%5BHappy%20Spring%5D%5D%2D%2D%3E--> https://mailchi.mp/176ef5219a3c/happy-spring https://mailchi.mp/176ef5219a3c/happy-spring Happy SpringThanks for being a fan!
Welcome To The Tas Cru Newsletter
April 2022
New Album Riffin’ & Blues Moving Forward
It’s a batch of original (as always) songs, each born from riffs that came to Tas in those solitary moments when a musician picks up his guitar.
A 180˚ from his 2021 ”quasi-acoustic" Broke Down Busted Up, this album is full-tilt, hard-driving guitar blues from deep down in the jukin’ bone! On the aptly titled, Riffin & Blues Tas kicks up riff-driven songs with his guitar front and center.
Studio dates at Subcat Studios (Syracuse, NY) are booked, and the songs are in the final stages of pre-production tweaking! The album will be rolling out this coming fall!
Bad Dog Bubba Books Update
From the Capital Region Blues Network (Albany, NY)
We're pleased to announce that, through our member donations and our partnership with the Stewart’s Foundation Holiday Match program, we donated the complete three book series of Tas Cru’s “Bubba the Blues Hound” to the Albany School District for 17 middle and elementary schools. Additionally, thanks to Tas’s generosity we have also been able to provide the library with the two children’s CDs “Even Bugs Sing the Blues” and “Doggone Blues”. “Bubba the Blues Hound” tells the story of Bubba’s life with a blues musician and the adventures he has with his dog friends. It’s a tall tale about music and friends and playing the blues together.
Kate Wright, Albany City School District Fine Arts Supervisor, who received the donations stated, “literacy is definitely a goal in our district, and to have it brought in through the enjoyment of music and exposing them to this wonderful blues music will be fun for our kids!"
Tas is the 2014 recipient of the Blues Foundations’ Keeping the Blues Alive Award for his education programs and workshops. For more information about his books and educational offerings please visit http://www.dogssungblue.com/ And be sure to visit and like Bad Dog Bubba’s very own Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BadDogBubba1
Return to Historic Caffe Lena
April 27th Tas plays this well-loved music venue in Saratoga Springs, NY with his longtime music partner, Mary Anne Casale.
Over the years, Lena has brought to its stage iconic roots music heroes like Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie and Emmy Lou Harris and continues that tradition to this day with contemporary artists such as Janis Ian and bluesman Tommy Castro.
Tas and Mary Ann perform as part of the Saratoga Acoustic Blues Society series.
Meet Me in Memphis
Tas is looking forward to returning to the city that has inspired so much of his music! He will be in town to attend the 43rd Blues Music Awards and will be performing Tuesday, May 3rd on Beale Street at the Rum Boogie Café and on Saturday, May 7th at Ground Zero in Clarksdale, MS, taking part in the Annual Pinetop Perkins Boogie and Jam.
It’s a batch of original (as always) songs, each born from riffs that came to Tas in those solitary moments when a musician picks up his guitar.
A 180˚ from his 2021 ”quasi-acoustic" Broke Down Busted Up, this album is full-tilt, hard-driving guitar blues from deep down in the jukin’ bone! On the aptly titled, Riffin & Blues Tas kicks up riff-driven songs with his guitar front and center.
Studio dates at Subcat Studios (Syracuse, NY) are booked, and the songs are in the final stages of pre-production tweaking! The album will be rolling out this coming fall!
Bad Dog Bubba Books Update
From the Capital Region Blues Network (Albany, NY)
We're pleased to announce that, through our member donations and our partnership with the Stewart’s Foundation Holiday Match program, we donated the complete three book series of Tas Cru’s “Bubba the Blues Hound” to the Albany School District for 17 middle and elementary schools. Additionally, thanks to Tas’s generosity we have also been able to provide the library with the two children’s CDs “Even Bugs Sing the Blues” and “Doggone Blues”. “Bubba the Blues Hound” tells the story of Bubba’s life with a blues musician and the adventures he has with his dog friends. It’s a tall tale about music and friends and playing the blues together.
Kate Wright, Albany City School District Fine Arts Supervisor, who received the donations stated, “literacy is definitely a goal in our district, and to have it brought in through the enjoyment of music and exposing them to this wonderful blues music will be fun for our kids!"
Tas is the 2014 recipient of the Blues Foundations’ Keeping the Blues Alive Award for his education programs and workshops. For more information about his books and educational offerings please visit http://www.dogssungblue.com/ And be sure to visit and like Bad Dog Bubba’s very own Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BadDogBubba1
Return to Historic Caffe Lena
April 27th Tas plays this well-loved music venue in Saratoga Springs, NY with his longtime music partner, Mary Anne Casale.
Over the years, Lena has brought to its stage iconic roots music heroes like Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie and Emmy Lou Harris and continues that tradition to this day with contemporary artists such as Janis Ian and bluesman Tommy Castro.
Tas and Mary Ann perform as part of the Saratoga Acoustic Blues Society series.
Meet Me in Memphis
Tas is looking forward to returning to the city that has inspired so much of his music! He will be in town to attend the 43rd Blues Music Awards and will be performing Tuesday, May 3rd on Beale Street at the Rum Boogie Café and on Saturday, May 7th at Ground Zero in Clarksdale, MS, taking part in the Annual Pinetop Perkins Boogie and Jam.
]]> Wed, 13 Apr 2022 12:42:06 +0000 <!--{C}%3C!%2D%2D%5BCDATA%5BFebruary%202022%20Newsletter%5D%5D%2D%2D%3E--> https://mailchi.mp/af9e0ef139f6/february-2022-newsletter https://mailchi.mp/af9e0ef139f6/february-2022-newsletter February 2022 NewsletterWe appreciate you as a fan.
Welcome To The Tas Cru Newsletter
February 2022
Happy Trails A Look Back At The Winter Tour
Great to be back out again! We felt so welcomed at each stop by venue owners, event producers and staff. Audiences were incredibly enthusiastic and engaged with our performance. This is especially heartwarming given that our repertoire is 98% original music (kma tribute bands)! Started a week later than anticipated as gigs during Memphis’ International Blues Challenge (IBC) went away due to the IBC event succumbing to COVID ugh. After rehearsals with the band - Christine Alexander (drums), Calvin Johnson (bass), Gerry Loiacono (guitar) and Chris Alexander (keys,) we played 13 shows over the next 15 days. This run was a road band leader’s dream! Every one helped with the extra tasks - driving, load in/out, travel logistics, ironing out performance wrinkles etc. Everyone kept good cheer, treated each other with respect and were always looking out for each other. Vinny Marini, put together a great tour and his tour support was exceptional! Anne Bello, was always “peeking out from behind the current” to see the smallest details that needed tending and advising as called for. I am so blessed to work with these two management professionals!
Shout Out To The Suncoast Blues Society
The folks at Suncoast deserve a special mention for the help they provided on my Winter Tour. They came to the rescue to fill in my calendar with two fun events – an evening show in St. Pete and a blues talk/discussion at Sarasota’s Music Compound. They went to great lengths to fully publicize these events and their blues society membership responded with a great showing. Thanks!
Trey Wanvig Is A Guitar Monster!
Whenever I visit FL, I always so look forward to getting this young man up on stage with me. We met in Memphis a few years back. Thanks Trey for always supporting! FL folks, don’t miss him. At 20 years old, he plays with the fire of a young man but with the soul of an old, beat-up road dog, like me!
New Album Riffin’ & Blues in the Works
Riff That melodic guitar line that grabs you by the throat and just won’t let go!
You sing it in the shower and in your car, spanking that steering wheel in rhythm as you dance down the road. You hear it all day long and it’s still there when you wake the next morning! That is what my upcoming recording project is all about! Riffin’ & Blues is a dozen original (as always) songs, each hard-driven by its own guitar riff. It’s all full-on, hard-driving guitar riffin’ that I feel in my jukin’ bone, kick up a littler bit of rock n’ roll, give it a whole, whole lotta soul - that’s Riffin’ & Blues (anticipated release date October 1, 2022 and more info to come).
Upcoming Gigs Ahead
While my attention is primarily focused on the upcoming album project, I get to have a little fun on the road here and there too! In early March I will pay a visit to fans in CT (March 5th – The Stomping Ground in Putnam CT and the 6th at the Pine Loft in Berlin CT).
More info on the website about gigs further down the road.
]]> February 2022 NewsletterWe appreciate you as a fan.
Welcome To The Tas Cru Newsletter
February 2022
Happy Trails A Look Back At The Winter Tour
Great to be back out again! We felt so welcomed at each stop by venue owners, event producers and staff. Audiences were incredibly enthusiastic and engaged with our performance. This is especially heartwarming given that our repertoire is 98% original music (kma tribute bands)! Started a week later than anticipated as gigs during Memphis’ International Blues Challenge (IBC) went away due to the IBC event succumbing to COVID ugh. After rehearsals with the band - Christine Alexander (drums), Calvin Johnson (bass), Gerry Loiacono (guitar) and Chris Alexander (keys,) we played 13 shows over the next 15 days. This run was a road band leader’s dream! Every one helped with the extra tasks - driving, load in/out, travel logistics, ironing out performance wrinkles etc. Everyone kept good cheer, treated each other with respect and were always looking out for each other. Vinny Marini, put together a great tour and his tour support was exceptional! Anne Bello, was always “peeking out from behind the current” to see the smallest details that needed tending and advising as called for. I am so blessed to work with these two management professionals!
Shout Out To The Suncoast Blues Society
The folks at Suncoast deserve a special mention for the help they provided on my Winter Tour. They came to the rescue to fill in my calendar with two fun events – an evening show in St. Pete and a blues talk/discussion at Sarasota’s Music Compound. They went to great lengths to fully publicize these events and their blues society membership responded with a great showing. Thanks!
Trey Wanvig Is A Guitar Monster!
Whenever I visit FL, I always so look forward to getting this young man up on stage with me. We met in Memphis a few years back. Thanks Trey for always supporting! FL folks, don’t miss him. At 20 years old, he plays with the fire of a young man but with the soul of an old, beat-up road dog, like me!
New Album Riffin’ & Blues in the Works
Riff That melodic guitar line that grabs you by the throat and just won’t let go!
You sing it in the shower and in your car, spanking that steering wheel in rhythm as you dance down the road. You hear it all day long and it’s still there when you wake the next morning! That is what my upcoming recording project is all about! Riffin’ & Blues is a dozen original (as always) songs, each hard-driven by its own guitar riff. It’s all full-on, hard-driving guitar riffin’ that I feel in my jukin’ bone, kick up a littler bit of rock n’ roll, give it a whole, whole lotta soul - that’s Riffin’ & Blues (anticipated release date October 1, 2022 and more info to come).
Upcoming Gigs Ahead
While my attention is primarily focused on the upcoming album project, I get to have a little fun on the road here and there too! In early March I will pay a visit to fans in CT (March 5th – The Stomping Ground in Putnam CT and the 6th at the Pine Loft in Berlin CT).
More info on the website about gigs further down the road.
