Don "Zig" Zeller: Lead and slide guitar, harmonica and vocals.
Michael Sproat: Rhythm and lead guitar, vocals.
Larry Hinkel: Drums, vocals.
Dick Donovan: Bass.
Influences
Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, Pat Ramsey and the Blues Disciples: an incredible harmonica genius and blues singer with the monster-of-tone guitar guru Dave Renson (www.patramsey.com ), Jason Ricci and New Blood Smokin' harp player and Zig's once upon a time harp instructor!( www.jasonricci.com ), Duane Allman, Derek Trucks Band, Ronnie Earl, Jonny Lang, Roy Buchanan, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, The Alberts (King and Collins), the other Kings (BB and Freddie), the Walters (Little and Big), Buddy Whittington, Mike Henderson, Danny Gatton, Gary Moore, Walter Trout, Joe Bonamassa, Robben Ford, Tab Benoit, Tommy Castro, Shawn Starsky, Sonny Boy Williams II, George "Harmonica" Smith, Kim Wilson, William Clarke, Adam Gussow, Jimmy Rogers, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Alex Schultz, Buddy Guy, The Allman Brothers Band, Warren Haynes, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck, Pat Travers, Robin Trower, Paul Rishell and Annie Raines, Bonepony, Beaucoup Blue: The most soulful acoustic and dobro blues duo you never heard! ( www.myspace.com/beaucoupblue ). Also special mention to some cats who have been inspiring: Double Trouble and everyone they have recorded with, especially Storyville (Malford is one great vocalist and David Grissom: Whoa You gotta see this guy right NOW: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TECExmCjX7o&feature=related .
Zig's Equipment: Fender Custom Shop Danny Gatton Telecaster (Joe Barden pickups), Gibson '61 reissue SG autographed by Derek Trucks(Open E tuning for slide), National Duolian, Fender Deluxe Reverb with Weber Ceramic 12", Klon Centaur, custom Marine Bands, Lee Oskars, Sonny Junior Cruncher harp amp.
Mike's Equipment: Fender Stratocaster, Fender Vibrolux Reverb with Weber Alnico and Ceramic 10s, Tim overdrive, Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive and Univibe copy
We were all born and raised, later met and started jamming, and still having a great time making music together over FIVE years later! Tight, cohesive arrangements take this kind of time together, and it shows, we're told. Four pieces, with a widely varied setlist of particularly high energy blues rock flavored with a dash of slide guitar, blues harmonica, and screamin' Fenders served up on a bed of rock-solid rhythm. This AIN"T yo' mama's blues!
WE'RE GOING TO MOVE YOU!
Blue Bizness and/or it's members have shared the stage with many accomplished artists including Splintered Sunlight, Jason Ricci and New Blood, The Deb Callahan Band, Beaucoup Blue, Jimmy Day's Fish Fry, Paul Michael and the Blues Recruits, Seth Holzman and many more, at venues including Brownies, Chaplin's Music Cafe, The Rusty Nail, Carmines Creole Cafe, Peabodys Irish Pub, The Greylodge Pub, and AJs. We're immersed in the Philly area blues scene and regulars for years at the staple "open-mics" at the Nail as well as Warmdaddy's.
The band had a great time hosting the HARP (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly ) Christmas bash and jam held Tuesday at the Blinkin' Lincoln and Holy Smoke in Roxborough, Philadelphia! Over fifteen harmonica players enjoyed coming up and leading tunes with Blue Bizness, including Emile D'amico, Mikey Junior, Howling Blue, Jim Budnicki, Fred Klatt, Jim Quinlain, Pete G, Mike Cohen and Fred Rider amongst others. What a great bunch of folks the HARP group is, and events like this really encourage new players. Thanks, guys for asking us to host the event: it was a pleasure! Zig
Thank you so much for being friends with Among Criminals!
We are coming back to Philly for an all ages benefit show Dec 18th at the World Cafe Live. Proceeds will go to Calling All Crows helping Sudenese woman in refugee camps.
Among Criminals Dec 18th, 7pm All Ages World Cafe Live 3025 Walnut St, Phila PA
We had a fantastic time sharing the stage with you guys at the Paoli Blues Fest!...and enjoyed all the great tunes we heard (from you) on our our breaks! Hope we get the opportunity to wreak the same kind of two-punch blues havoc on another audience some time!
We are very pleased to announce that the 4star EP is finished! Recorded at Cambridge Sound Studios in Newtown, PA, by Grammy nominated producer Jim Salamone, the recording features 6 original songs, and it definitely rocks! The first two songs are posted on our myspace page: www.myspace.com/4startheband. The songs are described below.
1) Money Burning Machine - This song is posted on our myspace page.
2) Rear Upper Flat - This is also posted on our myspace page.
3) John William Bell - This one is a high energy high speed "punk-grass" tune with a mind blowing fiddle solo by noted local bluegrass and Celtic musician Mark Arrington at the end of the song. Mark played banjo on the song as well. The song is about a Revolutionary War era outlaw turned soldier we call John William Bell. Sorry, you need to get the CD to hear this one, or come to one of our upcoming shows, where you can both hear the song live and buy the CD!
4) Fourth Street Juke Joints – In this song 4star pays homage to the masters of blues and early rock and roll with a straight-ahead almost punk style.
5) Rumor on My Tuner – With tripped out lyrics and diminished chords throughout, this song features big guitars and 3-part harmonies. Jim Salamone sings in the opening two lines of the song.
6) She Cat Raindog – Originally written using refrigerator magnets and with the help of a small child, this song closes the CD. It’s a mid-tempo “anthemic” folk rock tune heavy on harmonies and rock and roll guitars.
We have several shows coming up and we will have CD’s for sale at each:
1) Friday July 17th at 10PM at the Red Stallion in Warrington, PA
2) Saturday July 18th at 3PM at John and Peter’s in New Hope. Come on out for this one. It’s our first “EP/CD Release Party”!
The CD will be also available at certain local record stores and online within the upcoming weeks. Details to follow!
Hey!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the add~!~!~!~!~! We just updated our calendar with your May shows. Keep in touch- let us know when you have new gigs- we will keep posting them to our website. Check it out!!!! www.PA-AreaMusic.US Rockin' 2009 - one gig at a time! C & K
We're back to Peabody's Irish Pub Saturday 4/11, playing from 8:30 till the last person drops. Mike's new Telecaster kicks butt! Our new Buddy Guy and Ronnie Earl material likewise: Hope you can come on out for a fun night and check out the great food, drink, and intimate ambience at this "just-right-sized" club for an "All Bizness" show! Details, directions, menu can be found at www.peabodysirishpub.com
Online Now!
