-ABOUT THE BAND-
The “Blue Cheese” Blues Band is a relatively young band. It was formed in 2005 originally as a 3 piece. After some player changes, and some determination, the band in it’s present 4 piece form have been playing together for about 18 mos. Skip & Spike are the 2 remaining members of the original band which included Rick (Rick-O) Obeso on the bass guitar. Alan Hall was added in 2006, and Mike Simpson on bass guitar in 2007.
Although the band itself is young, the players are all well seasoned musicians with over 120 yrs. Of combined experience playing, and performing, a variety of venues both on, and off the road. The band combines a solid stage performance with quality musicianship, and a professional presentation. They supply the audience with a “Hard Drivin” variety of modern, and traditional blues music ranging in styles from R&B to Big Band Swing! This band can handle almost any size venue thrown it’s way. From Weddings, Private parties, and small Clubs. To large Clubs, large Stages, and outdoor Concerts. Spike & Skip are both experienced sound engineers as well as musicians, and can provide sound & lights for just such events. “We Come Equipped!”
I hope we’ve provided you with some insight on the members, and the workings of,
The “Blue Cheese” blues band.
All that’s left for you to do, is to Call Us, and Let Us Entertain You with some
"HOT ROADHOUSE BLUES"
We look forward to hearing from you !
FOR BOOKINGS CALL:
Spike- (209) 769-7423 Skip- (209) 406-5415
Or E-Mail: DenSpike5@aol.com
Influences
Our influences include artists such as: BB King, Luther Allison, Muddy Waters, Taj Mahal, Robert Cray, Albert king, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Clarence(Gatemouth) Brown, Jimmy Reed, Eric Clapton, Rufus Thomas, and countless other "GREAT" Blues musicians.
The “BLUE CHEESE” Blues Band
Consists of:
Dennis (SPIKE) Calvino– Rhythm & Lead Guitar/Vocals/& Harmonica…..
Born in Los Banos ,CA. in 1955, Dennis started out as a trumpet player in the 6th grade, and played all the way through High School. He started playing guitar in the 7th grade, and formed his first (working) “Garage Band” in 8th grade. After High School he served in the Navy where he played and sang for his shipmates aboard the USS RANGER, stationed in Alameda CA. and sometimes performed on the streets of nearby San Francisco in the 70’s. After the Navy, he went on to travel the country from East to West , playing in various bands with styles ranging from folk, country, rock, jazz, and rhythm & blues, but his passion lies in the “ The Blues”. Spike has had the privilege of sharing the stage with performers such as: Chris “Blue” Coltrane, the late, great, Luther Allison, Curtis Salgado, Skip Jones , James Bradshaw, Henry Vestine (Canned Heat & The Vipers), John & Paul Hobbs (The Collin Raye Band) “The Bluebinos”, Norman Sylvester “The Boogie Cat”, & J.C. Rico, just to name a few. His strong vocals, along with his steady rhythm guitar , and harmonica playing, add to the unique sound and style of the “Blue Cheese” Blues Band.
James (SKIP) Pillows– Drums…..Born in Turlock, CA., Skip is a drummer who picked up his first drum stick in 1st grade. He started playing drums in the school marching band in 5th grade. He got his first drum set in 7th grade, and played with an award winning jazz ensemble throughout High School. He’s played in a variety of bands over the past 30+ years with styles that include: jazz, rock, blues, gospel, classic rock, swing, & big band. His influences are: Chase, Chicago, Bill Black’s Combo, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Count Basie, Jimi Hendrix, and The Blues Brothers to name a few. Skip is also an accomplished, professional ,sound engineer, and adds a great deal to
the sound of the band.
Alan Hall– Lead Guitar/ Slide Guitar/ & Vocals….. Born in Cherry Hill, ARK. In 1952 and moved to CA. at age 5 . Alan started pickin’ guitar at age 12. “ Love that Rock-A-Billy!” He says, “When the world fell for The Beatles, I fell for The Dead, The Stones, Quicksilver, Paul Butterfield, & The Blues.” He has opened for such acts as: Walter Trout, Coco Montoya, & John Mayall. Alan also opened the 1st KFAT Home Grown Music Festival in Gilroy CA. in the late 70’s. Alan’s exceptional Lead, and Slide work on the guitar, brings a traditional blues sound, and style to the music of “ Blue Cheese”.
Mike Simpson– Electric Bass Guitar/ Stand Up Bass ( the “Dog House”)….. Born in 1966 in the East Bay city of Pittsburgh, CA. Mike is the youngest member of the band, and he brings that energy to the stage with his Driving bass style which he calls“ California Homegrown East Bay Grease”. Mike, who is formally trained in jazz, swing, & Be –Bop, started playing bass at age 11. His influences are: Rocco Prestia ( Tower of Power) Larry Graham (Sly & The Family Stone) and Bootsy Collins (James Brown/George Clinton) among others. Of all the styles of music he plays, Mike loves the blues, and it shows in his performance on stage .He never stops moving the whole time while layin’ down a Rock Solid bottom end
Sound to the band.
Hey Spike You gotta let me sing one if we come out to see you guys....lol j/k You guys have a really good sound. See ya soon...... Chuck "Dream" Weaver
Making my way around to thank you for your great music.. We as fans are proud to have you as our friend. Thanks again for being mine. R-n-R Keep it Loud
Hey guys, thanks for letting us into your intimate circle of friends. I really admire your work....great blues. I had a blast listening to the tunes on your page. If you ever make it up to our neck of the woods (Idaho) it would be cool to see your show. Anyway, keep up the good work, and since myspace is a place to share, maybe you'll have fun listening to our stuff as well. Take care, Doug / Bare Wires
Hi there Boys!
Just popped by to say thank you for being my friend. I appreciate your friendship greatly and wish you all the best! Have a great week and feel free to drop by any time.....much respect...Mojo!
HEY Blue Cheese Blues Band~MARCH 21, 9:00 P.M. ~TIME OUT (THAT'S DA CLUB)~ CONCORD CALIFORNIA~B THERR OR B SOBER. One week emergency report. SLOWBURN new GIG. I RePeaT SLOWBURN NEW GIG!!! COME SEE.
Hey dudes! Lemme know when and where youse is doin gigs so I can plan to bring a posse (that was an "o", Alan) of dancers and prancers. And I'll post the dates on my myspace site so the world can see it. ~~Leo
