The Blues Devils

Blues / Rock with an edge! Pretty much describes how The Blues Devils come across. The band creates a unique vibe due to their original song writing and improvisational skills.

The Blues Devils are a quartet of seasoned musicians consisting of Buzz Hatton on Vocals and Keys, Bill Burnside on Guitars and Vocals, John Burkard on Bass Guitar, and Phil Carroll on Drums and Percussion. Together, these guys have decades of stage experience that has jelled together to create a sound that's totally their own.

.......... Meet the Band ………

Buzz Hatton is a veteran front man and solo performer / song writer who has entertained audiences from LA to New York.

Fronting one of LA's most famous bands Whitehorse, he shared the stage with Motley Crue's Mick Mars, Harry Clay, David Day and Bill Forbes. He has played venues with Jimmy Buffet, Flo and Eddie, Michael DeBarres, Hero, Rage and several other notable artists.

Buzz has recorded at LA's 'Record Plant' produced by Phil Schier and mixed with Joan DeCola at Westlake Audio, some of his songs were self-produced using strings and other musicians from the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Although a high-energy rocker, his roots have always been the blues....and it shows.

Influenced by Gary Moore, Paul Butterfield, Gary Brooker, Steve Winwood. Eric Clapton, etc. Buzz began writing original songs at 19 and continues to craft originals with The Blues Devils.

Bill Burnside plays guitars and vocals for the band, providing the unique 'sound' that distinguishes the band from any other you'll hear! Bill has the ability to compliment any song with a sound that is truly his own! From an early age he mastered the guitar to a point where his 'riffs' send chills through the audience.

Bill has played in every type of band from power trios, to full blown 'Chicago Blues' groups. Originally from Youngstown, he's honed his talents in Austin, Texas as well as LA, where he played with the legendary 'Top Jimmy & the Rhythm Pigs' opening the Hollywood Bowl venue for Van Halen. When it comes to playing' the blues, there are very few who can equal his 'heart'.

John Burkard handles the bass for the Blues Devils, bringing a wealth of musical experience to the band. A New York native, John has spent years playing and recording with several bands throughout the East and Midwest.

A 'natural' musician describes John to a tee! He has that rare talent of knowing how to 'drive' the rhythm section with his unconventional but extremely powerful abilities on the bass!

Perhaps playing classical guitar helps his creativeness....but whatever it is, John never fails to wow the crowd with his endless energy, along with his total control over the bottom end.

Phil Carroll takes playing drums to a new level! Sharing rhythm duties with John, Phil easily matches skills with John as they seem to 'know' exactly where each other is about to play!

A 'powerful' drummer is an understatement...... where Phil is concerned. He offers a 'punch' unlike any drummer you'll ever hear, helping to bring that driving force to the band.

Rarely will you see a drummer who instinctively knows what beats and accents, 'fit' in a song that not only improves the overall sound but helps make the song stand out from the norm!

A lifelong Ohio native, Phil has played with many area bands and has extensive recording studio experience.

A few years back, Buzz and Phil met and began ‘jammin’, then they contacted John, who was looking for a new band. The three really 'clicked' together musically but sorely needed a guitar player...enter Bill, once the four guys got together they all knew that the unit was now complete! The music has taken on a tight, balanced and unique sound that is distinctively their own.

Original music is the band's real strength.... and original is what they truly are! It's hard not to be moved or inspired by their many songs and soulful live performances. If you're tired of 'cover' bands...you owe it to yourself to give a listen to a fresh new band...The Blues Devils