"The Blues Merchants have put a great new feel on the Blues, played with old school soul; played Like There's No Tomorrow!"
(Michael Byrd - Blues Director WNKU)
"Soulful, organ driven blues played in the classic Cincinnati King Records tradition"
(Sonny Moorman)
Phil Buscema - bass and vocals
Chris Kepes - guitar and vocals
Dave Koenig - drums
Bob Nave - hammond organ, piano and vocals
BB king, Lonnie Mack, Robben Ford, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Neil Young, Derek Trucks, Dave Weckel, Duane Allman, Wes Montgomery, Mike Bloomfield, Jimmy Smith, Dr. John, Willie Nelson, Freddie King, Albert King, Danny Gatton,Tower of Power, Roy Buchanan, Joni Mitchell, Howlin' Wolf, Jimmy Reed.
Sounds Like
"The Blues Merchants are reminiscent of the Al Kooper/Mike Bloomfield sessions, early Boz Scaggs and of more comtemporary vintage, Robert Cray."
THE BLUES MERCHANTS have just released their first CD entitled "Like There's No Tomorrow"!!!! It is available in Cincinnati @ Everybody's Records, Shake-it Records, Joseph-Beth (Rookwood Pavilion) and at Coffee 'N Cream on Wooster Pike. It is available on-line through this page or you can order it by sending a check for $15 + $3 (shipping & handling) to: Dave Koenig, 559 Marion's Way, Cincinnati, OH 45255. Make the check out to "Dave Koenig" and be sure to include your return address so we can zip a CD right out to ya!!
Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the BLUES MERCHANTS are a group of 4 seasoned musicians that have merged their talents to produce a unique blend of traditional blues literature, blues based rock tunes and original compositions performed in a style unique to the group.
Thus far, audiences of all ages from teens to retirees have responded enthusiastically to the group’s performances.
Guitarist, vocalist, & songwriter Chris Kepes has worked with the likes of Dayton based blues veteran Piney Brown on the blues circuit and toured nationally with The Alex Glover Show based in New Jersey and the Robin Lewis Band from Las Vegas. Chris formed the group MoeStCool with drummer Dave Koenig in 2003 which has now morphed into the BLUES MERCHANTS with the addition of organist Bob Nave and bassist King Phillip Buscema.
Drummer Dave Koenig has been playing drums for 40 years in an assortment of various jazz and rock groups as well as forays in to the orchestra pit bands of the musical theatre. In addition to his work with the BLUES MERCHANTS Dave currently holds down the drum chair of the Monday Night Big Band in Anderson Township, Ohio.
Bassist, guitarist, vocalist King Phillip has been a regular on the Cincinnati blues scene since the mid sixties. As a guitarist he has worked with Steve Tracy, Albert Washington, Pigmeat Jarret, Alice Hoskins, and the Cheryl Renee Band. He played bass with the Cincinnati Blues All Stars. King also played guitar and bass on Joe Duskin’s studio recordings.
Although best known as a jazz radio host for the past 25 years on WNOP and WVXU in Cincinnati, keyboard player & vocalist Bob Nave started playing in rhythm & blues bars and dance halls in 1958. Bob was a founding member of the acclaimed Lemon Pipers in the 60’s, and was the recipient of a Cammy award for lifetime achievement in 2003. In the 90’s bob guested on two albums and occasional gigs with the Greg Schaber Band based in Cincinnati.
Hey friend remember us we would like to think you because wit out you we couldn't of gotten so far, we started this account 3years ago and we never would expect to go so far wit the band
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