Stalwarts of the Triangle rock & roll scene, the Blades have been lifting spirits since 1989. Current band members include Ed Mezynski on drums, Bill McCarthy on guitar and Joe Bell on vocals and harmonica. These three founding members are joined by Dick MacPhail (a Blade since ’96) and the most recent addition Tracy Wiebeck, on bass. Coming from California, Wiebeck brings years of experience and an impressive resume. On the left coast he has backed such luminaries as James Harman, Rod Piazza, Big Joe Turner, Pee Wee Crayton, Walter Trout, Junior Watson, Gene Taylor and George “Harmonica” Smith.
Conceived in cigarette smoke and nurtured on cold beer, such is the genesis of the Stinging Blades. A bar band down to the marrow, these fellows know how to keep a joint rocking. Their rootsy mixture of Memphis Soul, New Orleans R&B, Blues and Rock & Roll combines high quality cover tunes with finely honed original songs, all of which are played with real feeling. They don’t resort to the lowest common denominator but rather try to lift the atmosphere to a musically higher plane while remaining anchored in the carnal pelvic funk.
This Band Jams! However, don’t think of them as a “jam band”. There’s too much focus in their playing to fall into that category. This is not to say they play with constraint. A certain looseness is always there allowing for flashes of psychedelia that spin into musical ecstasy.
If it’s feeling, quality tunes and a healthy portion of Rock & Roll magic you seek, let the Stinging Blades cut off a slice for you.
Joe Bell & The Stinging Blades's Friend Space (Top 19)
New demos! Check out four new tunes that the Blades will be working into the show. These were written by Joe Bell and Dick MacPhail, and played and sung by the same with drums and keys by Joe MacPhail.
Thanks to Mel, Diane, the rest of the staff, and everybody who came out last night to Papa Mojo's Roadhouse for our CD release party. (Sorry to those of you who came and couldn't get in!) We had a rockin' good time -
