“Jules” – Julien D’Imperio: vocals & harmonica
Drums: Rob Pokorny
Bass: John Kaethner
Guitar: a rotation of the following;
Lewis Fielding, Geoff Peel, Paul Garner
Piano: when available, Eric Ranzoni, Joe Gissop
Influences
Little Walter, Kim Wilson, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Walter Horton, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rodgers, Howlin Wolf, Johhny Guitar Watson, Jimmy Reed, Slim Harpo, Ray Charles, Otis Rush, Junior Wells, William Clarke, George Harmonica Smith, Carey Bell, James Cotton, Paul Orta, Billy Branch, Gary Primich, JJ Milteau, Sugar Ray Norcia, Lee Sankey, Paul Lamb, Marc Hummel, Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers... One of my favourite sources of inspiration and good friend, is the unbeatable West Weston (catch him in London if you can).
Sounds Like
“Jules & The Gamblers do a highly creditable job of classic harp led Chicago and West Coast blues. Jules is quite a harp player and he's got a voice to match. As a band they manage, where others so often fail, to capture the energy of the material and lift themselves above being just another worthy retro outfit.”
Blues In London.
Our music is mainly 1950’s Chicago Blues with influences ranging from Post War Blues kings of the Chess era (Little Walter, Muddy Waters, T- Bone Walker, Sonny Boy Williamson II) up to the "West Coast" contemporaries such as Kim Wilson, William Clarke, Rod Piazza...
A bit about myself; I got hooked on this music at the age of 17 when my dad brought me in to buy my first harmonica, which unfortunately wasn't a diatonic, so it actually took me a while to figure what was more suited to start of with. I just started playing around on the instrument, like we all do, and that led me on to the discovery of Blues harmonica later on. When I heard the likes of James Cotton and Little Walter, it was a like slap in the face, and it left it’s mark. I first got familiar with the harmonica technique of JJ Milteau, the French harmonica expert (being French I guess was also an incentive for me to buy his methods as a reference point). I also listened to Norton Buffalo and Don Baker. My passion for Blues harmonica developed and I gradually began to look back on the originals: Junior Wells, Carey Bell and then digging even deeper to discover Little Walter, Sonny Terry, Sonny Boy Williamson, Jazz Gillum. From then on, I caught on to the contemporary stylists, namely Gary Primich, BillyBranch, Rod Piazza, Kim Wilson.. who I all really admire. I later lived in Austin Texas for a year, a very rich experience as I got to meet (and learn from) some of these great players (Gary Primich, Paul Orta).
We aim to hopefully recreate that vintage and authentic Urban Blues sound but to some extent with a feel of our own. I consider myself lucky to be surrounded by some great band members (and musician friends). I think the “Chicago Blues’’ style is underrated for it's potential to grab your audience by the heart and win them over. It’s the feel that counts. We’re not claiming we have the merit of doing anything ‘fresh’, but we want to pass on our love of this music to the people who see us at the gig.
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Hello there! Hope you will come out to see one of our London shows-- 17 Nov Brixton, 18 Nov Crouch End, 19 Nov Soho, 20 Nov Sydenham, 21 Nov Greenwich, 22 Nov Ruislip, 23 Nov Hackney, 25 Nov UCL-Bloomsbury, 26 Nov Southwark, 27 Nov Islington, 28 Nov North Kensigton, 29 Nov East Croyden. We especially invite you to come out and jam with us at The Globe in Morning Lane on Monday Nov 23rd. Thanks! Hope to see you guys out! Yours,Kilborn
From heaven above arrives a fascination, It..s a personal, glory innovation To be honest, thankfull and true - Holy night, I trust in you, cause you give freedom to everyone, You spend much love and also fun. I treasure Christmas through the years, It..s a magic time, which disappears. But it comes back again and again, I..m indeed a Christmas - fan.
I wish you and your family a merry christmas Love & Peace
Jules, I listened to your music on your page. You guys sound great. Your whole band really has a nice groove. Your a great harp player too and vocals are cool!! Nice to have you as a friend.
Hello Julien, Sorry I could not come to see you on the last gig at the aint nothing but that same day I had a friend coming from Spain to stansted at 10:40 at night. Heard the new songs, I think they are very good, I like It aint right better though I think that one is great, really enjoyed. Hope to see you soon again. Your friend, Charlyharp.
Julien.....long time...thanks for the request and the add....outstanding Harp as always...hope to cross paths again soon....peace & music from Austin...mike
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