Tina Haase Findlay -> Band Leader, Lead Vocals, Composer, Arranger
Ben Williams -> Vocals, Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Auxilliary Percussion
Randy Ramaekers -> Trapkit Extraordinaire
Kevin McGinnis-> Bass, Vocals
Brandon Findlay -> Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Composer, Arranger, Vocals
Influences
Coming to the blues through Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page, the Deacon found the haunted wailings of Robert Johnson and Blind Willie Johnson waiting for him. Moving onto the royal teachings of BB, Freddie, and Albert King, BRANDON now seeks the sage world blues of Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, the late Toy Caldwell, and the haunting Peter Green
BEN seeks inspiration from the late great Jerry Garcia, often overlooked as an authentic troubador of blues, jazz and native Americana roots music. He also loves modern day jam heroes such as Trey Anastasio and the late Michael Houser, Steely Dan's Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, and channels the natural wisdom of blues royalty, especially Janis Joplin and BB King.
RANDY has a touch of the English upon his percussive soul, as the inspiration of John Bonham, Bill Bruford, and Keith Moon burned their marks on him at an early age. Growing into a finer appreciation for the art, he found Dave Weckl and Steve Gadd providing counterpoint for his opening ears and mind. These days, as a fully developed musician, Gov't Mule's Matt Abts still pours fuel on the fire.
The soulful, simmering timbre of KEVIN puts the Blue into perspective for us all. He constantly infuses the band with freshness, while maintaining the heart and soul of each composition. Learning his groove from bassists such as local hero Scot Sutherland and Motown genius James Jamerson, McGinnis has been an exciting addition to the Family Blue.
And saving TINA the Lady for last...from Koko Taylor, Big Mama Thornton, Ida Cox, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald, all the way to Maria Muldaur, Wynonna Judd, Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole, Phoebe Snow, Maria McKee, Ann Wilson, Susan Tedeschi, and her all-time favorite vocalist, Miss Stevie Nicks, the dynamic force of nature that is our lead singer has struggled yet succeeded in personifying blues, soul, jazz, rock, and gospel in her adopted home of Des Moines, IA for over twenty years now. A veteran of jams, recording sessions, commercial jingles, ensembles, big bands, worship leading, musical theatre, and so much more, it is of foremost notice that Haase Findlay is spreading her wings more than ever with Lady Blue. As the great Duke Ellington would say, Tina is moving "beyond categories", and raising the consciousness of those who dare to listen with an open soul. As she herself so eloquently composed in the Lady Blue future classic, "Butterfly Blues", "the ditch ain't no home for a star-kissed girl...take to the sky, and flutter like a butterfly." From the heart and soul of the blues comes a true Lady, who, along with all the Gentlemen of Lady Blue, now yearns not just to be influenced, but to influence all those that destiny brings into our "bluesified groove".
View Lady Blue's EPK
Sounds Like
Everything from Delta to Downtown! The blues by any other name is still the blues, and we carry the blues torch forward with pride.
Formed in the Summer heat of 2005, Lady Blue featuring TINA HAASE FINDLAY (band leader, vocals) does indeed feature a very special lady, who has been belting out her passion for over twenty years. With lovely daughter Dove as her challenge and inspiration for the last 21 years, the well of life from which to compose will not be running dry anytime soon. The hard knocks and sweet victories of her life have been eloquently expressed in the rainbow of musical genres which she has mastered. But the blues holds a special connection to all souls, and Tina's is no different. With her husband and three other distinguished gentlemen by her side, Tina continues to celebrate not only the richly diverse history of the blues, but its vibrant future.
BEN WILLIAMS (guitar, vocals, percussion) hails from the humble warmth of the California Valleys. He was weaned on revolutionary jam artistry; from the Haight-Asbury tones of the Grateful Dead and the Airplane, to the grooves of all the bands that jammed their way across his path; his big ears and bigger heart have much fruit to bear and many things to say. His guitar playing, rhythmic instincts and soothing voice tell the truth of this man's soul.
RANDY RAMAEKERS (drums) combines the experience of a tested veteran with the exuberance of an artist still in love with his craft. This Piledriver is the engine that revs the jams and purrs with taste. Several decades behind the kit have given Master Ramaekers quite the toolbox from which to bang. And what a bang it is!
KEVIN MCGINNIS (bass, vocals) humbly elevates the band and the song with a timeless spirit born in years gone by with bands across the nation. Working from a myriad of influences, McGinnis lays a loving foundation with his gifts and grooves. A longtime friend of the Blue, Kevin has donned his trademark Stingray and Modulus basses in the service of our Great Lady!
And the bookend to this discussion is the Lady's right-hand Gentleman, the Deacon himself, BRANDON FINDLAY (lead guitar, composer, arranger, vocals). Taking his inspiration from his Faith, Family, and the Musical Giants upon whose shoulders he stands firm, Findlay has much to celebrate; a lovely wife, a lovely band or four to jam with, and many an opportunity to brighten the lives of those around him, and use his beloved guitars (lovingly christened as Melody, Midnight, Maya, and Marcus!) to lead the Lady Blue charge in continually celebrating the true spirit of the blues.
View Lady Blue's EPK
Are you currently experiencing life to the fullest? If not, FREE videos at www.ZyxterLife.com show how you can start today! If you or anyone you know are ever in need of prayer visit my website at www.ZyxterPrayer.com and we'll be happy to pray for you! C78986557
Are you currently experiencing life to the fullest? If not, FREE videos at www.ZyxterLife.com show how you can start today! If you or anyone you know are ever in need of prayer visit my website at www.ZyxterPrayer.com and we'll be happy to pray for you! C78986557
Are you currently experiencing life to the fullest? If not, FREE videos at www.ZyxterLife.com show how you can start today! If you or anyone you know are ever in need of prayer visit my website at www.ZyxterPrayer.com and we'll be happy to pray for you! U44751156
Hey Lady....Cool Disposition will be at Blues On Grand in Des Moines Sat. March 21 for our Iowa CD Release of "Jumping In The Mudd"
Tom Hyslop of Blues Revue says -
"With Jumping In The Mudd, Cool Disposition solidify their position as Minnesota’s premier blues band... You will find no blues-rock here, and take my word for it: You won’t miss it... Jumping In The Mudd contains nothing but the blues and blues-related music, with shuffles in several varieties, Latin blues rhythms, R&B ballads, jump blues, rootsy rockers, and a splash of soul. The band makes a compelling case for the continuing vitality of these classic styles in every song"
FRIENDS, FANS, BLUES LOVERS Tonight, Sat. Feb28, 9pm-midnight Curry & Red acoustic blues duo play at The Booneville Bar next to the Waveland West Cafe 3571 Ute Av. Booneville, Iowa 987-1038 Go west on235/80 from Des Moines Take the Booneville exit south/left Go about 3 miles You can't miss it For those who haven't heard us, we play old school acoustic blues: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee, Little Walter, Jimmy Reed, Sonnyboy Williamson, and many others some originals too www. myspace. com/CurryHarp
She Swings, She Sways has been invited to play the Iowa Crossroads Conference, the Upper Midwest's first and only entertainment industry conference, in Des Moines on Thursday, December 4th.
Admission will be $10 for five stages of bands from Des Moines, Chicago, Minneapolis and Omaha and two floors of visual art from 13 artists.
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