Otis Spann, Memphis Slim, Pete Johnson, Albert Ammons, Meade Lux Lewis, Pinetop Perkins, Art Tatum, J. Johnson, Big Maceo, Little Brother Montgomery, Speckled Red, Professor Longhair, Jimmy Yancy, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Jimmy Rogers, Sonny Boy Williamson (1&2), Tampa Red, Leroy Carr, Elmore James, and many many more.
Ralph Bassinger has been playing blues & boogie piano for over 35 years. His parents started him on lessons when he was 5. His training was 'classical' and he was performing at recitals and ‘competitions’ by age 6. After the death of his father at age 13 he lost interest and quit lessons as well as playing. At age 19 after hearing an album with Otis Spann playing with Fleetwood Mac, he fell in love with the blues. He’s been listening and playing them since. After becoming deaf in one ear at age 25 due to a tumor he turned to playing solo in local coffee houses and other venues. He resumed playing in a band in the Portland area in 2004 when asked by Richie Bean to join King Ju Ju & the Beats. What followed were performances at the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Or in 2005, sitting in ..s for the Party Kings at the harmonica blow off, including a set with Paul Delay. A brief stint with Bill Rhoades and the Party Kings followed. Ralph was a semifinalist at the International Blues Challenge in 2006, representing the Cascade Blues Association in Portland. In late 2005 Ralph was asked to play with Kinzel and Hyde as a trio and continued to play with them until April of 2006. In May, 2007, Ralph recorded his first CD at Blue Heaven Studios in Salina, Kansas with J.D. Lane sitting in on guitar for 6 songs. The CD received wonderful reviews and radio airplay around the world.
Hey Ralph ~ I love your fingering! Beautifully done on the keys! Keep me posted when you'll be in town, would love to see you! When in Ptld, please stop by The Sun Night Blues jam at The Refectory, 1618 NE 122 Ptld 97030 6pm - 10pm, hosted by Kevin Selfe & The Tornadoes, look forward to meeting you ! Ms. M
Hey Ralph. Great seeing you last night. Thanks for making the drive to see me play. Hope to make music with you again some night when all the planets line up right.
Thanks! Yes, those were some fun times. I still love the way you play, and your album is amazing. Wish we lived closer together. Hope all is well, see ya!
Thank you very much for letting me join your circle of friends. I hope to see you out on the road real soon. Keep the blues alive and keep on keeping the faith! Peace and Love! Shirley King, Daughter of The Blues
Hey Monk... just wanted to pop in and say congrats on all the great feedback on the awesome cd you got..i love mine i play it all the time...hey have a Great week.. and take good care and keep on playin those keys your friend Stusie :)
