Studebaker John- Slide Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals
Bob Halaj- Bass Guitar,
Paul Ashford- Drums
Influences
Hound Dog Taylor, Big Walter Horton, JB Hutto, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Big John Wrencher, Paul Butterfield, Elmore James
Sounds Like
This is real music, there are no synthesizers, no drum machines, computerized or otherwise. The songs recorded here were recorded just as they were played, with minimal or no overdubbing. The music was played just as it is live in the clubs, houserockin' goodtimes party music. Just for the fun of it. Studebaker John & The Hawks don't use walls of amplifiers, roadies or even a sound man. They do their own sound, their own way, with beat up old fender amps and vintage guitars. What's surprising is that their music doesn't sound old or date, it sounds alive and exciting. They play blues like they mean it, because they do. With riveting guitars, mean slashing harmonica, steady bass, and powerful drumming, just for the fun of it, the way it was meant to be....... This is real music.
Who is Studebaker John?
Studebaker John Grimaldi was born in an Italian-American section of Chicago and started playing harmonica at age 7. Under the spell of music he heard on Maxwell Street, Chicago’s famed blues melting pot, Grimaldi began performing as Studebaker John and the Hawks in the ‘70s. The band name referenced the Studebaker Hawk, a car Grimaldi still owns today, and was also intended as a tribute to his friend, J.B. Hutto and the Hawks. John began playing guitar after a life-changing experience of seeing Hound Dog Taylor and the Houserockers perform. “…Hound Dog started playing, hitting notes that sent chills up and down my spine. He was versatile and powerful and would play rhythm as well as leads. I left there knowing what I wanted to do. I had to play slide guitar.”
As a songwriter and musician, Studebaker John has emerged as a major creative force in the world of the blues today. Ahead of the pack, with vision and foresight, creating a new standard and landscape for this music’s future… with John at the wheel, the future is now!
Studebaker John And The Hawks's Friend Space (Top 4)
Thanks for the great show on Thursday at the Apollo John,I will always come see you and anyone else from Chicago when you come through as I consider it a great privilege to see you guys and gals. Rick
I really Love your Groove, makes me wanna just Jump Up and hit the Flo!! Glad to have you in the Top 40 and Tomorrow, Your on The Friday Afternoon Club at kvnf. org...1pm MST
Hello Studebaker John and the Hawks, Hope you are doing well. Blues Detour is now 'live' and taking artist CD submissions. Please check us out and we'll save some shelf space for ya' ;)
I really like your Groove and all the Mojo you bring to the table...This is what its all about!...Check out Gumbo YaYa Friday @ 9:30am MST for some Deep Louisiana Groove with JaBeaux...Turn It Up!! www. kvnf. org
