Maria Spence, lead vocals and guitar, has been around the Memphis music scene nearly all of her life. Exhibiting a wide range of vocal abilities, Maria has stopped hearts with her solo of Janis Joplin’s “Mercedes Benz,” then gone on to make hearts race with her seriously sultry version of Bonnie Raitt's "Love Me Like A Man." Maria has performed with several notable Memphis bands including The Hombres, R.B. & the Gang, The Big Chill, Streetlife, and the Desert Wine Band. She has also shared venues with two of Beale Street’s finest - blues master Ricky Harvey and soul man Ben Cauley.
"Maria's vocals reach far beyond the mundane... hauntingly beautiful" - Capt. Tom Baker, FM92
Will Lavender, lead guitar and vocals, has been in great demand on the Memphis music scene for over twenty years, as an extraordinary guitarist with the versatility to comfortably perform in any musical genre. Blues is Will's true love. He plays Hendrix's "Red House" as it is meant to be played, yet with the flexibility to add his own unique touches that oftentimes surpass the original. Will has played with various members of the Memphis music scene including Reba Russell, JoJo Jeffries, Blind Mississippi Morris, Albert King, Jr., and Web Dalton and the Dalton Gang.
Patrick Collins, drums and vocals, hails from southern California where he played in many of California's better-known blues clubs and blues festivals from San Diego to the San Francisco Bay area. Patrick is a rock-solid drummer who can hold a groove while throwing down the most amazing licks. During his musical career, Patrick has had the opportunity to share a variety of stages with such notables as Frankie Lee, Elvin Bishop, Jimmy Thackery, Chris Cain, Commander Cody, Mick Martin, and Tommy Castro.
James Wood, bass, provides the backbone for the band, working with Patrick to lay down the bottom end. This solid bass playing enables every song to be played with a fresh and exciting approach each and every time, while respecting the original artist's work. Not one to merely mimic other players' bass lines, James adds his own flair to each song. During his musical career, James has played the blues nationally and internationally and has been fortunate to have played with the likes of Hank Williams, Jr. and Gary Puckett and the Union Gap.
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Stevie Ray Vaughan
Eric Clapton
Buddy Guy
Johnny Lang
BB King
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Jimi Hendrix
Etta James
Susan Tedeschi
And many others...
As you can see, we have a wide variety of influences that are reflected in the music we play. Come and listen to us play sometime! If you like the Blues, but also like "high-energy" blues, we’re the band for you!
Our Current Song List
Redhouse
Crossroads
Turn The Heat Up
Still Got The Blues
Voodoo Woman
Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
Lie To Me
Voodoo Child
The Thrill Is Gone
Wake Up and Smell The Coffee
Tore Down
Love Me Like A Man
Every Night of the Week
All Along The Watchtower
My Babe
Them Changes
Blue On Black
Every Day I Have The Blues
Pride and Joy
Messing With The Kid
The Blues Is My Business
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
Better Off With The Blues
At Last
Further On Up The Road
Born Under A Bad Sign
Matchbox
I’ll Play The Blues For You
Killing Floor
Tanqueray
That’s Enough of That Stuff
Got My Mojo Working
Good Morning Little Schoolgirl
Same Old Blues
Key To The Highway
and many more coming soon...
Sounds Like
All kinds of different people. It is extremely difficult to try fitting us into a pigeonhole.
The Blind Ducks is one of the hottest, hard-hitting blues bands to hit the Memphis scene in a while. The band is making a name for itself and is developing a solid reputation among the Bluff City's blues lovers. Influenced by such great blues performers as Albert King, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix, Etta James, Susan Tedeschi, and Marcia Ball, The Blind Ducks generate a contemporary blues sound while maintaining respect for the old masters. They have the ability to reach into the very souls of their listeners with such hits as "At Last" and then, moments later, deliver the gritty, pulsing sound of "Standin' on Shaky Ground" prompting even the most reserved listener to leap to the dance floor. The Blind Ducks have a range that satisfies even the most demanding blues lovers' tastes.
A quartet of seasoned musicians, The Blind Ducks pay tribute to previous blues masters while injecting their own signature sound into the music. With a wide selection of tunes that include Memphis and Mississippi Delta blues, Chicago style blues, Austin/Texas blues, and even New Orleans style blues they have the flexibility to provide a unique experience at any given performance, guaranteeing the listener to hear something they truly love.
The Blind Ducks have arrived on the Memphis music scene as a force to be reckoned with. They plan to begin work on their first CD in the spring and will be participating in the IBC Blues Competition (among others). The Blind Ducks are here to provide their own distinctive approach to the blues that will foster an appreciation and enjoyment for the blues in music lovers young and old.
If you'd like to give us feedback or join our mailing list, visit us at our web site at www.TheBlindDucks.com!
Come to think of it, you're probably wondering where we have played. Not a bad question, in fact, I'd ask it, too. We've played at various places around town, including Kudzu's downtown and RJ's Restaurant and Sports Bar in Munford, TN. We have played The Stage Stop near Raleigh, and TNT Sports Grill in Southaven. We've hit the stage at The Bel Air Club, and even had a lot of fun at The Rally Point on Highland Street! And on March 1st, we get to play where few other blues bands get to go! We'll be at Super Chikan's Place in Clarksdale, MS - the very birthplace of the blues! Every place we have played has asked us back for more, and we're starting to play in places that realize that we are NOT your typical blues band! We can rock a place better than some rock bands, yet still never waver from our blues roots.
We're always looking for new venues to play in, so if you have an idea for us, let us know! Otherwise, suggest us to your local hangout, and let them know they can contact us through this page or at our web site at The Blind Ducks Web Site.
Thanks for the friendship! You have no idea how much I would LOVE..LOVE...LOVE to come see you guys play again and to sit in would be GREAT!!! You have a great band with high energy! Thanks for the invite! I'll be looking for that gig sheet! LATER!
Let me know when you play. I bartend or gig most nights but I'd love to come and be supportive when I can. And I just might take you up on the invite to join in the fun!
Bands are welcome to submit music for consideration to be played on our broadcast. If you have any comments or suggestions we want to hear them..This is your radio!
FEBRUARY 10th 6PM TIL 8PM MONTHLY MEETING WITH MEMBERS & FRIENDS!!!
ProMusicU Dave Isaacs & John Haring
FREE!!!FREE!!!FREE!!! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Where: OTHERLANDS COFFEE BAR 641 South Cooper St Memphis 38104
MSA Members & Friends gather at Otherlands Coffee Bar to listen to various guest speakers & participate in various songwriting activities. This is a great way for local area songwriters from all musical genres and experience levels to connect. The meetings are both educational & informative and offer comfortable networking opportunities.
Dave Isaacs & John Haring will be joining us on Feb 10th to speak at the MSA meeting about the music business track at ProMusicU; John will be teaching music business 101, music law, and publishing, among other topics at the upcoming ProMusicU Songwriter Workshop/Seminar & Performances at the Center for Southern Folklore this coming March.
