Born June 10, 1974 in New Haven, CT, Timo (Timothy) Arthur grew up in the nearby town of Milford. Hailing from a musical family, he got his first guitar at age eight. His father showed him the basics and before long, he was performing at school shows.
Timo spent his teens giving solo acoustic performances of his original music on guitar and piano at every opportunity. He also played with a handful of bands, taking on duties from playing electric guitar and bass to singing and songwriting. His song "I Cry Again" won him a creative writing award in high school. At age nineteen, he made his first studio recording consisting of four pop songs he had written. He played all instruments himself. A year later, he moved to his father's native Barbados where within four days of his arrival, he was chosen as lead guitarist for one of the island's top-billed soca bands. Though never having played in this style before, Timo adapted quickly, proving his versatility, strong talent, and natural musicianship. With this band, Timo played venues ranging from the island's most popular clubs to packed stadiums. After several months, he left Barbados to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.
After his arrival in Boston in 1996, Timo became a regular on the New England blues scene. In addition to fronting his own band from time to time, Timo often worked as a sideman, quickly gaining notoriety as an impressive guitarist and vocalist, sharing stages and recording studios with a number of local, regional, and national acts, as well as performing in genres outside of the blues box.
Now living in Los Angeles, CA, Timo plans to focus his efforts on songwriting and perform primarily as a singer/songwriter. He continues to impress audiences with his strong songwriting skills, humble confidence, and his witty and warm stage persona - thus leaving a favorable impression where ever he plays. His strong ambition and obvious talent give Timo an undying love of his craft, as well as an insatiable desire to succeed at it.
Influences
INFLUENCES INCLUDE
Freddie King, Albert Collins, Warren Haynes, SRV, Ray Charles, Cousin Joe, BB King, Albert King, Stevie Wonder and Colin Hay.
Local Boston artists such as Tim Gearan, Brian Templeton, Dennis Brennan, Rick Russell, Kevin Barry and Duke Levine.
"Amid a rising sea of Boston blues, Timo Arthur is a distinctive musical voice. He hears notes and progressions no one else imagines. Underneath the modest facade of this gentle giant, there is a smokin', smolderin' volcano waiting to erupt." - Nate Dow, Boston Herald
"The other night I had the pleasure of seeing Timo Arthur as the front man for his own band. He played extremely well and had great stage presence. I had never seen him sing before and he was amazing. He really belted out those vocals and played the blues the way they are supposed to be played. Anyone who hasn't seen or heard him must do so. You're in for a real treat." - Al Cocorochio, Black Rose Records
"Timo Arthur plays blues guitar with the authority of Freddie King and the expressive freedom of Magic Sam. Catch Timo's next live show so you can take a ride to Chicago, the Delta and the stratosphere all for the price of admission!" - Jim Carty, Host of “Blues and Beyond” 91.5 WMFO Director, New England Blues Society
"I've had the pleasure of watching Timo tear up the strings on many occasions. Get out and see this guy play. You won't be disappointed!" - Mark Gillard, Boston Blues Society
RECORDINGS
Timo recorded and produced updated versions of his original material in May of 2006 at Wellspring Sound in Acton, MA. The band consisted of Tom West (Piano & Organ), Sven Larson (Bass), Chris Anzelone (Drums), and Chuck Langford (Saxophone). The CD was well-received by Ronnie Earl, who asked Timo to sit-in with him at an upcoming show. Timo's performance prompted Ronnie to refer to him as "the man who's trying to steal my job."
Now available at www.itunes.com.
In December of 2005, Timo appeared on Chicago Bob Nelson's CD Flyin' Too High, released on 95 North Records. Produced by legendary pianist David Maxwell, the record also features Michael 'Mudcat' Ward on bass, Per Hanson on drums, in addition to Mike Welch and Troy Gonyea on guitar.
Now available at www.CDBaby.com.
PAST VENUES PLAYED INCLUDE
B.B. King's - Manhattan, NY & Memphis, TN
Barbados Nat'l Stadium - St. Michael, Barbados
The Big Easy - Portland, ME
Bob The Chef's - Boston, MA
Char's - Phoenix, AZ
Congo Square - Nashville, TN
Grumpy's Pub - Falmouth, MA
Harry's Blues Bar - Hyannis, MA
The House of Blues (formerly) - Cambridge, MA
Huey's Midtown - Memphis, TN
Inn on The Blues - York Beach, ME
Johnny D's Uptown Club - Somerville, MA
Neumeier's Rib Room - Fort Smith, AR
Ryles Jazz Club - Cambridge, MA
The Rynborn (formerly) - Antrim, NH
My gratitude and thanks for including me on to your list of friends. I'm always grateful for the thoughts of players and music lovers when it comes to what I do.
Brother T., thank you soooo much for covering Bob while he was out healing. Your guitar and vocal perfomances are top scale, incredible. More importantly, thank you for your friendship and support during this tough time for Bob. Anytime you get the itch, come on out, and bring your amp, you are now an official honorary member of Special Blend. ZAY
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