One of the Bay State’s most talented blues bands is packing it up and heading north. The Concord-based Bruce Marshall Group has a widespread reputation throughout southern New England as one of the hottest acts on stage. The five-piece rhythm-and-blues band will perform at Auburn’s Midnight Blues Club and Restaurant Sunday, May 15, as part of the club’s 2005 Sunday Night Blues Series.

The Bruce Marshall Group was formed in 1991, and has been performing and recording around the Northeast ever since. Led by founder and lead vocalist Bruce Marshall, the band’s live show treats fans to a variety of original material blending blues, rock and Southern boogie. A powerful and expressive vocalist, Marshall can deliver with grit and conviction in rock songs, then convey emotion and sensitivity in soft ballads.

Joining Marshall in the band is guitarist/vocalist Dave Cournoyer. A master of the slide guitar, Cournoyer is at ease with over-the-top solos or sweet subtle lines. He possesses a soaring vibrato and builds his solos from a whisper to a scream. John Donahoe adds texture to the group on tenor and alto sax, fiddle and mandolin. His sax work is a great fit for the blues, adding depth and fullness to the band’s rich sound.

Jeff Majeau anchors the group on bass and has the rare ability to play with restraint and understatement while driving the band to a fever pitch. A consummate professional, Majeau is at ease with swing, shuffles and straight-ahead rock. He joined the group in 1999 after a stint with The Cliph Band.

Drummer Pete Premo is the most recent addition to the band. He began studying music at age 10 and went on to attend the Berklee College of Music, where he majored in percussion and audio recording. He has 30 years of experience as a professional drummer, playing a variety of musical genres from jazz and classical to blues and rock. Premo has shared the stage with such blues legends as James Montgomery and Luther “Guitar” Johnson.

The Bruce Marshall Group recorded its first CD, “Love Of The Ride,” in 1992. The album featured 10 original songs, including a song performed by the Toy Caldwell Band. Fans of legendary rockers The Marshall Tucker Band will recall Caldwell as a key member.

The band’s second release, “Sneak Preview,” came out in 1997, and featured eight studio cuts along with seven acoustic tracks. The newest CD, “Kalispell,” is the group’s most ambitious effort to date.

Tickets are $15 and offer $3 off any entree. Shows start at 7 p.m. and conclude at 10 p.m. For more information, go to www.3clubs.com.



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