FRYEBURG — Roomful of Blues — which has gigged with blues stars ranging from B.B.King, Otis Rush and Stevie Ray Vaughan to rockers Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana — will play Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center.
Since 1967, the group’s blend of swing, rock ‘n’ roll, jump, blues and soul has earned it five Grammy Award nominations and a slew of other accolades, including seven Blues Music Awards.
The band, with a membership that has continued to change and evolve over the years, has always featured impressive musicianship and a stellar horn section. It is touring to promote its latest CD on the Alligator Record label, “Raisin’ A Ruckus.”
With a nonstop touring schedule for almost 40 years, Roomful of Blues has earned critical, popular and radio success and a legion of fans around the globe. The band joined the Alligator Records family with the Grammy-nominated “That’s Right!” in 2003, followed by “Standing Room Only” in 2005.
Currently an eight-piece ensemble led by guitarist Chris Vachon, Roomful of Blues also includes new members vocalist Phil Pemberton, bassist John Turner and trumpeter Doug Woolverton; and longtime members drummer Ephraim Lowell, keyboardist Travis Colby and saxophonists Mark Earley and Rich Lataille.
The band’s ability to ignite a sedate crowd into a dancing frenzy solidified its reputation in the 1970s as the best “little big band” in New England and expanded its following into New York and Washington.
In 1974, Roomful of Blues performed with Count Basie, and a few years later legendary songwriter Doc Pomus helped the band land its first record deal.
Besides its band recordings, Roomful of Blues often backed legendary musicians like Jimmy Witherspoon, Jimmy McCracklin, Roy Brown, Joe Turner, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson and Earl King — stars of the 1940s and 1950s blues scene.
Go and do
WHAT: Roomful of Blues concert
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16
WHERE: Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, 745 Main St., Fryeburg
TICKETS: $22.50, general admission; $15 for students; call 935-9232 or visit www.fryeburgacademy.org
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- John W. Corbett photo Roomful of Blues
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