Mollies Nov. 10th- Always a fun time at Mollie's. A great place with great people
who love to hear some jammin' blues. Joe and John get better and better as they play together more. They played together before
in a few bands, but they are getting reaquinted musically. Joe is getting more comfortable with the tunes so it is great fun.
We played some more originals as Joe has been learning them. Our old friend Ryan Walker got up and jammed with us and he is
a great player. A fun night all around. Tech Stuff- I used the black Les Paul and Hamer 335 as you can see in the photos. I used my two amp rig (Bassman/Twin) also, but because of stage room I stacked them, that was fun!!! The small pedalboard
was there Wha/TS10/DD3. Lots of great tone and fun. See you guys back at Mollie's Dec. 22nd.
Fat Moe's Nov. 2nd- This gig wasn't on the books until the previous Wednesday. No
matter because we love to jam and we love Fat Moe's. It was a cool night at Moe's and everybody was into hearing some blues.
Joe was a little more sure of himself as we have had a few practices and one gig with him. He even sang a few songs which
is great, because I got a chance to just play. Very fun night. Tech Stuff- It was an all Les Paul night. Just
for fun, I brought out my goldtop and the black Les Paul. I used the Goldtop on the 1st and 3rd sets and the Black on the
2nd and 4th sets. The stage is small at Moe's so I used my small pedalboard-Wha-TS10-DD3 into just the Bassman. Lots of creamy
tone fun!!
Private Party- Oct. 27th- Our first gig with new bass player Joe Beck. Joe actually
played with John and I before in Calling 12. It was a fun night and a good crowd. The son of the folks who were celebrating
their birthdays sat in with us and did a great job. Tech Stuff-Les Paul, Hamer 335-Bassman/Twin, Wha/TS10/JHP/DD3-what
more can be said about a cool set up!!
Private Party Oct. 20th- This was for some friends and fans of our who's son is
going into the Air Force. We were glad to be there, but once again we found ourselves without a bass player (that won't happen
again as he is gone now), but our friend Rick came out and sat in and we played the blues. Tech Stuff-I ended
up using the white Strat all night, I don't know why as the Les Paul was there. The usual amps and effects were used. It was
a tough night all around, but that is what ya gotta do.
Stevie Ray's Blues Bar Oct. 17th- This was a gig we were really looking forward
to. A great place on the blues circut. We had some trouble however. Danny never showed up for the gig (he ran out of gas).
When life hands you lemons-you jam the lemonade. With the club owners help we found a great player named Tim. He did
a fantastic job and we can't thank him enough. The crowd loved what we played and we are working out a time to go back. This
was a great gig, despite everything. Tech Stuff- I had the Les Paul and Hamer 335 with me. The Bassman/Twin
setup was jammin' and the effects were Wha/TS10/JHP/DD3. A great tone was had and a great time was had by all.
Tres Hombres Oct. 11th- We really enjoy playing Tres. It is a great place with great
food and crowd. We had a good crowd that night and we really jammed it out. Our gigs are never "the same old thing." We don't
ever do the same set list or anything like that. Some night we jam more, sometimes we jam less. Somenight we have more originals,
sometimes more covers. It is never the same show twice. Tech Stuff-The stage is smaller at Tres so I only
used the '65 Bassman. The Les Paul and Hamer were into it and the effect were Wha/TS10/DD3. Simplicity!!!
Metropolis Blues and 'Ques Oct. 5th- It was a warm
night in Metropolis. Made even hotter because the blues were being played by us and our good friend Lew Jetton and 61 South.
A great group of guys and players. We kicked off the night and jammed until the power went out (really). After that we let
Lew take over. I had a special night because Sonya and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary. Tech Stuff-I had
the Les Paul and the Hamer 335, but I only ended up using the Les Paul. I used the bigger pedal board-Wha/TS10/JHP/DD3 into
the Bassman/Twin.
Fat Moe's Sept. 29th- I can't ever say enough about how cool Fat Moe's is. The owners
and the employees and the crowd are just the best. It was a warm night in Paucah, but the blues was cool. We had a good friend
of ours Denny take some pictures and it was a crowded night, because there really is no better place in Paducah to go. Tech
Stuff-I used the Les Paul and the sunburst Strat. The Wha/TS10/DD3 setup was run into the Bassman/Twin setup that
I have come to love!!
Benton Rock and Blues Blowout Sept. 28th- This event couldn't have been more fun
or better run. Darren Galloway (a great player too) did a tremendous job. Great stage, PA, and lights made this a fantastic
event.We even got to see our friend Dave B. from STLblues.net. We had a great time playing to a great crowd. We did mostly
originals and some covers and even some newer songs. It was a blast to play and we will do it again next year. Tech
Stuff- I used the black Les Paul and red 335. I augmented my effects with the Jimi Hendrix pedal. It went wha/TS10/JHP/DD3
into the Bassman/Twin setup. Sweetness!!
Inn by the Lake Sept. 21st- This gig was for the same organization that holds the
Jenn Jam. It is a great cause and there are some wonderful folks that work it. We played outside and they had the whole hotel
filled with biker who had to ride the next day. They enjoyed the blues that we were jammin'! It is always great to play
for a crowd that loves the blues!! Tech Stuff- I used the Les Paul (yes once again it is the main axe) and
the white Strat. I had the Wha/TS10/DD3 going into the Bassman.
Just One More Sept 20th- Another great place to play in Marion, IL. This was a Thursday
night gig and there was a good crowd there. A good friend of mine (Phil Powell) was there to help cheer us on too. The crowd
enjoyed our music and we did lots of new tunes as well. A great night all around. Tech Stuff-I used the Les
Paul again, but this time I used my white Strat. I had the wha/TS10/DD3 going into the Bassman/Twin set up. That is a combo
that is hard to beat.
Olmstead Catfish Days Sept. 15th- An interesting night of music. Rich before we
went on there was a band playing old time country music. I wan't sure of what the crowd would think of us, but when we went
on-they enjoyed it. It was a fun time and the catfish was great. It was also good to play for a good friend of mine John Windings
from Shawnee College. Tech Stuff-I used my black Les Paul and the red Hamer into the '65 Bassman
Metropolis Labor Day Celebration- A very fun day of music in Metropolis, IL. We
even had some cool weather for the day. It has been scorching around Illinois as of late, but today the only scorching thing
was the blues. We were a little worried at first to be honest-the group that was performing when we got there was a southern
gospel quartet. Right before us was a bluegrass band; the group to go on after us played folk music. We were the only electric
act there. So we just plowed ahead and played the blues, and all was well. The crowd enjoyed it and was very receptive to
our brand of the blues. We even got invited to play at the Metropolis Blues and Ques Festival on Oct. 5th. Also of interest
was the fact that a local TV station taped some of our show and used it in their 6 and 10 p.m. news broadcast. We didn't even
know it until someone called and told us. Wow! Tech Stuff-Once again I used my black Les Paul and 335. I only
used the Les Paul, but the 335 was there waiting. I also used the Bassman/Twin setup and It kicked. Using two amps is the
way to go. The effects setup was the Wha-TS10-DD3 that has come to be my favorite. See all of you on October 5th. Check our Concerts page for all upcoming shows.
ICBC Blues Challenge- A great day to hear some new blues bands. There weren't any
losers out there that day. We had a great set. It was great to play to such an appreciative crowd. After we were done, many
people came up to us and told us how much they enjoyed the music. We hope to get back up to Springfield again soon. We met
lots of cool bands too. Tech Stuff-I used my black Les Paul for the whole set. The 335 was closeby but since
we only had 30 mins., it is best to keep guitar changes to a minimum. I used the wha-TS10-DD3 combo into the Bassman
and Twin. I do so love using 2 amps. I hope I get to do it more!!!
Fat Moe's- You can't get any better than Fat Moe's in Paducah, KY for live music.
We played outside on the patio and it was a great night. Around the midwest, we have been in the midst of a heatwave of
plus 100 degree temperatures every day. On this night there was a breeze blowing and the blues was crying!!! Danny and John
were in top form and it was a great night of playing for the band and the crowd enjoyed it all the more. Tech Stuff-
I used my Les Paul most of the night and the 335 for one set. I like using that stuff more now, because I want to seperate
myself from what I call the "strat and hat crowd" (the Stevie Ray Vaughnabees). I used the wha-TS10-DD3 into the 65
Bassman and tone was there to be had. Sweet!!!
Tres Hombres- This was a concert after the Summer concerts they usually have in
Carbondale. A great crowd was wanting to hear the blues after the Reggae concert. It was a great time to jam and jam we did.
Tech Stuff- Same guitars and effects as the last two shows. It is lots of fun to use the same stuff and see
what tones you can produce. See ya on Oct. 4th.
Summer Funfest- A great place to have a concert. We had a blast playing. We also
got to see an old friend there too. A guy who used to play with Danny and is a great guitar player in his own right, was running
sound. They recorded the show so hopefully we can get that CD and post it for ya. Tech Stuff- It was the 335
and Les Paul for the whole thing. The same effects/amp setup were used.
Grand Chain Lodge- This was a 4th July show and it was great fun. They had fireworks
over the Ohio river and they were great. Then we came on and started with the great American music-da BLUES!!! That's what
we do-da Bues. It is always fun to play at Grand Chain and tonight was no different-especially because my family got to be
there with me. Tech Stuff-I used the Hamer 335 this night. I'm having a hard time not playing that guitar.
I also used my Les Paul for a set. Into the usual effects wha-Tube Screamer-delay-1965 Bassman. What more could ya need!!?!!!
Fat Moe's- After playing at JennJam that afternoon, we got to play at Fat Moe's
later. The weather didn't hold out too well, we played inside, although we really could have been outside. But the crowd inside
was hyped up for some high octane blues and that is what they got! We have some great times at Moe's because the crowd really
likes the blues. And you couldn't ask for nicer owners like Mary and Moe. See ya guys on Aug. 11th. Tech Stuff-Since
the Hamer and Les Paul were already warmed up-I used them at Moe's. The floor only had Wha-TS10-Delay in the Bassman. I use
this stuff consistenly because life is too short to have bad tone.
JennJam 2007- What a great day of blues. The weather was great, the crowd was too.
We had a blast getting to play for a great cause. Our old friend Lew Jetton was out to see us. The crowd was very into the
music. We played mostly originals, and even tried out some new tunes that will be on the new CD. Thanks to all who helped
us at the Jam and we hope to see you guys again real soon.
For those who don't know about the Jenn Jam-it is a memorial to Jennifer Dowdy, who was a nurse. She obviously
was special to alot of people. All the procedes of this concert go to a Nursing Scholarship in her name. Please go to their website and read more about it. Tech Stuff-I was really excited about this gig because I got to play my new guitar. It is a
cherry red Hamer Echotone, an amazing instument. This was my fathers day gift from my family so I used it first. I also used
my black Les Paul for the middle of the set, before switching to the Sonya strat at the end. I had a wha-TS10-Tremolo-DD3
delay on the floor going into the 1965 Bassman. What more do ya need!!
Grand Chain Lodge- It was a slow night to start out, but some folks showed up and
we had a great time. A fun night of blues and groovy music was had by all. It is a great place to enjoy music with a great
view of the Ohio River. We even got to try out some brand new tunes. Tech stuff- I used Kermit and the black
Les Paul. I added a tremolo to my sparse effects setup into the Bassman. It was kinda cool to add it in sometimes. See
ya guys real soon!!!
Fat Moe's solo Jazz April 11th- It was great fun at Fat Moe's. This was the first
of what I hope are many solo Jazz gigs. Don't worry-the band is not breaking up. I love the music and the guys too much to
want to go solo like that. It is just another aspect of my inner musician that needs to get out. No hiding behind the other
guys, no hiding at all. It helps to keep the chops up. People enjoyed the music and some folks came up to me after
my sets and told me that they were glad to see someone playing jazz again.
I used my Les Paul all night as that is the closest thing I have to a jazz guitar right now. It was fun.
Hope to see ya'll again soon.
Shawnee Community College March 30th- Lots of fun because we got to play on a big
stage. It was more like a concert than we usually do and the RFB enjoys doing this kind of thing. We got to play
alot of original material and the crowd enjoyed it. Thanks to Tim for having us out and for Cody Foltz for doing
the sound. It was a great night for me because Garrett "Mississippi Miles" Fabec got to throw down on some harp for us. And
Rich's in-laws were also there. Tech Stuff-I used alot of guitars that night. Kemit mainly but I also used
the black Les Paul for slide and at the end I used my white strat as it has the only whammy bar that is not broken. For effects
I used wha/TS10/DD3/JHP experience pedal into the Bassman. Also because this was a bigger stage I borrowed a Fender Deville
from a friend of mine (Thanks Nathan). See ya'll out there somewhere!!!
Harrah's Casino March 24th- A great place and great people. There were some fans
there that really loved the blues. Everyone that was there seemed to have a great time. We tried out some new material and
people seemed to like it. We hope to be back very soon. Tech Stuff- A little variation this time. I used Kermit,
but I also used my Black Les Paul. The effects were wha/TS10/Ibanez Chorus/and DD3. I don't use the chorus that much but I
had it with me and I was just in a mood. I usually set it for a leslie type sound. See ya out there somewhere!!!
Grand Chain Lodge March 17th- A fun time on St. Patricks day. A great crowd was
there to hear some music and have fun. We even had some friends and students of Rich's from Shawnee College come and sit it.
Nathan Betts and Cody Foltz sat in on some guitar. That is what the other black strat is in the pictures. A great time was had by all and we had reason to celebrate as there was a couple there that had gotten married
that day Congrats to them!!! Tech Stuff-I had Kermit and my white strat there as well as my wha/TS10/DD3 into
'65 Bassman setup. It really has a great sound. Now if I could play it right...See you guys April 21st for a Luau.
Fat Moe's March 16th- I'm sure there is not a better place in Paducah to hear good
music. A fun night was had by all in attendance, including us. Mary and Moe are the best and the staff there are just the
nicest people. The crowds are always great and they love to hear the music. We recently have been playing some new songs that
will be on the next CD project. No word on when that might be, but it is good to hear and play some new stuff. Tech
stuff-I used my maple neck strat and Kermit. Few foot pedals and the 65 Bassman. Hope to see you guys on May 11th. (Also on Thursday April 12th Rich will be appearing at Fat Moe's playing solo Jazz Guitar. come on out
and enjoy!!!)
Grand Chain Lodge Feb. 20th- A fun time for all was had at this Mardi Gras celebration.
Even thought the weather outside was frightful. (Seriously-lightning,thunder, hail) It was a great time inside. The lodge
has a wonderful view of the Ohio river and it is really a geat place. We had a great time until the power went out right at
the very end. Several of my guitar students from the college came out and I hope they enjoyed it. Tech Stuff-I
used the same stuff I used at Mollies: Kermit and Garrett into wha-TS10-DD3-Bassman. When it sounds good, don't mess with
it. See ya guys on St. Patricks Day
Mollie's Fri. Feb. 16th- It is always fun to play at Mollie's. The food the atmosphere
and everything is just a classy place. We had a great time and the crowd was really into listening and enjoying the blues.
John and Danny were really on this night. (They always are, but sometimes I don't mention it. They are the best rhythm section
in Illinois and beyond.). Some parents of some of my students came out and they enjoyed it and got to see if their kids teacher
could actually play or if he was milking them for money. They liked the blues. Tech Stuff- Kermit was there
guilty of his usual bluesy badness and I also used "Garrett," the black Les Paul. I used him for the first two sets and was
reminded of why he was my main guitar for so long. Same effects set up Wha-TS10-DD3 into the Bassman. See ya'll there on Friday April 6th.
Fat Moe's Sat Feb. 10th- The only cool place in Paducah to hear good music. No other
place compares. A great night of fun and blues. The crowd was great and there was even a few guys who came in from the Paducah
Symphony Orchestra. Real musicians and they liked us too. One gentleman in a tux even went to Breklee (just like Rich) although
he was there before him. Very nice guys and a great crowd. Tech Stuff-I had such a great time with what I
used at Pips II that I used the exact same stuff at Fat Moes.
Pips II Fri. Feb. 9th- A great place and a very enthusiastic crowd made for a great
night of blues. The crowd there we knew well. It was good to see this place open again. We saw alot of old friends and even
made some new ones. We played some new songs that will be on the next CD and they were met with great response. Tech
Stuff-I played Kemit my trusty Strat and "Whitey" my newer white Strat. The effects are kept to a minimum these days.
It was Wha-TS10-DD3 into the '65 Bassman. Good tone is all that amp has in it.
Herrin Civic Center Sat. Jan. 20th- This was a great night and a great double bill.
We played with a great local band Shakey Jake. They were great guys and great players. It was a great night of bluesiness.
Making his debut was the once and future king of the blues Garrett "Mississippi" Miles Fabec. That's right my son jammed with
us and thre down some mean blues harp. He even got to sign autopgraphs after we were done. Too cool!!!! Check out some of the pictures from the gig. Tech Stuff-I played Kermit and Sonya that night. Same effects set up and amp as always. Loving the sound
of it. Take care and come see us soon!!!
Tres Hombres Thurs. Jan 18th- A great night of bluesy jamming was had by all. Our
first gig in 2007 was a good'un. It was great to be back at Tres, the coolest place to hear music in Carbondale. Good crowd
and good fun-what more could ya ask for. We even tried out some new songs that we have been writing for a new CD sometime
this year. Come on out and listen. Tech Notes-I used "Kermit" and the black Les Paul. I only used a few floor
pedals this time. It went wha-bluesbreaker-delay and into the Bassman. Simple and direct!! Come on out and see us soon!!!
