Roomful of Blues

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Duke Robillard, founder of Roomful of Blues

Roomful of Blues is an American blues and swing band .

history

Roomful of Blues was founded in 1967 in Westerly, Rhode Island by guitarist Duke Robillard and pianist Al Copley . Originally they turned to Chicago blues , but soon they began to incorporate swing , jump blues , rhythm & blues, and jazz from the 1940s and 1950s into their styles. To do this, they expanded the band with a wind group. In 1977 legendary songwriter Doc Pomus produced their first album, which earned them national recognition.

1980 Duke Robillard left the band and was replaced by Ronnie Earl . Through continuous tours, they expanded the circle of their fans considerably. The sales of their records also increased. Roomful of Blues also played regularly with blues greats such as Jimmy Witherspoon , Jimmy McCracklin , Roy Brown , Big Joe Turner , Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson and Earl King , stars of the jump blues scene of the 50s.

Over the years they have performed at important festivals, such as the Montreux Jazz Festival in Europe . They combined appearances with blues greats like BB King , Otis Rush and Stevie Ray Vaughan or rock musicians like Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana .

Band members (2010)

  • Chris Vachon, guitar
  • Phil Pemberton, vocals
  • Bryan "Frankie" Rizzuto, bass guitar and bass
  • Ephraim Lowell, drums
  • Travis Colby, electric piano and Hammond organ
  • Rich Lataille, tenor and alto saxophone (only remaining member from the original line-up)
  • Doug Wolverton, trumpet
  • Mark Earley, baritone and tenor saxophone

Former band members

and many others

Discography

Studio albums

  • 1978: Roomful of Blues ( Island Records ), re-released in 2003
  • 1979: Let's Have a Ball (Mango)
  • 1980: Hot Little Mama (Varrick)
  • 1982: Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson & A Roomful of Blues (Muse)
  • 1983: Blues Train (with Big Joe Turner and Dr. John ) (Muse Records)
  • 1984: Dressed Up to Get Messed Up (Varrick)
  • 1986: Glazed (with Earl King ) (Black Top)
  • 1994: Dance All Night (Bullseye Blues)
  • 1995: Turn It On! Turn it up! (Bullseye Blues)
  • 1995: Rhythm & Bones (with Porky Cohen ) (Bullseye Blues)
  • 1997: Under One Roof (Bullseye Blues)
  • 1997: Roomful of Christmas (Bullseye Blues)
  • 1998: There Goes the Neighborhood ( Bullseye Blues )
  • 2001: Watch You When You Go (Bullseye Blues)
  • 2003: That's Right! (Alligator)
  • 2005: Standing Room Only (Alligator)
  • 2008: Raisin 'a Ruckus ( Alligator Records )
  • 2011: Hook, Line & Sinker

Live albums

  • 1987: Live at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel (Varrick)
  • 2002: Live at Wolf Trap
  • 2013: 45 Live

Compilations

  • 1999: Swingin '& Jumpin' (Songs of the 1970s) (32 Jazz Records)
  • 2000: The Blues Will Make You Happy (Songs from 1981 to 1998) (Rounder Records)

Web links