Roomful of Blues, according to DownBeat magazine, “is in a class by themselves.” With their masterful combination of jumping, horn-heavy, hard-edged blues and R&B, it’s no wonder why the great Count Basie called them “the hottest blues band I’ve ever heard.” Since 1967, the group’s deeply rooted 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 (one for Blues Band of the Year in 2005). The band has been led since 1996 by guitarist Chris Vachon. Guitar Player says, “Vachon burns with explosive solos and a delightfully greasy sense of rhythm.” Roomful of Blues has always maintained its signature sound by boasting great musicianship and a stellar horn section—featuring tenor and alto saxophonist Rich Lataille, who first joined the band in 1970. Lataille’s masterful playing can evoke either the fat-toned honking sax of the glory days of early rock or the cool elegance of big band swing jazz.
With a non-stop performance schedule for over 40 years, Roomful of Blues has earned critical, popular and radio success and a legion of fans around the globe. Twice, the prestigious DownBeat International Critics Poll selected them as Best Blues Band. Roomful joined the Alligator Records family with the Grammy-nominated That’s Right! in 2003, followed by Standing Room Only in 2005 and Raisin’ A Ruckus in 2008. All three CDs received massive amounts of critical and popular praise and earned them hordes of new fans. Now, they’re back with Hook, Line & Sinker, a foot-stomping CD highlighting the intense vocal and instrumental power of the band.
Roomful of Blues has always been one of the tightest, most joyful blues ensembles in the world. They have never sounded fresher or stronger than with the current line-up. Along with Vachon and Lataille, the band’s present incarnation includes newest members vocalist Phil Pemberton, bassist John Turner and trumpeter Doug Woolverton, and long-time members drummer Ephraim Lowell, keyboardist Travis Colby and baritone and tenor saxophonist Mark Earley.
