Roomful Of Blues Tickets

About The Roomful of Blues

It was founded way back in 1967, in Westerly, RI, by pianist Al Copley and guitarist Duke Robillard. Soon they settled on bassist Larry Peduzzi and drummer Fran Christina; initially, they pursued a contemporary blues-rock style and began playing around the various local clubs and coffeehouses. Well Robillard rethought their direction and soon discovered jump blues, and in 1970, they came up with horn section featuring Rich Lataille (alto/tenor", saxophonists Greg Piccolo (tenor) and John Rossi; after a year they were joined by baritone saxophonist Doug James in 1971.

After few years the band honed their sound and earned local popularity. Then, the band started supporting established blues artists. No one would have ever imagined that the Knickerbockers Cafe in Westerly would become a fifteen year residency for the band. In 1974, the band members got a chance to gig with Count Basie, who was a professed admirer. After performing few live gigs, the band got a record deal with Island records. In 1977, the band released their self-titled album, followed up by "Let's Have a Party" in 1979. Subsequently, Robillard left the band to pursue his other projects, and eventually became a successful solo artist.

He was replaced by guitarist and bandleader Ronnie Earl, and consequently, trombonist Porky Cohen was also added to the final line up in the horn section. Meanwhile, saxophonist Piccolo made his vocal debut with "Hot Little Mama" which was recorded for Blue Flame in 1981. In the same year, the band was joined by trumpeter Bob Enos and Preston Hubbard were replaced by bassist Jimmy Wimpfheimer. Well the band gradually gained respect in the world of blues and they had been backed up by the legends including Earl King and Big Joe Turner (1983's Blues Train).

Unluckily, Ronnie Earl quit, though the band remained a popular touring attraction. Soon Cohen left the band and replaced by Carl Quenfurth in 1992. With a trail of health offers, eventually the band bankrolled their sessions and released some albums like” Turn It On! Turn It Up! in 1995, which was nominated for a Grammy, followed by "One Roof" in 1997. Consequently many members of the band left the group and only guitarist Vachon, drummer Rossi, trumpeter Enos and sax man Lataille remained with the final line up. These remaining members restored the group and added new vocalist McKinley "Mac" Odom, and returned in 1998, with their next album "There Goes the Neighborhood." In 2002, the Odom left the band and he was replaced by singer/harpist Mark DuFresne. If you are a Blues lover then don't miss to catch the "Roomful of Blues" performing live, just collect your tickets from an on-line ticket vendor and be at the concert venue.

Discography:
Standing Room Only (2005)
That's Right! (2003)
Watch You When You Go (2001)
The Blues'll Make You Ha... (2000)
Swingin' & Jumpin’ (1999)
There Goes the Neighborhood (1998)
Under One Roof (1997)
With Joe Turner/With Edd... (1997)
Roomful of Christmas (1997)
Turn It On! Turn It Up! (1995)
Dance All Night (1994)
The First Album (1992)
Live At Lupo's Heartbrea... (1987)
Dressed Up To Get Messed Up (1984)
Hot Little Mama (1981)
Hot Little Mama (1981)