Boogie Bone has emerged as influential contributors to the fertile blues scene in Portland, Oregon, but not without ruffling some feathers along the way. In four years they have released three critically acclaimed, self-produced records and shared the stage with blues legends: Coco Montoya, Rick Estrin and the Night Cats, Tab Benoit, and Duke Robillard. In 2010 they were added to the bill for the prestigious Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival (largest blues festival west of the Mississippi). They have received Muddy nominations for: Best New Act, Best Contemporary Blues Band, Performance of the Year (twice), Male Vocalist of the year (twice), and Northwest Album of the Year (Bone-A-Fied). The latest release, Pro-Bone-O, is already considered their best effort and is receiving world wide airplay since it’s release in mid January 2011.
The blues purists may be put off by their aggressive style and imaginative interpretations, but the devotion of their passionate fans (The Boneheads) can’t be questioned. The song writing duo of guitarist Steven Dee Williams and vocalist Jake Johnson have matured into a creative force, with genre defying craftings that keep the listener on their toes, while weaving clever lyrics with deft musical offerings. Their style has brought comparisons from Lead Belly to Led Zeppelin and many influential artists in between. But be warned: If you like your blues in a can, this band may not be for you.
Oregon Music Hall of Fame multi-instrumentalist Steve Snyder brings a swiss army knife approach to musicianship, playing three saxophones, harmonica, flute, and keyboards. This versatility enables the band to easily shape shift from traditional blues to rockers, and from jump blues to funk masters. The rhythm section of Todd “Spud” Stevens and Henry Gavaldon provide the foundation that allows the band to spring in whichever direction the composition demands.
The band formed in 2006 when Williams, Johnson, and Stevens got together to put on a show for a local beer brewers club. All three were long time friends that had played in various bands together in the past, but never in the same band at the same time. The gig was a hit, and it felt good enough to see “where it would lead”. They tried a couple of bass players before they called upon another old band mate, Henry Gavaldon. At this point all four guys had known each other for over 20 years and were really a “band of brothers”. In 2007 while playing a gig on the Oregon coast, another friend (Steve Snyder) was by chance spending the weekend with some buds in the same town. He sat in that night, changed the dynamic of the band, and has never left.
Preparing for the release of Pro-Bone-O, more friends were called upon to help with the live show. Another Oregon Music Hall of Famer: Rick Ollison on trumpet, and Louisiana native and piano wizard Steve Kerin. Encores ensued. Look for more shows with this powerful line-up in 2011.
Howlin’ Jake Johnson - vocals - Tigard, OR
Steven Dee Williams - guitar - Honolulu, HI
Steve Snyder - Sax, harp, flute, keys - LaGrand, OR
Todd “Spud” Stevens - Drums - Walla Walla, WA
Henry Gavaldon - Bass - Bagdad, AZ
Ricky Ollison - Trumpet - Portland, OR
Discography
Boogie Bone Bone Daddy Records - 2007
Bone-A-Fied Bone Daddy Records - 2009
Pro-Bone-O Bone Daddy Records - 2011
Festivals
Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival 2010
Blues By The Sea 2010
Ilwaco Blues and Seafood 2008 and 2009
Backyard Blues Bash - 2008
Blue Lake Park 4th of July 2006 - 2009
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