Album Notes

About Big Joe Maher

Joseph Maher a/k/a "Big Joe" Maher has been a performing drummer/singer over past 30 years. His list of credits is like a "who’s who of blues & jazz," having performed at an early age in his high school jazz band "The Starliners" with the likes of greats like Clark Terry, Urbie Green, Mudell Lowe, James Moody, just to name a few. Thanks to Col. Joe Carley, a retired Air Force Colonel and Director of the Starliners, who knew all of these great musicians and invited them to sit in as guest performers often. After high school Joe went immediately on the road with his own jazz trio. His mission then started to become an accomplished singer/drummer. Over time he shared the stage and backed up musicians like Jimmy Witherspoon, Bullmoose Jackson, James "Thunderbird" Davis, Nappy Brown, Otis Rush, Earl King and more. In the late 80’s after performing with and managing nine piece swing band "The Uptown Rhythm Kings," and after a few years as drummer and touring with the Tom Principato Band, Joe formed his own 5 piece blues jump group "Big Joe & The Dynaflows." In between touring and local performances with the Dynaflows, in the mid-90's Joe accepted the role as musical coordinator for Mick Fleetwood's club in Alexandria, VA "Fleetwoods." His knowledge of the local and national blues & jazz scene helped him land the position which had the club filled with top notch talent!
"If walls could talk, then the walls of the home I grew up in would wreak of Rhythm & Blues and Rock & Roll. I've always considered myself a very fortunate individual to have a father who loved this music that has become entrenched in my heart and soul. From the very first time I heard Louis Jordan & His Tympani Five (circa 1955) playing "Caledonia" with Mickey Baker's blistering guitar solo, I knew I dug this music.... I want to keep this music that is so close to me alive."
-- Big Joe