Philadelphia Blues Singer 1

Growing up in Los Angeles, California listening to the R&B records of his older brothers and sisters, this Philadelphia Blues Singer started buying his favorite artists’ LPs and 45’s dating back to 1950s-70s Memphis Soul, Muscle Shoals R&B, Chicago and Memphis Blues to eventually amass an extensive record collection that includes 78s going back to the 1930s-40s. Listening to Harmonica players like Paul Butterfield, Little Walter Jacobs, James Cotton and Charlie Musselwhite, he became intrigued hearing all the different sounds they created. As soon as he began working at age 16, he bought his first Hohner Marine Band Harp finding he had a natural aptitude for this free reed wind instrument.

Philadelphia Blues Singer recordings

This Philadelphia Blues Singer learned the recordings of all the artists he admired by practicing every day. As an 18-year old minor he snuck into bars, learning even more by performing on stage with musicians 10-20 years older who welcomed Brian sitting in. By the time he turned 21, he was working full time throughout much of the Los Angeles area gigging with bands 6-7 nights a week; 2 years later a pivotal meeting took place with legendary Norton Buffalo (at Merle Haggard’s short-lived Nightclub Hag’s Place) who suggested he listen to Country Music players like Charlie McCoy. Taking Norton’s advice, he advanced his skill level teaching himself to play melodies plus twin and harmony parts with guitars, pianos, fiddles, and pedal-steel guitars. This articulate approach and rapid solo style of Harmonica playing is his signature musical trademark.

Philadelphia Blues Singer shows

Within another 2 years this Philadelphia Blues Singer joined the famous Palomino Nightclub house band in North Hollywood where he opened or backed up shows for some of the biggest names in Country Music. Luck soon also landed him a studio gig with a 14-piece orchestra on Down Home USA Country Music TV show recorded at Desilu Studios. During the following 9 years, he worked as a sideman enjoying busy national road tour schedules consecutively with 3 different bands. Career highlights include opening shows for dozens of major artists like Bo Diddley, Albert Collins, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and sharing the stage with numerous talents including Albert King, Albert Lee, Coco Montoya, Billy Swan and Don Preston.

Moving back to Los Angeles in his mid-30s, this Philadelphia Blues Singer started fronting his own Blues bands as a Singer and Harmonica Player. A true Artisan who’s also a skilled Draftsman and prior Fine Arts Major, Brian’s never without his self-designed Harmonica Briefcase. He organized and booked 8 of his own groups plus has worked with many more adding Harmonicas or Vocals to over 30 different recording sessions and videos for bands as well as Film/TV soundtracks. He also worked repeatedly at over 80 different Southern California venues.

In late 2012, this Philadelphia Blues Singer relocated to Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, known for its strong Blues Music and Arts Community. He is actively performing locally, booking clubs, music festivals and private parties.