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Charles "Big Daddy" Stallings -
Vocals, Guitar
Charles “Big Daddy” Stallings really knows the essence of the Blues.
Born in Columbia, S.C. and raised on a farm in Hobbsville, N.C. with ten
brothers and sisters he lived the Blues everyday. Music became his
escape and the first song he learned to play was “Big Boss Man” by Jimmy
Reed. After migrating to Baltimore, MD. “Big Daddy” continued to develop
as a musician performing in local R&B and Jazz bands all the while
dreaming of recording his own Blues project.
His New CD “Blues Evolution” has Received National Attention with
Reviews in Living Blues (#196), Blues Review (#114) and also DownBeat
Magazines while also Reaching the National Radio Charts as Reported by
Living Blues (#195). Featuring the Singles “Let’s Boogie”, “Goin’ Down
South”, “Bluestrain” and “Blues Linedance,” this project Exemplifies why
His Music has been described as: “Good Time Blues With A Twist”.
His Debut Release, “One Night Lover”, Featuring the Single “4x4
Woman” which reached #1 @ XM Radio (Bluesville- CH.74) continues to
generate Sales and Airplay Worldwide recently Peaking at #1 on Midnight
Special Blues Radio in Paris, France.
“Big Daddy” has shared the stage with Magic Slim,
Hubert Sumlin,
Michael Burks,
Marva Wright, Mark Hummel and
Candye Kane and
“Mesmerized” the crowd with his Powerful Downhome Performance on the
Main Stage at Artscape’s 25th Anniversary in 2006 and again in 2008.
“One Night Lover” also Received National Attention with a Review in
Living Blues (#178) and “Big Daddy” was given a Standing Ovation for his
Performance on the bill with Blues Pioneer “Pinetop Perkins” as a
Special Guest of the Legendary The Nighthawks.
His Music can now be heard Globally in Belgium, New Zealand and
Poland. In 2006 “Big Daddy” Represented The Baltimore Blues Society at
The 22nd International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. In January 2008
he appeared at The 24th I.B.C. representing The D.C. Blues Society.
Wayne Johns - Guitar
Wayne has been playing the guitar since childhood growing up in Southern
Maryland. His influences include Joe Walsh, Eric Clapton and
B.B. King
as well as Gospel music. His musical experiences include performing with
Rock and Top 40 bands and he was once the guitarist for Baltimore's
Singing Disciples. Wayne enjoys playing music because of the good
feelings and joy it brings to others.
Ronald Bland - Bass
Ron started his musical journey in elementary school playing piano and
drums before trying the French horn in middle school. He picked up the
Bass guitar because of the heavy sound produced by Alice Cooper in the
early 70's while also studying acoustic guitar. His influences include
Larry Graham, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke and local Bassist Barry
Woodley. Ron has performed with numerous R & B and Top 40 Bands and
enjoys writing and playing different genres of music.
Russell L. Hayward II - Drums
Russell began playing drums in the mid- 60's in St. Mary's County with R
& B bands such as The Midniters and The Dynamic Corvettes and continued
into the 90's with various Top 40 acts. His influences include his High
School Band director as well as Frankie Beverly and Maze, Steve Ferrone,
David Garibaldi, Michael White and local phenom Dennis Chambers. Russell
also performs in churches and with a Jazz Trio while working as a music
instructor in Baltimore City Public Schools. He enjoys cooking, cycling,
softball, listening to music and spending time with his family.
Steve Levine - Harp
Steve is originally from Laurel, Maryland and started playing harp when
he was in high school. His main influences include
Big Walter Horton,
Phil Wiggins, Sonny Boy Williamson,
James Cotton and
George "Harmonica"
Smith. Steve also plays with the acoustic blues/roots band The Shack
Breakers. He has recorded with Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation,
Jeff Aug, Esther Haynes, Tom Paxton and The Resonators. Steve is a
former director of the DC Blues Society and he has written for the DC
Blues Calendar, Living Blues and Music Monthly.
Kelvin O'Neal - Trumpet
Kelvin is a 'lifelong musician' who began his musical studies playing
the trumpet in childhood. His musical experience is vast due to his
performing in Jazz, Gospel, R & B and Blues with both National and Local
artists. He's been influenced as a player by Dizzy, Louis Armstrong,
John Faddis and Roy McCoy and as a writer/ arranger by Duke Ellington,
Count Basie, Tower of Power and Earth, Wind and Fire. Kelvin was
previously a Director/ Musician with numerous musical groups including
the Eubie Blake Legacy Big Band and is also a music instructor in
Baltimore City Public Schools.
"E Flat" - Alto Sax
Eflat's musical experience also began in childhood after receiving a
clarinet and later a saxophone as gifts and has continued into the
present with his collaboration with 'Big Daddy' Stallings playing the
Blues. His style was influenced by Maceo Parker, King Curtis and Junior
Walker as well as guitarists Carlos Santana and
B.B.King as well as
various harmonica players. As a writer/ arranger he credits The Memphis
Horns, Chicago, Tower of Power and The J. B's with his development and
approach. Eflat feels that playing music and sharing it with others is a
'blessing' from God and is proud to be reunited with previous bandmates
O'Neil, Bland and Hayward in the B-Town Bluez Band
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