Tributes

Roomfull of Blues

Roomful of Blues : The Band

Chris Vachon ~ guitar
Chris is a true multi-talent. His prowess as a guitar slinger is well documented, and his strengths as a producer and songwriter grow from album to album. He produced the band’s five most recent albums—There Goes the Neighborhood (1998), Watch You When You Go (2001), Live at Wolf Trap (2002) the Grammy nominated That's Right! (2003), and Standing Room Only (2004) after co-producing all of Roomful’s other albums recorded in the ’90s. Chris’ songs—such as “Turn It On! Turn It Up!,” “Running Out of Time,” “She'll Be So Fine,” “Blue, Blue World,” and “Dynamite”—have become firm favorites in AAA and blues radio formats, bringing many new fans into the Roomful fold.

Dave Howard ~ vocals

Dave Howard has been on the New England blues scene for more than 2 decades.  He is the co-founder and singer for Young Neal & the Vipers and fronted his own blues roots rock band The HighRollers for over 14 years.  He has been nominated in the Providence Phoenix polls in the Best R&B Band category for 18 years, winning in 1998 and again in 2006.  Also voted Best Male Vocalist in 1998.  This singer/songwriter was called by DownBeat Magazine (10/05) “the defacto ruler of the little blues state” and is gaining recognition for his songwriting ability.  Dave brings some true grit to his new role as singer in Roomful of Blues. 

Dima Gorodetsky ~upright & electric bass
A master of the upright bass, Russian born Dimitry (Dima) Gorodetsky brings back the ‘jumpin’’ vintage Roomful sound. Dima began playing music at the age of three. Not only an accomplished upright and electric bassist, he has also studied piano, drums, guitar and trumpet. Dima landed his first professional engagement at the age of 14, and in the last 10 years has enjoyed popularity as a freelance artist on countless diverse engagements. Aside from having traveled with a symphony orchestra throughout Europe, he has performed throughout the continental U.S. and Canada with various blues, jazz, rock, ethnic and classical music groups.  More recently he has toured the world with the Duke Robillard Band as well as working in the studio on Lauryn Hill's latest recording project. 

Ephraim Lowell ~ drums 
From Keene New Hampshire, Ephraim is a multi instrumentalist that began playing drums at an early age. He has been a mainstay on the New England Blues scene for well over a decade and was voted "Best Drummer " in 2003 and 2004 by New England Blues Audience magazine . As a session drummer he has contributed to numerous recordings, and has toured extensively with K.D. Bell, James Montgomery, Bobbie Radcliff, Luther Guitar Junior Johnson and Monster Mike Welch. "Aiming the beat at their feet", Ephraim's solid swing and shuffle rocks in the Roomful tradition.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Travis Colby ~ piano & B3
Before joining Roomful of Blues, Travis fronted his jazz-funk band  "Hipology", and was one of New England's busiest sidemen, backing up such notable artists as Ronnie Earl,  Johnny Winter,  K.D. Bell, and many other Blues greats.  Travis also toured the world with Luther  "Guitar Jr."  Johnson, and was featured on Luther's 1998 Grammy nominated album  "Gotta' Find A Way".  Voted "Best Keyboard Player" 2002, 2003 and 2004 by New England Blues Audience magazine, Travis' solid rhythm, driving piano solos, and howlin' organ riffs are a first-class addition to the "Roomful Tradition".

Rich Lataille ~ tenor and alto sax
Rich joined Roomful in 1970 and was there at the beginning of what has become the most legendary horn section in contemporary blues. It was Rich’s interest in the swinging bands of the ’30s and ’40s that led Roomful to forge the distinctive sound that has become the band’s trademark. A man who can play both sides of the fence, lyrically tender or blisteringly hot, Rich has a big, warm tone that is always jam-packed with feeling. His melodic inventiveness reflects the depth and breadth of his wide-ranging influences. Rich worked with various local and high-school bands before beginning his long-term relationship with Roomful.

Bob Enos ~ trumpet
Bob “Bubba” Enos, long a mainstay of the band, puts the sparkle on top of Roomful’s legendary horn section. His energetic, searing attack, whether soloing or as part of the ensemble, makes the band’s sound immediately identifiable. Bob’s obvious good humor and enthusiasm make it clear that this man thoroughly enjoys his music. Since attending the New England Conservatory of Music, Bob has played professionally all of his adult life. Before joining Roomful, he worked with The Platters, Channel One, and various other New England soul, R & B, and jazz outfits. Bubba’s primary influence is Louis Armstrong.

Mark Earley ~ bari & tenor sax
Mark names Sonny Stitt as his main man, with more than a nod to Sonny Rollins and Dexter Gordon leading him to Lester Young and an appreciation for the depth and history of the music. As a longtime fan of Roomful of Blues, and their like respect of the tradition, he has finally arrived home. His tone, ideas, deep bottom and charismatic stage presence further burnish what is already a legendary horn section. Memorable performances include shows with Jay McShann, Albert Collins, Louis Bellson, Joe Williams, Jerry Portnoy, Johnny A., Barrence Whitfield, Lee Konitz, The Coasters, The Temptations, Chuck Findley, Wayne Newton, Jo Ann Castle, Dallas Jazz Orchestra, and the Rudy Scaffidi Orchestra.