How I started playing, the blues....

I began getting interested in the blues when I was a young teen,the year was 1978.I began listening to Buddy Guy,and BB King.  Later,  I  discovered Albert King, Freddie King, and Otis Rush.I began learning how to play the guitar. I started playing on an old nylon string guitar and eventually bought my first electric guitar. I locked myself in my room, and I played for 6-8 hrs a day.

All I ever wanted to do, was play, so I practiced all I could. Back then you could buy a real Gibson 335 or Les Paul or a real Fender for under $400.00, and it was American made. I was really into electric blues and found myself playing guitar, all the time..

I often found myself, listening to different forms such as Chicago, Delta and Texas Blues.I would buy as many Blues records,as I could afford. I would sing along with my favorite Blues records and stay up all night and jam along with my guitar.

Other musicians I listened to included the great Robert Johnson and Willie Dixon. When I was young I was blessed with being around musicians all the time. I tried to learn all I could from all my influences. Contemporary players such as Mike Bloomfield, Luther Allison, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton just to name a few. Still considering myself as a student of the blues I dedicate my whole life to this art.

Guitars and Equipment - I play a Fender Stratocaster, with Lindy Fralin Blues specials, and the 68 Gibson Es 345,and 335s.. I also use a customized 76 Fender Super Reverb Amp,and  Fender Deluxe reverbs. .Another favorite is my Charvel-American San Dimas Project 1,with Van Zandt pick-ups ,for slide guitar..I also use a G/L Custom shop S-500. I also experiment with 2 amplifiers running together, for a simulated stereo effect,for a fuller more tight sound.

The Band:

Mike Manne-Electric Guitar,and Lead Vocals. 

John Whelan- Electric guitar-Inspiration

Henning Stum-  Drums - Adds his modern drum styles, and unique approach,with fresh ideas, and Jazzy/Blues inflicted sounds,keeps a solid firm rhythm section.

Chris Pizzimenti -Bass-His playing is right from the roots of the blues,heavey bottom,supports the band full force,and instills his ideas into the core of the music.

CC on 'guest vocal'