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“Somebody asked me once, didn’t I get a big thrill when I found out I was going to working with Louis Armstrong. “When Louis come, we was ready to pan Louis!” said Holmes. “Well, nobody would take it off because he was blowing, see? ”īecause of their faith in Metcalf, some of the musicians in Russell’s band were wary of Armstrong’s visit. “And he’d wear his crown every night-he had a little paper crown he’d made, that’s the way people would signify in those days,” he said. Defiantly he retorted, “I’ll wear this crown if Gabriel comes down from heaven.” According to guitarist Danny Barker, Metcalf “was cautioned that Louis Armstrongwas going to appear and that he would look ridiculous with this emblem of supremacy on his highly greased head when Louis mounted the stand. “He was the king.” Metcalf was not worried about Armstrong’s visit. “Louis Metcalf had a crown,” recalled Holmes. Metcalf played his trumpet while seated on a stool in front of the orchestra but that wasn’t enough. “It was an exciting band.”īut Russell already had a highly touted trumpet player named Louis in the brash, 24-year-old Louis Metcalf, “just the rave of New York City at that particular time,” according to guitarist Lawrence Lucie. “He had never lost a battle in the Savoy against nobody ’ recalled Russell’s alto saxophonist, Charlie Holmes. Russell’s big band was one of the hottest in New York and featured many of Armstrong’s old homeboys, including bassist Pops Foster and drummer Paul Barbarin.Īt the time, Russell was the king of the Savoy Ballroom. It was time to give New York another chance.Īrmstrong and Panamanian-born bandleader Russell were no strangers to each other, having first played together in New Orleans in the early 1920s. But the new Regal Theater opened nearby in 1928 and according to Carpenter, Armstrong and Singleton “weren’t drawing flies” at the Savoy. He was playing with his best friend Zutty Singleton in Carroll Dickerson’s band at the Savoy Ballroom and making $100 a week. ‘This ain’t for me,’ he said, and split, and came on back to Chicago.” “He’d been there before with Fletcher Henderson. “Louis was getting bids from New York, but he didn’t like New York,” Charles Carpenter remembered. Bell benefit) and Chris Fitz.Louis Armstrong left Fletcher Henderson’s band in New York in November 1925 and hadn’t been back-by choice. He’s performed with local blues legends Nicole Nelson, Toni Lynn Washington and Shirley Lewis (at the 2005’s K.D. Formerly of the jam band Groofus, she also sits in with New Hampshire’s Rhythm Ship and often performs with VMF.ĭrummer Rich Milne has appeared with local blues greats Chris Fitz and Ryan Fardy, and also lays down the backbeat for the soul outfit VMF.īassist Russ “Dog” Dougherty’s knowledge of blues, swing, soul, funk, and jazz helps keep John the Conqueror’s rhythm section pumping. Keyboardist/vocalist Katie Whalen spends her days teaching music and her nights playing. He claims jazz greats Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Arturo Sandoval and Louis Armstrong as influences. Skip has played in Las Vegas, Atlanta, Miami, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iraq. Skip Spoerke adds jazz, funk and Latin elements with his trumpet and percussion.
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He’s taken lessons from former Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna guitarist Jorma Kaukonen as well as country blues artists Josh White Jr. Check them out at Clayton Dutcher plays guitar-all kinds of guitar-lead, rhythm and slide. Additionally, it was his vision that created VMF.
RICKY KING RUSSELL BAND PROFESSIONAL
Varis “Voose” Ozols brings over a decade of professional experience and fiery approach to guitar that blends blues, funk, jazz and every other style you can imagine into a tasty mix. His voice can also be heard as the lead vocalist wih VMF. Many find it hard to believe this is his first band, but he’s honed his chops in a few short years. Manny Barros’ wide range and soulful vocals reflect the deep emotion that makes the blues real.
RICKY KING RUSSELL BAND FULL
Nicole Nelson said, “You guys are awesome … I’ve signed your mailing list and look forward to coming out to catch a full show!” They opened for local artists like the Jones Brothers, Liz Lannon Band and RC Blues Alley, and played a variety of clubs and outdoor festivals on their own. They performed at the “Blue Cross” Hurricane Relief benefit alongside Ricky “King” Russell, Racky Thomas, James Montgomery and others. Starting with the ethic of classic blues and soul music and the energy of good-time rock and roll, John the Conqueror blends classic and original songs for a good-time, dance-and-party night of fun.