Soulard Blues Band - Live At The Great Grizzly Bear (1998)

What’s just as impressive as the eight straight wins is the fact that the Soulard Blues Band has been together for almost a quarter-century. Formed in 1978 by Art Dwyer who was soon joined by Jim “Ribtips” McClaren, SBB evolved naturally from late-night/early-morning jam sessions that mixed these young musicians with veteran talents such as Henry Townsend, Doc Terry, Tommy Bankhead and harmonica player Big Al. That connection to the essence of the St. Louis Blues tradition has been a vital element in SBB’s longevity. Despite a number of personnel changes along the way (at one point, the group even expanded to include a horn section and backing vocalists), SBB has remained true to its roots.

Blues may be in its name, but the Soulard Blues Band brings a distinctive touch to just about any musical style around. As Duke Ellington used to say, there are really only two kinds of music – good and bad. Evidently, SBB has found the secret to producing the good kind – year after year after year. ~Terry Perkins