There
was a time, before the recording industry was fully developed, when
the labels applied to specific styles of music were nothing more
than fledgling marketing terms. The musicians who appeared on the
early records of the 1920's and 30's thought nothing of playing any
style of music, and were guided only by their own personal taste.
Artists like Eddie Lang and Louis Armstrong, in addition to playing
their own music, backed blues shouters, country singers, and played
in big band orchestras. This is the spirit that we, as a band, are
trying to recapture. We play our own songs, and others that have
caught our ears, regardless of their origins. Most importantly, we
try to make every song our own. After six years of playing together,
each musician in the group has developed a distinct, personal voice
which can be heard in each song. The result is an infectious mix
of early blues, jazz, country, and popular songs which is highly
listenable and ideal for dancing.
Pianist
Peter Mika has performed professionally in Montreal for over fifteen
years. In addition to playing with Blind, he has performed with Montreal
groups Orealis, The Crazy Rhythm Daddies, The Steve Rowe Band, and
The Stephen Barry Band. He also toured with New Orleans Blues legend,
Bryan Lee. The deep, searching solos that emanate from his piano
consistently bring out the best in the other members of the band.
Upright
Bassist Stephen Barry needs no introduction. He has played the blues
in Montreal for over 30 years, supporting legends like John lee Hooker,
Hubert Sumlin, Vann Piano Man Walls, Pinetop Perkins, Big
Moose Walker, Big Mama Thornton, Odetta, and Bo Diddley.
In 2002 he was voted Canada's bass player of the year by the
Toronto Blues Society. He brings an experience to the music that
anchors the band into an always tight groove.
The
quartet is rounded out by drummer Ben Caissie. When not playing
with Blind, he divides his time between bands Bharath and the Catfish
and Lil’ Andy and Karaoke Cowboy. He has also toured Europe
three times with the legendary Sun Records recording artist Eddie
Bond. His rock-solid shuffles on the snare drum keep toes tapping
and feet dancing all night long, while his inventive solos always
inspire the crowd.
There
was a time, before the recording industry was fully developed, when
the labels applied to specific styles of music were nothing more
than fledgling marketing terms. The musicians who appeared on the
early records of the 1920's and 30's thought nothing of playing any
style of music, and were guided only by their own personal taste.
Artists like Eddie Lang and Louis Armstrong, in addition to playing
their own music, backed blues shouters, country singers, and played
in big band orchestras. This is the spirit that we, as a band, are
trying to recapture. We play our own songs, and others that have
caught our ears, regardless of their origins. Most importantly, we
try to make every song our own. After six years of playing together,
each musician in the group has developed a distinct, personal voice
which can be heard in each song. The result is an infectious mix
of early blues, jazz, country, and popular songs which is highly
listenable and ideal for dancing. 
Pianist
Peter Mika has performed professionally in Montreal for over fifteen
years. In addition to playing with Blind, he has performed with Montreal
groups Orealis, The Crazy Rhythm Daddies, The Steve Rowe Band, and
The Stephen Barry Band. He also toured with New Orleans Blues legend,
Bryan Lee. The deep, searching solos that emanate from his piano
consistently bring out the best in the other members of the band.
Upright
Bassist Stephen Barry needs no introduction. He has played the blues
in Montreal for over 30 years, supporting legends like John lee Hooker,
Hubert Sumlin, Vann Piano Man Walls, Pinetop Perkins, Big
Moose Walker, Big Mama Thornton, Odetta, and Bo Diddley.
In 2002 he was voted Canada's bass player of the year by the
Toronto Blues Society. He brings an experience to the music that
anchors the band into an always tight groove.
The
quartet is rounded out by drummer Ben Caissie. When not playing
with Blind, he divides his time between bands Bharath and the Catfish
and Lil’ Andy and Karaoke Cowboy. He has also toured Europe
three times with the legendary Sun Records recording artist Eddie
Bond. His rock-solid shuffles on the snare drum keep toes tapping
and feet dancing all night long, while his inventive solos always
inspire the crowd.