THE TEXAS GROOVE BLUES BAND
BIO
BOB
SIMONSON-Drums
Bob was added to Texas Groove in 2007. He is a veteran musician possessing a
bachelors degree in music from Roosevelt University in Chicago and an MBA Degree
from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI. Bob has been a professional
musician for more than 25 years. He has experience performing in a variety of
venues including blues, country, and southern rock bands. In 1990 he also played
with a blues band who had the honor of being the opening act for Buddy Guy in
Marquette, MI. After that, Bob traded this fun ride of clubs and gigs and late
nights for a more secure day job gig in the business world. That was successful,
but after moving to Springfield, IL in the summer of 2005, Bob started sitting
in at the Blue Monday jam sessions at The Alamo. Bob states, " I had no
chops and cramped hands at first, but then it all came together for me, and I
started playing in the pocket and finding that groove that really is the total
essence of playing the blues. Then I started jamming and performing with Rick
and Blake, who look at things the way that I do, and everything just fell into
place. We have all the elements of blues, barrelhouse, boogie, great singing,
personality, and a great back beat". Bob enjoys being the blues heartbeat
of Texas Groove.
RICK
MEADOWS – Guitar
Rick, the originator of Texas Groove, has been playing for over 25 years. After
studying many styles of music including rock, jazz, country and classical, Rick
found his heart and home in the Blues. “Playing the blues is all about
feeling. You take what’s inside and let it come out, sometimes without
control, through your instrument.” After taking a few years off to start a
family, Rick realized that playing again was inevitable. “Music has a way of
becoming a part of life. You can’t deny it. It inspires you, drives you,
motivates you and at the same time humbles you.” Rick loves the tone of
vintage amplifiers (especially fender) and currently uses a variety including a
50’s tweed fender deluxe, 70’s silverface fender deluxe reverb, 70’s
silverface fender super reverb, Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior and his prized 1962 Brown
Fender Pro. States Karen Marshall of Springfield , IL, “Rick’s sounds are
fresh and strong and when you hear him play it makes you feel alive.” Rick
enjoys the challenges and freedom of a trio format and gives Texas Groove a
distinct and powerful sound.
BLAKE
EVERIST – Bass, Vocals
Blake is a firsthand blues performer and veteran musician with over 40 years of
playing and vocal experience. His style has evolved while playing with many
different bands throughout the Springfield area. Blake brings a wealth of talent
to the group and enhances every performance by putting his own blues style into
each song. Speaking about the blues Blake states “I didn’t find the blues,
they found me. You know everyone has them, that’s a part of the human
condition. Without knowing the blues you can’t really know happiness. The
blues are an American original art form and I give thanks to all of those great
performers who came before me.” Blake’s bass playing skills and vocals pulls
all the elements of Texas Groove together and his energy and stage style is
infectious.
"My blues are so simple, but so few people can play it right" - Muddy Waters
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