The Johnny Mac Band is coming back to New York fresh off the heels of their recent visit to Memphis for the 33rd Annual International Blues Challenge, where they rocked the legendary Tin Roof on Beale Street.
The band features the one and only Johnny Mac, a veteran of the New York music circuit.
Stinging guitars and fiery solos bookend soulful voices that are supported by the rock solid rhythm section of Joe Roberts on keyboards, Dave Ice on bass and Raymond Hauck on drums.
The band also features the vocal styles and guitar work of Mohair Sam Wylie, a 79-year-old blues man from Badin, N.C.
The subtle influence of B.B. King, Ray Charles and others inform the band’s original music, which is distinctly their own.
The warmth of their sound has often been described as “comfort music for the soul.”
On their recent trip to Memphis, keyboard player and vocalist Roberts said, “Participating in the 33rd International Blues Challenge was a simply incredible experience. In those four days, Beale Street came alive with more talent per square inch than I ever would have imagined. What a wonderful opportunity it was to meet so many fellow musicians from around the world, each sharing a palpable respect for and love of this unique art form. Each, practitioners… of the blues.”
Every performance is high energy and improvisational, and JMB are always fresh and leave audiences clamoring for more.
The band can comfortably and authentically morph into any musical style, ranging from the blues, jazz, classic rock, Motown, dance, funk, island, and the Dead.
They also frequently attract the area’s finest musicians to their performances to sit or jam as featured guests.
The Johnny Mac Band will now bring their fun, energetic and powerful sound to Long Island with two upcoming performances at Vines & Hops in Riverhead on Saturday, March 25 at 7 p.m., and as the opening act for Steve Winwood at The All Music Inc. Lounge at The Space at Westbury Theater on Thursday, April 20 at 7 p.m.
Always approachable, the band is happy to talk music with anyone who is interested.
Each member has had a long and successful career in music and music education, and all of the members of The Johnny Mac Band are deeply committed to giving something back to the community through teaching and educating young musicians on various levels.
For more information about the band and a full list of their upcoming concert dates and open jams, go to www.JohnnyMacBand.com/Shows or visit www.Facebook.com/JohnnyMacBand or Twitter: @JohnnyMacBand.
