Curly "No Shoes" Jr.

Artist Information

Biography

Discography
2001 - Single - Wanna Be A Better Man
2004 - Single - Nuthin' But A Tear
2005 - Full CD Release - Make Your Dreams Come True
2006 - Commissioned by the 2006 Martin Luther King Committee to write the 2006 Marade theme song "What's Goin' On"

Special Awards and Recognition
2005 - "Special Recognition" in the 2005 Billboard Songwriting Competition
2005 - Musiqtone's "You Gotta Know Artist"
2006 - Recipient - The Colorado Wave's "Golden Wave" Award
2007 - Colorado Music Buzz Magzine's "Fourth Best Local Colorado Show"

Film Licensing
2005 - "Curly's song "Nuthin' But A Tear" featured in the movie "The Surfer King" (starring Lindsay Wagner, Alan Thicke and Randy Wayne)

Acting
December 2006 - Curly appears in the short comedy film titled "Comets and Other Disasters", a Steven Parker Film.

January 2007 - On the set in another movie. Curly plays the part of "Brinkman" (a hard-nosed Chairman of the Board of a venture capital group) in the upcoming Macho Grande Productions film "The Proposal" by Director Thomas Chavez.

February 2007 - Curly plays a surprise dual role in the Denver Repertory Theatre production of Jonson Kuhn's "DENVER"

March 2007 - Curly is selected for one of the lead roles in Stillwater Production's film "The Ruined"

May 2007 - The lead role in RW Films' Short fim "The Bradenton Monster"

July 2007 - Supporting role in the short film "The Used"

July 2007 - Given one of the lead roles in FOX's upcoming horror series "The Vampire Mistress"

August 2007 - Supporting Role in Simpson Production's Indie Feature Comedy "Upside"

September 2007 - Selected for a lead role in Edward Vasko's short film "Oily Marks"


Biography
Curly "No Shoes" Jr. (a.k.a. Mark Muehlberg), originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, began his Blues career in the early 1990's by joining the extensive Blues community in Dallas, Texas, lead by the infamous Bluesman and virtuoso Blues guitarist "Hash Brown", who later became one of Curly's best friends and mentors in the Blues.

Curly was then introduced to Former World Champion Wrestler and well known Blues promoter Arman Hussein (one of the original organizers of the now world famous Mississippi Blues Festival). Arman introduced Curly to a number of Blues and R&B Legends even arranging for him to sing with artists such as "Lucky" Peterson, Joe Jonas, R.L. Griffin, Texas Slim and Greg Smith, just to name a few.

Curly was also fortunate enough to become close friends and companion to the legendary Sam Myers (8-time recipient of the W.C Handy Blues Award and singer with Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets) who also helped Curly tremendously in "cutting his chops" as a Blues vocalist.

Curly moved to Denver, Colorado in 1999 and formed a group called "Curly 'No Shoes' Jr. and the Ricky Earle Blues Review", featuring former Little Milton guitarist Ricky Earle.

Curly later founded, together with the strong guitar of Gabe Masry, a group called "Curly 'No Shoes' Jr. and The Bigfeet Blues Band".

Curly has also made regular appearances with "The Sammy Mayfield Blues Review" since relocating to Denver.

In 2004 Curly's single "Nuthin' But A Tear" was featured in the Movin' Pictures Studios film titled " The Surfer King".

NOTE: A portion of all of Curly's CD sales go to support the Colorado Coalition For The Homeless!

Instrumentation

Curly "No Shoes" Jr - Vocals, Songwriting
Todd "Fingers" Gilmore - Guitar
Jumpin' Richie Foelsch - Bass
Kevin "Sticks" Jochem - Drums
Steve "The Professor" Cassells - Keybords

Discography

Official Website

http://www.curlynoshoesjr.com

Audio

• Wanna Be A Better Man
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• Hide Me from Myself
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• You Ain't The One For Me
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• Nuthin' But A Tear
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• Finally Found My Baby
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• The Path
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Lyrics

• Wanna Be A Better Man
• Hide Me From Myself
• You Ain't The One For Me
• Nuthin' But A Tear
• Finally Found My Baby
• The Path

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Garage Radio CD Review!! [+ Show ]
  

  The blues is a funny thing. An artist that sounds too similar to other blues performers becomes anot...The blues is a funny thing. An artist that sounds too similar to other blues performers becomes another unremarkable copycat, while musicians who break with tradition are often accused of not being "true" to the blues. The most successful modern blues artists, Stevie Ray Vaughn for example, tread respectfully between tradition and personal expression. It's tough to get it right, but Curley "No Shoes" Jr. might just be able to pull it off.
  
  Curly "No Shoes" Jr. (Mark Muehlberg) is a Colorado based blues singer/songwriter with a lot on his mind. This barefoot bard of the blues must be given praise for releasing his new CD "Make Your Dreams Come True" without the support of a record label and without compromising his vision of the blues. His album has certainly found an audience with Colorado area blues fans and radio stations. So what does Curly bring to the genre? And what has happened to the poor man's shoes?
  
  The album opener "You Ain't the One For Me" is the highlight. Slow and repetitive, it forgoes the standard I IV V blues changes for a trance inducing jam. It's Jr.'s bitter lament on misguided love. Backed by guitar, drums, bass, and keyboards; his gravely croon up high in the mix; Curly reminds listeners that the best blues is simple, personal, and cathartic.
  
  For me, the remaining tracks equal the power of the album's opener. The majority of the material is comprised of top notch blues themes and song structures. Curly sings about woman troubles, hard-won life lessons, depression, and chasing short-lived thrills. "Nuthin' But A Tear" recalls 60's era live at the Fillmore blues. "Well a gypsy woman told me baby/ your love brings nothin' but a tear..." he sings amidst bass grooves and snappy guitar licks. It's fun. "Make Your Dreams Come True" is a Rolling Stones inspired ballad that isn't lacking any soul. The album concludes with "The Path," an intimate and soothing acoustic farewell.
  
  Curly "No Shoes" Jr. may have his faults, but it's safe to say they are lovable ones. The Blues is music belonging to the populace, and Curly's fans have spoken. This is the sign of a successful blues artist. Curly "No Shoes" Jr. is a talented singer/songwriter who hasn't gotten cold feet about making music on his own terms.
  

• Northeast In-Tune Magazine [+ Show ]
  

  Curly "No Shoes" Jr. needs no introduction. Since the early 90's, Curly has made a solitary name for...Curly "No Shoes" Jr. needs no introduction. Since the early 90's, Curly has made a solitary name for himself through the Denver blues scene and has surpassed many other musicians in the blues community. He has not only performed with such artists as "Lucky" Peterson, Joe Jonas, Texas Slim and R.L. Griffin, but he gained his start from the direction of "Hash Brown." His latest solo release, “Make Your Dreams Come True” features a perfect partnering with blues legend Sammy Mayfield. A concoction of these influences, along with pure talent, has made Curly “No Shoes” Jr. a force to be reckoned with.
  
  Curly's soulful style, mixed with a generous sampling of rhythm and blues makes for an ultimate sensatory experience. He takes you on a journey of the heart; euphoric bliss to mournful obsession. "You Ain't the One for Me" is a meltdown of emotions. Curly's lyrics evoke a hard realization of a love gone bad while the guitar resonates a desperate wanting for a different truth. He picks himself back up on "Wanna Be a Better Man." The catchy and good old-fashioned blues rhythms help his plight to win his baby back. The heavy reverb guitar riffs on “Nuthin’ But A Tear” rip into your soul and make you feel Curly’s pain. Accompanied is Curly’s unique vocal styling to create a true blues exploration. This smoky and ruff track should definitely not be missed and is the epitome what I like to call, the “Curly Blues Experience.”

• The Songwriter's Network/Kickback Radio and MusicXtreme!! [+ Show ]
  

  We originally reviewed this artist on a single track called "Hide Me From Myself". When we received ...We originally reviewed this artist on a single track called "Hide Me From Myself". When we received Curly's cd, we just had to review the entire cd.
  
  "Make Your Dreams Come True" is a stylish and "down in the trench" type cd with song collections that contain the best in electric blues peppered with great Delta, KC and Chicago stylings. Curly's vocals were made for blues as his tonal qualities matches the genre and he has the perfect vocal cuts and sustains to make the blues convincing. As Curly is a "Bluesman" at heart, there is a lot of "heart 'n' soul" in this cd and a lot to get excited about. The songwriting reflects the artist's experience in life and has great qualities lyrically along with great melodies that brings the trials and tribulations of life in blues. If you're not a blues fan before listening to this cd, you will be afterwards!!

• A City Of Stars! [+ Show ]
  

  Every now and then someone laments to me that the local music scene in Denver doesn't have it going ...Every now and then someone laments to me that the local music scene in Denver doesn't have it going on.
  
  And I think, "Poor you. You really out of touch, aren't you?"
  
  On any night of the week you'll find local talent on stages across the city that you'll swear should be making headlines and performing at the Pepsi Center. Three clubs visited in three days prove that out.
  
  Friday night I caught Curly No Shoes Jr down at Bushwackers. If Curly's deep, smoky vocals don't get you, the guitar, bass, drums and harmonica are to die for. This is one tight group of musicians and one that you won't be able to watch just once.
  
  As far as Curly's new CD goes...once again...from the first note, there is no doubt - Curly is a bluesman extraordinaire. With his smoky, deep throated vocals, Curly lures you into his world of the blues and doesn't let you go until the final track.
  
  Make Your Dreams Come True is a CD you will want to add to your collection!
  
  Why aren't all these folks out on the national stage with their name in lights? I think that's something that could only be understood by a politician. There are certainly forces at work beyond the talent of the performer.
  
  It's a tragedy, perhaps, for the performers who deserve more recognition. For music lovers, it's akin to having a hidden treasure. For less than it costs to park your car, you can enjoy the finest talent this world has to offer at your local nightclub.

• "You Gotta Know" Artist Of The Month! [+ Show ]
  

  He might be one of the most inspiring You Gotta Knows Musiqtone has ever had. Not everyone's path i...He might be one of the most inspiring You Gotta Knows Musiqtone has ever had. Not everyone's path in music is paved with gold and for Denver native Curly 'No Shoes' Jr, the path wasn't always paved with gold. Like every person who has tried to make their own mark in the music industry, there are inevitable struggles and hard times. After years of battling with alcohol, drugs, and a myriad of problems that threatened to derail his dream of making music, this man has reinvented himself and four years later, he is clean and sober and ready to finally take on the blues world with his take on old school blues.
  
  With vocals evoking some of the great blues masters of our time like Buddy Guy and B.B. King, Curly is certainly poised to put his own name in the pantheon of blues legends. His own past struggles are often subject matter in his pieces, which accents the blues mystique because blues isn't always about the positives, it can also be about one's struggles.
  
  It is his story which has inspired us at Musiqtone and it is his reemergence in life that makes Curly our "You Gotta Know" for the month of November.
  

• Colorado Blues Society [+ Show ]
  

  Curly “No Shoes” Jr has been a staple on the Denver blues scene for a long time--known not only for ...Curly “No Shoes” Jr has been a staple on the Denver blues scene for a long time--known not only for his upbeat and joyous personality but for his talent as a blues musician as well--and finally, finally we have his 1st solo CD. The wait has been worth it. Produced by local hero Sammy Mayfield, who also played most of the instruments on this recording, we are presented with a CD that has a touch of humor, a touch of love, a touch of heartbreak, and even a touch of America in it. A very traditional blues CD with 12 original songs.
  
  A special mention has to be made of Sammy Mayfield’s guitar playing on this recording--not only is it excellent but he manages to cop a tone very much like the tone Clapton used on the song, “Strange Brew”. It is a tone that fits well with Curly’s voice.
  
  A couple of cuts worth mentioning. “I sing the Blues” is a very traditional number but the lyrics are great! Another one is “American Boy”, which harkens back to Curly’s days in Dallas.
  
  Definitely worth our time and money, I give this one 4 mojos out 5.
  
  (Special mention that a portion of the sales of this CD are being donated to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.)
  Doug McMaster - Colorado Blues Society - "The Holler" (Sep 30, 2005)
  

• Music Connection Magazine [+ Show ]
  

  Denver based blues singer Curly "No Shoes" Jr. (Mark Muehlberg) has learned the genre from some of i...Denver based blues singer Curly "No Shoes" Jr. (Mark Muehlberg) has learned the genre from some of its best performers and he fronts this quartet with an effectively tremulous vocal rasp that conveys a dark, moody aura.
  
  Add Sammy Mayfield's smoldering guitar and you've got a brooding mixture that's sure to lure electric blues devotees.
  
  Originals "You Ain't The One For Me", "Nuthin' But A Tear" and the Stones-ish "Wanna Be A Better Man" are solid workouts....

• DREAMS CAN COME TRUE [+ Show ]
  

  “Make Your Dreams Come True”, the latest effort from Curly “No Shoes”, Jr. is certainly a dream come...“Make Your Dreams Come True”, the latest effort from Curly “No Shoes”, Jr. is certainly a dream come true for all of you Blues enthusiasts. With the guitar talents of Sammy Mayfield, Curly has compiled a CD that tears at your soul one minute and has you tapping your feet the next. Curly’s accomplished voice has just the right splash of soulfulness to combine with memorable melodies, making this original music far more than just another Blues CD.
  
  The guitar shreddings on tracks like “Hide Me From Myself” and “Live, Learn and Love“ will have you believing you are hearing B.B. getting the most out of Lucille. Mayfield is one of the premiere guitarists in the Blues genre and shows why throughout this masterful work. “Wanna Be A Better Man” and “Finally Found My Baby” will have you bopping your head and tapping your feet all the way through, while songs like “It’s Gonna Be Hell To Pay” and “I Sing the Blues” bring you back to Blues roots with the strong influences of Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson present in gripping fashion. The fiery “Nuthin’ But A Tear” is a blood boiler that is a powerful piece of song and makes even the most die hard Blues lover nod in admiration.
  
  Curly has put together a group of songs where the listener can relate to all the lyrics. Everyone has lost a girl or two; everyone has made a mistake or two; everyone has done a bit of crying in their heart from time to time – Curly makes you feel all of this and more. The production of this CD is fantastic, and the creativeness flows in a style that can only be Curly. Don’t pass on this wonderful CD which proves that the Blues are very much alive and kicking.
  Chad Velvin - Freelance Writer/Music Critic

• Curly "No Shoes" Jr.: Song Review "Hide Me From Myself" [+ Show ]
  

  This is an artist that I found quite amazing. Curly "No Shoes" Jr. is a bluesman at heart and perfo...This is an artist that I found quite amazing. Curly "No Shoes" Jr. is a bluesman at heart and performs that part in extreme fashion. From the very first note, you know this is hard hitting blues. Curly seems to bring in various styles of blues into this song as it has elements of Delta , KC and Chitown blues in one cool package. His vocals are second to none in this genre as he has the tremendous vocal cuts and sustains needed to make this genre convincing. His contemporary fashion with traditional tendencies gives you the feel of newness and familiarity

• Review From Mixposure.com [+ Show ]
  

  This is Curly "No Shoes" Jr's new CD, and it is absolutely a killer! Very, very soulful blues wi...This is Curly "No Shoes" Jr's new CD, and it is absolutely a killer!
  
  Very, very soulful blues with great guitars and wonderful vocals! An old friend of mine said to me, "what makes a great bluesman is something that can't be bought or bargained for, it has to be earned and it is earned with mileage."
  
  This guy has been doin' it long enough, and has enough mileage to be part of that group they call "Bluesmen".
  
  Welcome brother! I really am diggin' your music!
  
  Give a listen to "Curly", you wont be disappointed!

Setlist

Set list includes about 60% originals and 40% innovatively restyled covers. We are accustomed to playing 3 one hour sets each show.

Basic Requirements

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