Bobby Thompson & The Magic Voyagers

Based on the idea of the Band of Gypsys, The Magic Voyagers employs are group of highly-talented, seasoned pros as its members : :: BOBBY THOMPSON :: vocals, electric guitars, lap slide guitars :: PATRICK THORNTON :: bass, vocals :: MIKE ECHOLS :: bass, vocals :: BLUES WEBB :: drums :: DEREN BLESSMAN :: drums

ORIGINS
Born out of the original Bobby Thompson Band, which was a power-blues-rock trio , The Magic Voyagers is a group that prides itself of creating powerful grooves and putting on intense live shows. Whether moving smoothly from funk to reggae to blues and folk-rock to all-out blues-rock, The Voyagers are a complete unit of three seasoned and talented musicians. Equal parts vocals, guitar, bass and drums, Bobby first teamed up with Eddie Hartness (drums, percussion and backing vocals) while working with DC-based Southern Rock group Brother Shamus. Eddie performs over 100+ dates a year on the road with Eddie From Ohio, and is a full-fledged member of the Magic Voyagers. After a year with Mike Echols on bass and vocals, Patrick Thornton has joined the team in the summer of 2007 and has brought his brand of old-school funk and song arrangements ala Boogiehawg, Welbilt and The Taylor Carson Band. Patrick is also a teacher and is well-schooled in both music theory and performance, especially how to involve the crowd.He also tours the region with Welbilt and Taylor Carson

MUSIC AND EXPERIENCE

As the chief songwriter and singer in the group, Bobby has developed his reputation as a blues-influenced guitarist to bringing in elements of music composing and conscious lyrics. His influences range from progressive blues groups like Gov't Mule, Ben Harper, and Citizen Cope, while keeping his love of the classics, especially The Beatles, Bob Marley, and Jimi Hendrix. His songs touch on varying parts of real life; joy and happiness, pain and love, and redemption.

In the past few years, Bobby has played at some of the regions top venues... Nissan Pavilion Sidestage for Carlos Santana Show (Bristow VA), Carter Barron Amphitheater 2002 Summer Reggae Festival (Washington DC), The Nation - Bob Marley Birthday Celebration 2002 (Washington DC), Taste Of Arlington Festival 2007 (Arlington VA), The Canal Club - w/ Soliders Of Jah Army (Richmond VA)

THE MAGIC VOYAGERS

With their first gig at the 100-seat hall Cinema Drafthouse in their hometown of Arlington Virginia, The Magic Voyagers created a new onslaught of blues-rock influenced by artists ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Cream to Ben Harper and Mars Volta. Initially a blues-rock band, over the course of a year, The Voyagers have mananged to successfully incorporate funk, reggae, folk-rock, and soul into their exhausting live shows. At the end of every show, The Voyagers play a three-song tribute to Jimi Hendrix and end the night in a frenzy of guitar driven feedback. A definite must see for any fan of authentic music.

Opened For / Shared Stage with ::
Eric Lindell (Alligator Records)
Duwayne Burnside (North Mississippi Allstars)
Biodiesel
Lionize
Jubeus
Joey Williams (Robert Randolph)
Junior Marvin (The Wailers)
Future
Three Legged Fox
Ballyhoo!
Soldiers of Jah Army

2008/2007 Venues played: 420 Festival II (Gore VA); Gemini Festival II (Roanoake VA); Canal Club Downstairs (Richmond VA); Colonial Tavern (Fredericksburg VA); 8X10 (Baltimore MD); Santa Fe Cafe (College Park MD); Whitlows On Wilson (Arlington VA); State Theater (Falls Church VA); Sonar (Baltimore MD); Fat Tuesdays (Fairfax VA); TT Reynolds (Fairfax VA); Reston Festival (Reston VA); Sullivan Hall (NYC); World Cafe Live Upstairs (Philadelphia PA); Sundogs (Corolla NC); Taste Of Arlington (Arlington VA)