Krypton City Blues Review

For the last sixteen years, in the Central Pennsylvania region, the name Krypton City Blues Revue has been synonymous with music that satisfies love of traditional blues that is easily understood by fans of all blues music—both new and old. Like any true working band, entertaining people is their highest priority. From bars to house parties to festivals every gig is representative of the band’s collective love of the music and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Krypton City Blues Revue has had the honor of sharing the stage with numerous, varied artists over the years, such as Lonny Brooks, Bo Diddley, Lil’ Ed, Johnny Winter, Cadillac John, Terry “Harmonica” Bean, Tinsley Ellis, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Derek Trucks, Sam Carr, Bob Margolin, and Big Jack Johnson. The band has performed at blues events such as Bucks County Blues Society Summer Picnic, Billtown Blues Festival, Ski Sawmill Blues Festival, Briggs Farm Blues Festival, among many others.
The band has released four self-produced CD’s and has been included on several compilations

Founding member Mitch Ivanoff (6’8”, 410lbs.) has been for the last thirty-six years a steelworker by day and blues musician by night! Born in 1952 and raised in an area of inner-city Harrisburg, PA known as Cibeltown, a racially-diverse neighborhood, he developed an early appreciation for blues and the music that it came to influence. In his role of vocalist and guitarist, he is both exalted and humbled by the opportunity to grow as an artist and an entertainer. Ivanoff is preferential to older guitars and amps, though he knows it’s really all in the hands. His mother is his greatest fan. “She comes to all my gigs.”

Kenzie “Mr. KJ” Johnson, also a steelworker for thirty-plus years, has been playing R&B music since his teens. He was a student of the late Ben Martin (who played guitar for Ray Charles). A Southpaw guitarist, his tone is smooth and sweet as honey, as are his vocal stylings.

Keyboardist Lee Carroll was born in Kentucky and educated at Berkeley Music College. He then relocated to Nashville where he worked with many of the greats of country music, most notably the Judds, and traveled all over the world. After the birth of his son, he realized that raising a family was to become his highest priority and took a ten-year hiatus. Although he is easily the greatest musician in the band, Carroll’s most important contribution is his ability to play straight from the heart.

Bassist Harry Werner, now in his second stint with the band, knows how to play for the song. A true Journeyman, he’s the glue that bonds his band mates together. A recording engineer and producer he owns and operates his recording studio Deep Water Recording.

Drummer Scott Stump is a master of the blues style, specializing in old school shuffles, swing and jump blues. He has toured nationally and the world with Cary Bell, Rocking Jake, Darrell Nulisch, and Lou Pride and appears regionally with Krypton City Blues Revue, Flatfoot Sam and Automatic Slim among others. His clock steady time locks the band into very deep solid pockets every time.

Mike “Fathead” Easton not only blows Harp but is a world class harp tech. He deeply loves the traditional masters and newer artists as well. Vintage harps and amps are his choice to achieve his rich tones.