New Blue Soul

New Blue Soul originated out of The Rogue Johnsen Trio, winners of the 2017 DC Blues Society Battle of the Bands and competitors at the 2018 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. After performing on Beale Street, founding members Rogue Johnsen and Jim Barrett were inspired by a band they stumbled upon at Rum Boogie Cafe. They knew straightaway what they wanted to do and decided to begin writing for and creating what ultimately became New Blue Soul on 27 June 2018.

A nine-piece band, with a diverse arsenal of musicians, New Blue Soul set about to create an “Original Old School Blues and Soul" sound. Updating songs from Rogue’s past and writing new material for the band became a labor of love as the new members immediately caught the fever.

Members of the band have performed with a host of well-known local, national and international acts, including: Archie Bell and the Drells, Bo Diddley, W.C. Clark, Miss Lavelle White, Martha Capone, Automatic, Snuffy Walden and Sarah Niemetz (Post Modern Jukebox). The band’s common denominator is their love of blues and soul and of playing music together—it’s obvious to anyone who sees them, New Blue Soul is having a blast!