Phifer Marshall Band

Richmond, Virginia’s Phifer Marshall Band has recently released their first cd of original material entitled “Powerhouse Blues”. This effort combined with the previously released “In Your Face Goodtime Blues Music”, a five-song demo, gives a good representation of the band’s overall sound and blues interpretations.

Mattie Phifer, vocals, harp and guitar, is from Whitmire, SC and has been playing with bands since 1967. She began playing the harp in 1976 on a cross-country road trip. As a member of the all female blues band, Sensible Pumps, Mattie toured the southeast opening for Koko Taylor and sharing festival stages with Brownie McGee, Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets with Sam Meyers. Individually Mattie has play on stage with South Carolina blues greats Nappy Brown and Drink Small.

Mattie’s influences include Koko Taylor, Etta James and Big Mama Thornton. Bonnie Raitt and Carol King were her favorite singers during the 70’s. Though Mattie’s voice is sometimes reminiscent of Janis Joplin’s she listened to Janis rarely. Interestingly Big Mama Thornton largely influenced both Mattie and Janis. Given the opportunity Mattie would love to play with Rod Piazza or James Cotton.

Guitarist and sometimes-lead vocalist Rick Marshall is originally from the Syracuse, NY area and has been honing his guitar skills since 1965. Rick has played in bands featuring styles as diverse as rock, pop, blues, country and easy listening with regular club appearances in New York State, West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia. Rick loves to play music and during band downtime can often be found at local jam sessions. If Coco Montoya, Johnny Winter or Leslie West would call with a job or jam invitation Rick would be there.

Bassist/back-up vocalist Greg Willard first picked up the guitar in 1968. Seven years later he filled in for a missing bass player and liked it so much he stayed with it. Greg’s musical background includes stints in rock, gospel, blues, pop and country groups. Playing with Kim Simmonds, the late Rory Gallagher or Mick Taylor would fulfill a dream of his.

Richmond, VA native Dave McNeer has been playing the kit for over 23 years. Influenced by Buddy Rich and John Bonham Dave has primarily played in rock bands, but adapted quickly and easily to the demands of the blues-based style of the Phifer Marshall Band. Although an avid blues enthusiast Dave would welcome the chance to study under Neal Peart.

During the four years the band has been together the Phifer Marshall Band has adopted a group approach to creating original songs to achieve their goal of writing contemporary blues songs that have the traditional sound. Either the tunes are created collectively at once or a band member introduces a concept to which each of the members contributes until the piece is completed.

Playing with Deborah Coleman at a Richmond Blues In The Schools event was one of the bands highlights.

In September of 2005 the Phifer Marshall Band entered and won the River City Blues Society band competition. As a result they will be going to Memphis, TN in February 2006 for the international competition.

Visit phifermarshallband.com for cd and t-shirt purchases, play dates and band updates.
The band can be heard on Internet radio stations such as http://www.electricbluesradio.com/; http://www.crossharpchronicles/; http://www.koqx.com/ and others.