Pure and Sinful

Born of a love of classic blues and vintage rock n’ roll, Pure & Sinful is a Richmond, Virginia based band comprised of four musicians celebrating the connection between early blues, rockabilly and contemporary blues-oriented rock.

James Offie (guitar, vocals) worked in his own R & B band for seven years, which was based in his hometown of Baltimore, Md. The band played venues from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, and performed on dates with such artists as the Fabulous Thunderbirds, John Mayall, Koko Taylor and James Cotton.

Ted Atkinson (bass, vocals) played guitar, keyboards and trumpet before picking up the bass. Since then, Ted, originally from Tennessee, has worked in bands of various styles from Folk to Top 40 to R & B, including the Richmond-based RDT Band.

Bob Stufflebeem (drums, vocals) has worked with many of the area’s finest bands, including the Bopcats, Nine Below Zero, and the Taters. Originally from Maryland, Bob continues to work with bands with varying styles, including blues, and gospel.

Gary Fralin (piano, Hammond B-3 organ) was also an original member of the Bopcats, and has worked with Li’l Ronnie, Gary Gerloff, and most recently was the keyboardist for the Janet Martin Band.

Pure & Sinful has performed at Richmond clubs featuring roots music, such as Medley’s, Poe’s Pub and Rock Falls Tavern, and were finalists in the James River Blues Society’s “Best Unsigned Band” competition, and was twice voted most popular band by the readers of the Richmond Music Journal. Their first CD was recorded in June, 2001 and contains eight original songs. The band recently shared a bill with Chicago Blues harmonica legend Carey Bell, and has also shared the stage with Li’l Ronnie, Terry Garland, Janet Martin, Anson Funderburgh, and infamous D.C. disc jockey The Greaseman.