The Staff Blues
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The Staff Blues

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"Music Minute: Staff Blues hits stage with new cd, band members"

After performing locally for about a year, and undergoing several lineup changes, The Staff Blues has finally made a record. Composed of their most accomplished original compositions, and one new tune which was written specifically for the work, The Staff Blues serves as an effective introduction to this up beat jazz /rock eight-piece.

Sean Walker, rhythm guitar and lead vocalist, and Mike Block, tenor sax, were the ones who got the ball rolling, first recruiting Mike Hastings to play lead guitar. Walker, Block and Hastings are the only remaining members from the original lineup.

"I can't say enough how lucky I was to find some jazz performance majors who were actually interested in starting a band and playing music outside of an academic setting," Sean Walker said.

Of the five other current members, three are more recent additions. They include Jamie Mock, percussion; Connor Davis, bass guitar and Dan Hoffman on keyboard.

The final two members, Blake Ozier, trombone, and Garret Schmidt, trumpet, along with Block make up the horn section.

Walker also serves as the group's primary lyricist, and as fine art major he says a lot of his inspiration thus far has come from his experiences as a student.

"Some of the tunes we wrote were based on artists… like, Sounds of Grass is a response to a Jackson Pollock painting, and Anything but Nancy is about a former EIU arts student."

Walker also says that the personnel meaning which is present in each of The Staff Blues' tunes contributes to his ability to perform them. "When I can connect with what I'm singing about, and what the band is playing, I feel that I put on a little better of a show."

As far as plans for the future go, Walker says he wants to continue composing new original material and playing for the local crowd. - The Daily Eastern News


"Sharing a drink with mom & dad"

Moms will squeal in sheer delight after experiencing the local music scene with performances from Mugwump Specific, Little Boy Junior and the Staff Blues Band this weekend. - The Daily Eastern News


"The Staff Blues"

Staff Blues is doing their part to bring blues rock back to the masses. Featuring a full horn section, the band creates a powerful sound that transforms the energy of any venue they play. - www.eiu.edu


"Music: The Staff Blues Band bring back vintage with jazz, blues and funk"

When The Staff Blues Band formed in late July 2008, the band only had five members.

By the time November rolled around, the band had gained three new members and added a full horn section.

"The whole experience of having an eight-piece band is still pretty new to us, considering that we just added our last member in November," said vocalist and rhythm guitarist Sean Walker.

"I learned one evening that we had a chance to play a show at the State Fair and me and my roommate started piecing a band together," said Walker, a senior art major.

Although the band originally formed for just one show, they soon began practicing on a regular basis.

"We originally only started for that gig, but I think that we really felt how much we all enjoyed the show and we decided to continue going," said Mike Pond-Jones, the trombone player.

Along with vocalist/rhythm guitarist Walker and bass trombonist Pond-Jones, members of The Staff Blues Band include tenor saxophone player Mike Block, lead guitarist Chris Hastings, keyboardist Dan Hoffman, drummer Jamie Mauck, bassist Wally Ulrich and trumpet player Nick Grill.

With having an eight-piece band, including a full horn section, the people of The Staff Blues Band are able to create a sound that is all their own.

"Typical rock bands really don't have a horn section, so we are able to create a much different sound than other bands," Hastings said.

"I think we are a little more unique in the way that we can have more solos and harmonies because of the big sound a larger band can create," Block said.

The Staff Blues Band describes its sound as jazz influenced funk-rock.

Their musical influences include James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane and many other jazz artists.

"With having a full horn section we are able to play a more wide variety of music. Plus, I think that horns make everything sound better," Grill said.

The Staff Blues band currently have only a few songs written, but they play a full variety of covers including "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder, "Vehicle" by the Ides of March and "Brick house" by The Commodores.

The band has recorded a couple of demo CDs, but they haven't recorded a full album yet.

Touring and recording an album are two goals that the Staff Blues Band is currently looking into for the near future.

"Hopefully, we can get in the studio this semester," Walker said. "We are crossing our fingers that we can get some recording done this semester. As far as touring goes, we are going to try and setup a couple Midwest tours for the summer." - Daily Eastern News: The Verge


"Battle of Bands Review"

"The final act was the most known performer of the event and needed no introduction as the seven-piece group The Staff Blues Band came into the spotlight.

The Staff Blues Band has won this battle in the past and returned to defend their honor as one of Charleston's top acts to book.

After a stellar performance that included brass instruments and a keyboard, The Staff Blues Band casually bowed and thanked the remaining attendees for their support." - The Daily Eastern News


Discography

The Staff Blues (EP) Now Available on Itunes!

Photos

Bio

Biography:
Since arriving on the midwest music scene in mid 2008, The Staff Blues has quickly become known for their high energy performances, pulling from a multitude of genres including blues, rock, jazz and funk. With one completed CD of original works, the group is currently writing material for their second EP. The Staff Blues is currently made up of eight members. The band has been able to draw inspiration from past members as well as a variety of guest musicians. The group is well known for bringing a variety of guests musicians including vocalists, violinists, and even auxiliary percussionists. At any venue featuring The Staff Blues, one is sure to see energetic front man, Sean Walker in his fedora hat dancing and getting the crowd to dance and move. But, as one looks past the front man, the band holds seven other amazing musician. Led by Band Leader and saxophonist, Mike Block, The Staff Blues features a 3 piece horn section and a 4 piece rhythm section. The horn section includes tenor saxophonist, Mike Block, trumpeter, Tim Cocagne, and trombonist, Blake Ozier. The rhythm section includes Jamie Mauck on drums, Connor Davis on Bass, Chris Hastings on Guitar and Dan Hoffman on Keyboard/Piano. This collaboration creates a tight sound that blends the rock and groove of the 60' and 70's with the youthful creative edge of modern contemporary. The Staff Blues has just begun to tap into their musical potential. They continue to gig and write heavily as a band.
After hearing The Staff Blues live, one is sure to “Catch the Infection.”