The Ugly Rumors

STERLING 'KRAZYLEGS' BURGESS - PIANO & VOCALS
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Sterling looks to Dr. John, Roosevelt Sykes, Memphis Slim, Otis Spann and others for inspiration. The Ugly Rumors is a project that's been on Sterling's mind for many years. St. Louis is recognized as a sort of crossroads between Chicago and New Orleans. Sterling has wanted to pay tribute music for which St. Louis was originally known. He had this idea for some old school piano blues as opposed to the harder edged Chicago style. These old tunes had a wink in their eye and they were easy going. He found a huge source of material to draw from that utilized all his musical training. Formally trained at a local junior college, he got into the blues at the urging of his buddy,Glen Bergstrom. They were in a couple of bands together, like Acme Blues Band and the Bluesdrivers. They even got a chance to be part of the St. Louis Blues Fest on the landing in the mid 90's. He actually learned the ropes with a local legend Buffalo Bob. He's worked with a number of local bands since then like Mood Swings, and the Kevin Lehman Group. He currently plays for Boo Boo Davis & Neon Blues.

GLEN BERGSTROM - GUITAR
Growing up in California, Glen cut his musical teeth on Rockabilly, surfer, and Beatles. In the late 60's and early 70's, he played with Treebeard. Moving to St. Louis, Glen met Sterling at a local music college and since then they have played together in their church group, several bands and now The Ugly Rumors. Glen said he's always been interested in the blues but really dove into it during the mid-80's. He passed up a golden opportunity to take lessons offered by none other than Henry Townsend. He says he periodically kicks himself for letting that one slip. "Blues is real-straightforward. It runs the gamut of human emotions spanning the sorrows, triumphs and tranquility of life."

CHRIS BROWN - DRUMS
Chris Brown has been involved with the music scene since the mid-sixties. The Delta blues was his biggest influence at an early age, particularly early Johnny Winter recordings, and became an avid Blues fan ever since. Playing drums in bands as early as seventh grade, through-out High School, and as a full-time musician for many years after, Chris has played in practically every bar, and music venue in St. Louis at one time or another over the years; did a few Blues Festival tour dates in Canada and the U.S. with Boo Boo Davis, has some radio and studio work for various local artists under his belt.

RICK MECHLER - HARP
Rick has been around the country playing guitar and harp for many years. He brings a very melancholy, soulful sound to some of our more low key songs but he can cut loose when he's called upon. He brings a nice back up to the rhythm Glenn lays down on guiltar.