Valentino and The Piedmont Sheiks

Valentino:

Growing up in New York, Valentino has been a student of the harmonica since his grandfather gave him his first harp as a small child. Early in his career, he was able to study under New York¡¦s premier harp player, Tom Townsley. He moved South to the low country where he was mentored the Juke Joint Johnny and Chuck ¡§The Cat¡¨ Morris. He cites Little Walter, Sonny Boy I & II, and Big Walter as his main influences.

Valentino¡¦s fervor for performing the blues and expressive style of attacking each note on the harp, gives the Sheiks the one-two punch that keeps the crowd beggin¡¦ for more. Valentino¡¦s heart felt soulful vocals are enough to convince any disbeliever.

Chris Berry
¡§Mr. Clean Hands¡¨

Chris Berry has been a student of the Blues for most of his guitar playing life. After being mesmerized by Albert King while watching him perform on T.V. at an early age, he knew that playing the blues was his passion. His influences however are eclectic, ranging from the swing of Charlie Christian and T.Bone Walker to the more traditional Chicago blues sound of Muddy Waters and Jimmy Rogers. He also is influenced by the modern masters of the West Coast sound such as Junior Watson and Teddy Morgan and has been known to throw in a touch of Rockabilly just for kicks.

One local picker describes his style as "Charlie Christian meets Johnny Winter meets Johnny Cash".

Tracy Wiebeck
¡§Corn Huskin¡¦, Bass Thumpin¡¦¡¨
Tracy began his professional music career as bassist for The Ice House Blues Band in the late 60¡¦s. The front man for this outfit was the internationally known harmonica player, James Harman. The band relocated to the Los Angeles / Orange County area in California in early 70¡¦s. While playing with Harman, Wieback met and played behind well known blues artists such as Rod Piazza, Big Joe Turner, Pee Wee Crayton, George ¡§Harmonica¡¨ Smith, Hollywood Fats, Junior Watson and Walter Trout. This experience has developed Wieback¡¦s ¡§deep blues feel¡¨ and life long love of blues music. Wieback¡¦s ability to deliver a solid bottom line provides the foundation that the Sheiks ride on. His singing style and expressive vocals compliment The Sheiks.

ĔEd MezynskiĔ
¡§The Uncrowned King of Rhythm¡¨

Throughout the Piedmont Region of North Carolina Ed Mezynski is known as the ¡§Uncrowned King of Rhythm¡¨ and for good reason. After seeing one performance you can easily see that he is the hinge-pin that drives the train and sets the feel of each tune the Piedmont Sheiks perform. Never overplaying, he knows just when to lie on the gas or when to let it drag. Never overplaying, he knows just when to lie on the gas or when to let it drag. When he sings, the crowd is sure to take to their feet as he sings his infectious groove.