Music
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The musicians in the Venom Blues band have, collectively, well over one hundred years of experience in playing live music. Put those years of experience together with a sincere dedication to the beginning roots of the blues, and you have a potent mixture for a great sounding band. As a six piece act which features two percussionists, harmonica, and a saxophone in addition to guitar and bass players, and you have all the makings for a great live blues show.
Venom Blues formed in 2005 and was brought together by an extreme desire to rekindle the flames of the artistry known as the blues and carry it forward to a new generation. As a band they feel that the blues is truly a unique form of art that deserves attention to detail but also leaves room for different interpretations and personal variations. By bringing all these factors together it enables them to be true to the art of the blues while pushing the boundaries to enrapture a newer generation.
View slideshow: Venom Blues
The Venom Blues band at The Reef
Photo credit: Phil Robins
Phil Robins, lead guitar and vocalist says, “ The musical dynamics and variety of styles that Venom Blues plays during our live shows always leaves the crowd wanting more. We don’t play your typical grandma style of blues, so come prepared to hear something special and unique.”
The members of Venom Blues consist of Phil Robins, guitar and vocals, Kevin Smith, bass and vocals, Dan DiReda harmonica and vocals, Stormin’ Norman Thomas and Steve Long on percussions, and saxophone. If you are in the mood for some of 'dem ol blues’ and want to see an excellent live show then be sure to check out Venom Blues. Hope to see you at the show! - examiner.com
The musicians in the Venom Blues band have, collectively, well over one hundred years of experience in playing live music. Put those years of experience together with a sincere dedication to the beginning roots of the blues, and you have a potent mixture for a great sounding band. As a six piece act which features two percussionists, harmonica, and a saxophone in addition to guitar and bass players, and you have all the makings for a great live blues show.
Venom Blues formed in 2005 and was brought together by an extreme desire to rekindle the flames of the artistry known as the blues and carry it forward to a new generation. As a band they feel that the blues is truly a unique form of art that deserves attention to detail but also leaves room for different interpretations and personal variations. By bringing all these factors together it enables them to be true to the art of the blues while pushing the boundaries to enrapture a newer generation.
View slideshow: Venom Blues
The Venom Blues band at The Reef
Photo credit: Phil Robins
Phil Robins, lead guitar and vocalist says, “ The musical dynamics and variety of styles that Venom Blues plays during our live shows always leaves the crowd wanting more. We don’t play your typical grandma style of blues, so come prepared to hear something special and unique.”
The members of Venom Blues consist of Phil Robins, guitar and vocals, Kevin Smith, bass and vocals, Dan DiReda harmonica and vocals, Stormin’ Norman Thomas and Steve Long on percussions, and saxophone. If you are in the mood for some of 'dem ol blues’ and want to see an excellent live show then be sure to check out Venom Blues. Hope to see you at the show! - examiner.com
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
PHIL ROBINS
Lead Guitar, Slide Guitar, Vocals
Born in Delaware, the son of a Country Rock musician, Phil has been playing guitar since he was eight years old. He is a self-taught guitarist with influences from his father and other guitar masters. In 1987, he toured throughout the south with his father’s band, "Second Sun" and worked as a studio session guitarist. His blues band Mr. Blue was formed in 1989 and toured extensively up and down the east coast in support of major CD releases. Phil has been invited onto stages of such blues greats as Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, Johnny Copeland, and Otis Rush. Currently, Venom Blues is Phil’s hottest new act, playing and recording original blues.
KEVIN SMITH
Vocals, Bass Guitar
A Delaware native, Kevin Smith (no, not the director) joined the band at its inception. He has been creating and playing music in the Delaware area since the late 70's. A self taught guitarist and vocalist pounding out blues and rock classics in his first band, he developed an interest in the blues cornerstone that helped build today's music. As the songwriter/lyricist for an all original band in the 80's and 90's, he found an appreciation for the stories told by musicians of the past and how their message has been carried across generations. Switching to playing bass with Venom Blues offers new musical challenges; an opportunity to delve into true blues styles, expand on the idea of original music and still have the ability to pass on some powerful history using the words and music of some of the world's greatest blues pioneers while writing some new history along the way...
DAN DiREDA
Harmonicas, Vocals
Dan, DA MAN, DiRida!
Back from the world of the lost and missing!
Dan has been one of the backbones in this wild extravaganza! Them smokin harmonicat leads and the faithful hootin' rhythms that lend a hand to our overall sound cannot be missed! Danny's style is one of a kind and can be heard a mile away! Come see for yourself why we couldn't let this guy fade away!
The world would be missin' so much!
Damn glad you're back!
STORMIN' NORMAN THOMAS
Percussion, Vocals
"Stormin' Norman" has had an ear for music his whole life. Starting in school playing with the band to doing the Ole' Blues Thang with us on the weekends - he's got a groove that put the whole thing in proper perspective. With a list of toys too numerous to mention, Norman adds a layer of complexity that just rounds out the show in a way few could anticipate.
Norman does not only handle our percussion needs, he can belt out some series baritone vocals. The kind that really makes Da Blues stand up and say something. His renditions of Stormy Monday and Dukes Place receive raves from our listeners, so make sure to give a listen when you can - you won't be disappointed!
STEVE LONG
Percussion
Steve Long offers up a percussion style that truly adds to Venom Blues' edge. A musical professional, Steve has been playing in Delaware and surrounding areas for decades with a variety of bands. Deciding to hang his hat in the Venom Blues Studios, Steve is a great addition and helps add that "bite" to Da Blues!
JOE MAROCCO
Saxophone
Joe's DA MAN! Poundin' out some sweet riffs on the plumbing, Joe can stand alongside the best in the business! From the seductive to the insane, Joe can really light up the audience! With decades of performance experience with major players in the region, Joe brings a new and inspiring dynamic to the band! Don't be surprised when he jumps up on the PA system and belts out something that will melt your skull!
JERRY PEETE
Keyboard, Harmonica and Vocals
A man of the world, Jerry is the latest blues man to grace the member list! His smokin' keyboard riffs are a trademark that will be with us for a long time! His energy is boundless and his antics are wild but he means every note he plays and he plays for keeps! Watch out!
This boy has DA BLUES!
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