°•. Jim Phipps
Jim Phipps has been a bluesman since birth. He just didn't know it until 1986 when he first heard Muddy Waters' legendary album Hard Again. He then realized that he had finally found his calling in life... to be a real bluesman. He played this LP over and over again until he know every word and tone change in Muddy's blues-soaked voice. His early piano and trombone lessons had failed him so he became content with honing his vocal stylings in the traditions of the great blues shouters such as Muddy, Wolf, and John Lee Hooker. In 1989 Jim broke up with his longtime girl friend, the first woman he had ever loved, and was sent into an emotional tailspin, finally feeling the blues for the first time. He realized that you couldn't learn the blues but instead had to live the blues.
Since that time whiskey, women and money, or lack thereof, has given him much suffering, sadness, and heartbreak, helping to make him the bluesman he is today. He has played in PA, Texas, Chicago, Toronto, and LA with some of the biggest names in blues today, including Kenny Neal, James Petersen, Magic Slim, Charlie Love, Paul Oscher, Sammy Fender, Lee Oskar, and Jimmy Burns. His feel is that of a Southern Baptist preacher meets James Brown at a party at the Playboy Mansion. Just give him a microphone and his harp, and look out, it's a party ready to happen! Come see the man who is a regular on the Chicago blues scene. You will NEVER be disappointed at a Blue Light Special show.
°•. Rose Hudson
Rose Hudson is an accomplished jazz and blues vocalist. Her humble beginnings started as she sang to the gospel records that her momma played on the turntable every Sunday morning. She also cut her teeth on the smooth raw and soulful stylings of Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Etta James, and Before Ruth Brown while getting her funky undertones from various Motown artists. Her momma noticed her rich and soulful talent, so she signed her up to sing with the St. Patrick's children's choir. Later as a teenager, she performed in several musicals and singing groups in high school, leading to her stint as the "young singing Phenom" in one of York's most notable bands, Sunburst. After taking some time off from the singing spotlight to work as a nurse and raise her 8 children, Rose is back with a vengeance. Her velvety powerful and sultry voice has wowed audiences with her rich, saucy, straight outta church hip shakin', booty quakin' style that brings you to your feet till your legs get sore. She has perfomed with several jazz and blues bands and is a favorite in the Lancaster, Reading, and York areas. If you have not seen her, make it a point to do so. You're in for a real treat.
°•. Bruce Kissinger
Bruce started playing drums at an early age. His mother found it dificult to make soup in "his first kit" because of the massive dents. As a pre-teen he enjoyed listening to and playing along with records and doing the garage band thing. By age 16 he started playing with a complete band arrangment in local clubs and bars. During his time in the Navy, Bruce played in USO shows thoughout Europe and with several bands while in the Mediterranean. After 30 years of "bangin' the skinz", he is now a major force on the local scene, having played with such bands as Freestyle, Miss T and the Mosquitoes, and Sonic. He is currently keeping it tight and funky with Blue Light Special and is lovin' every minute of it. He is also the father of the world-famous bowling roadie, Austin.
°•. Craig Hauser
Craig Hauser is a classically trained musician who loves rockin' the blues. Craig's torrid affair with the guitar began at age thirteen when he attended a Jimi Hendrix concert in Texas. His first lessons at Music City in North East Philadelphia came shortly thereafter. Craig continued his education at The Philadelphia Music Academy; followed by University of Idaho where he earned both his bachelors and masters degrees in music education and performance. Throughout the years Craig has played in bands in locales from Philly, to New England to Idaho. He has performed classical guitar at countless weddings and other events.
According to Craig, "It's all about tone." He prefers vintage guitars and the sweet, tupelo honey sound of vintage tube amplifiers. Craig admires guitarists Eric Clapton and, of course, Jimi Hendrix. Craig's sound is all his own. When pressed he says his style resembles that of Carlos Santana. Come out and listen, Craig Hauser's guitar is nectar for the soul.
°•. Tom Lowry
Tom is one of the most accomplished piano players in Central PA. As a multi-instrumentalist his extraordinary talents also extend to the accordion, guitar and harmonica while playing anything from Classic Rock to Country, Blues and Zydeco. Over the past thirty-five years the crowds have enjoyed listening to Tom play all over the East Coast with a list of bands that include Philadelphia Speed Boys, Big Red, Suzzie’s Bar And Grill, Fly Boys, Kenny Jones Band and more. His fingers tickle those ivories and promise to leave the crowd wanting more every time they hear him play.
°•. Bob Esbenshade
The ever popular ever smooth, Bob Esbenshade is a true local legend and all around great guy. Bob Esbenshade is a guitar man, bassman, singer, songwriter with over 30 years experience. He began his professional gigs playing college frat parties before he was old enough to drive. He has played from Philly to Asbury Park. He has been a Lancaster musical icon for years. Some things get better with time, such is the case with Bob's style. He has a solid, in the pocket feel with just the right amount of touch and slyness. You know him as one of the founding members of the extremely hot band Big Red, Dark 30, The Willie Marble Experience and the ever popular project lingering doubts. He has songwrighting, bass, guitar and vocal credits on at least six CD's. He also is the owner of Jethro's, one of Lancaster's great bohemian restaurants. I can tell you from personal experience that they do a great job at making everyone feel at home and they have the best gourmet burgers on the East Coast!!!!!!
