Artist description "This guy is something else! I mean let me tell you!...[Tijerina is] able to blend [his] voice and guitar. The phrasing on both of them is incredible." -- Jackie Gisclair, host of Jabeaux's Blues Session--KAFM Radio, Grand Junction, CO, April 6, 2001 "From the first note he strikes on his guitar, it's apparent that something great is happening...Tijerina plays with an almost incomprehensible intensity."--Aiding & Abetting, October 9, 2000 About the Band For the last seven years, Todd Tijerina (Tee-her-ee-na) has steadily made a living playing his rhythmically potent, hard driving style of contemporary blues throughout the Southwest and the Midwest playing more than 200 shows a year. Having played the Chicago Blues scene for three years, Tijerina chose to venture into the southwest Blues market. In January of '98, Tijerina established his powerhouse Chicago lineup and began receiving significant airplay on Chicago's WRDP, WCRX, The Fox Network's ` "Hambone's Blues Hour" and "Chicago Blues X-plosion" 94.3 FM, WILL 95.1 FM, and on Rich Gordon's Blues Hour on Rockford's WXRX FM. Since relocating to Albuquerque in December of 2000, Todd Tijerina's current release, the lowdown, has already enjoyed strong airplay throughout the southwest. The Todd Tijerina Band has also performed at some of the most prestigious blues venues in the southwest and Chicago. Such southwest venues include: The Dead Goat Saloon (Salt Lake City), Beatniks (Ogden, UT), The El Rey Theatre (Albuquerque, NM), Oskar Blues (Lyons, CO), The Grande River Winery (Grand Junction,CO), The Mission Theatre (Grants, NM), Club R&B (Albuquerque, NM), Redfish Lounge (Boulder, CO), River Fest (Farmington, NM), Brendan's Pub (Denver), Fire & ice Bike Rally (Grants, NM), Railroad Blues (Alpine, TX), Alligator Lounge (Breckenridge, CO), Scoot 'n Blues (Durango), and many others. Chicago and neighboring noteables inlcude:The House of Blues hotel, Chicago's Redfish, Chord On Blues, Slice of Chicago, Rosa's Lounge, Beale Street Blues Café, the Harlem Avenue Lounge, and Club Tavern (Madison, WI). And by winning chicagoland's Rory's Blues Talent Competition in 1999 the group further proved its ability to deliver a top-notched live show. Tijerina has worked as guitarist for artists such as internationally reverred bluesman, Byther Smith, the legendary Harmonica Hinds, and BB's daughter, Shirley King. The Todd Tijerina Band has shared the stage with such well-known blues artists as Ronnie Baker Brooks, Jimmy D. Lane, Shirley King, Harmonica Hinds and the world famous rock band of the 70's, Head East. To this day they constantly seek to further the craft of their instruments while adding to the already lush and exciting sound of the unit. Passionate displays of electric intensity are punctuated by soft-as-a-pin-drop confessions. From swingin' to funky, from rockin' to rhumba, their sound is always unique and definitely inspirational. An undeniable summons for the body to move and groove. With Todd Tijerina on guitar and vocals, Ben Tyler on drums, Liz Scott on bass, and Dan Lizdas on keyboard, the band creates a pulse that is sure to entice and captivate any music fan. "We're a live show," says Tijerina. "We love to entertain and we're a very high energy group. We live to play and we play to live and each night is a different experience from the show before. But then, that's the Blues."

Music Style High Octane, Dancin', Funky Blues

Musical Influences Albert King, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddy King, Robert Cray, Robben Ford, Smokin' Joe Kubek, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, Luther Allison, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, etc.

Similar Artists Stevie Ray Vaughan, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Chris Duarte, Smokin' Joe Kubek, Tommy Castro, Robben Ford, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Joe lewis Walker, Coco Montoya, BB King.

Artist History Biography Todd Tijerina (Tee-her-ee-na) is one of the few individuals possessing the right amounts of talent and determination to make a successful living playing music. And like most career musicians his passion started early. “A friend lent me a bass guitar when I was nine years old and I began teaching myself some simple lines,” he recalls. “Shortly thereafter, a teenaged neighbor who knew I wanted to play guitar told me he just happened to have one for sale, a K-Mart electric going for five bucks. Within minutes I was back on his doorstep with a handful of coins and two singles. Man, I was so excited! My first real guitar!” Todd began teaching himself songs from his favorite albums and quickly realized what he wanted to be when he grew up: a professional musician. Todd was born and raised in the working class suburbs of Chicago. “My family was poor, so when the rent was raised or money was tighter than usual we would move someplace more affordable. I feel that having lived in so many places as a kid made me aware of differences and helped broaden my perspectives. And I feel this has helped me as a songwriter. Always being the new kid on the block made me feel a real need to prove and express myself to the other kids, so they would know me as someone worth knowing. Music became the perfect avenue.” Although Todd grew up in the blues capital of the world, it wasn’t until moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico in his late teens that he was exposed to the art form. “Some friends of mine and my older sister had turned me on to Robert Cray and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Their styles were new and really grabbed me, like nothing I had heard before." Through the music of Robert Cray and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Todd was led to other blues greats like B.B., Albert, and Freddie King, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker and others who would become major influences for him in his playing, singing and song writing. He immersed himself in the guitar, practicing every minute he could. And he began listening to contemporaries such as Smokin’ Joe Kubek, Duke Robillard, Tab Benoit, Robben Ford, Luther Alison and others. "I also began really taking notes on the vocal stylings of different artists like Robert Cray and B.B. King. Those are two of my favorite singers." Of his mentors Tijerina says, “Man if I own their album, they’re an influence." Though his music is categorized as blues-rock, you can hear jazz and funk influences in his song writing and playing. One can also detect a bit of southwestern blues flavor, not surprisingly as that is the region where Tijerina has spent most of his musical career touring from New Mexico to Texas, Colorado and Arizona making a living playing his unique brand of high octane and yet lowdown blues. Just as the fertile soil we all walk upon was once something different, a myriad of rocks, plants, ancient animal carcasses and hard mineral deposits, Todd has intertwined his introverted and passionate personality with his influences to create something that is new and potent. “I live to play”, says Tijerina of his obsession “I’ve always loved music, but the blues is my first real and lasting sweetheart.” Regarding Todd’s talent, the Albuquerque Journal says, "Tijerina creates some of the densest and trance-inducing blues since Vaughan put down his guitar for the last time." And Aiding & Abetting states, “From the first note he strikes on his guitar it's apparent that something great is happening...Tijerina plays with an almost incomprehensible intensity." The Salt Lake City Weekly states that, "Todd Tijerina is more ego-free soulman than six-string showboat. Not that he can't burn a fretboard with the best of 'em--one spin of his new disc, The Lowdown, proves that--but Tijerina and his band lay down a tune and a rock-solid groove well before the solo sparks fly, not the other way around." Todd’s move back to Chicago in 1997 provided him opportunities to work as guitarist for Chicago blues veterans Byther Smith, Harmonica Hinds, Jumpin’ Willie Cobb, Kax and the Blacklight Show, BB's daughter, Shirley King, and others. Migrating to Albuquerque in December of 2000, Todd brings his Chicago experiences to the region that has always inspired him and contributes to his original sound. His soulful style rolls from lyrical and sweet to harsh and howling. His voice, like his guitar, is at times smooth as silk, and at other times hard and demanding, yet always clear and direct. Truly a fiery and captivating performer.

Group Members Todd Tijerina--guitar & vocals Matt Tessler--drums Troy Lawhon--bass

Instruments Electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, lead vocals, and background vocals.

Albums The Lowdown

Press Reviews Press Quotes TPL Entertainment Magazine--January, 2002 “Todd Tijerina’s funk and jazz tinged, high-energy blues guitar playing is instantly recognizable in an era inundated with oh-so-familiar-sounding blues guitarists. His thick guitar tone and fervent phrasing compliment his blues soaked voice and help explain his popularity.” Jackie Gisclair, radio host of Jabeaux’s Blues Session, KVNF FM --March 10, 2002 “About every decade an artist comes on the horizon that changes the flow for the positive and Todd Tijerina is that vessel. With his self-produced ‘The Lowdown’ he sets the course for the next generation of Blues/Rock musicians. His tone is the first sign that there is something special going on here. And then there are the songs, the writing; profound, and crafted with a wit that only comes from the universe's powers...After hearing ‘The Lowdown’ I had to check this artist out and I’m so glad I did. Powerful, Vibrant, Tight, and what a professional; the stars await this young man. Todd Tijerina, Ya’ll best be paying attention, Todd Tijerina is coming and your gonna like it!” Albuquerque Journal--Kevin Hopper--August 24, 2001 (Review of the lowdown) “Tijerina creates some of the densest and trance-inducing blues since Vaughan put down his guitar for the last time...oh, what solos! Tijerina is a technical bluesman that holds nothing back in his guitar work--something that can’t be said for most up-and-coming blues artists. If you’re a traditionalist, stick to the old-school. But, if you want more from your blues in 2001, Tijerina is on the right path.” Salt Lake City Weekly--Bill Frost--June 7, 2001 “Steeped very much in the Stevie Ray Vaughan/Robert Cray school of stinging, Stratocaster-soaked blues and making absolutely no apologies for it, Chicago’s TODD TIJERINA is more ego-free soulman than six-string showboat. Not that he can’t burn a fretboard with the best of ‘em--one spin of his new disc, The Lowdown, proves that--but Tijerina and his band lay down a tune and a rock-solid groove well before the solo sparks fly, not the other way around. Nothing against the over-the-top likes of your Chris Duartes, but it’s nice to hear a guy who puts his audience above his own stroke-fests once in awhile.” TPL Entertainment Magazine, June, 2001 “Every once in awhile a person gets a chance to catch a rising star in a venue that years later has them saying, “I can’t believe we saw him here!” Well, Grand Junction, that chance will be yours on Sunday, June 10 at Grande River Vineyards, when the Todd Tijerina Band takes the stage for a night of unforgettable entertainment that will have you shaking your head in wonder for years to come... If you caught their show at The Chameleon Club a couple of years ago, you know what a rare treat seeing them live is!... “His newest release, The Lowdown, is a perfect example of how to take the old and mix in the new to get a feeling of something very special. Besides being a guitar player extraordinaire, Todd has a hand in writing all the songs on The Lowdown. From the opening instrumental you can tell you’re in for a ride you won’t forget.” Crosswinds Weekly--Rob Williams--May 24-31, 2001 (Review of the lowdown) “His new album, The Lowdown, showcases Tijerina and his band's many musical gifts, and is well worth the listen...From the first note of each tune, he plays with a confidence and an intensity that immediately draws the listener in. Like all good musicians, he makes his guitar talk, whisper, growl and wail, coaxing emotions from his instrument as if it were alive.” Blues Access Spring, 2001 “Could be a guitarist to watch for.” Aiding & Abetting October 9, 2000 (Review of the lowdown) “From the first note he strikes on his guitar it's apparent that something great is happening...Tijerina plays with an almost-incomprehensible intensity.” Chicagoland’s Chord On Blues News October 1998 “Todd is one of those who seems to possess the requisite skills to not only succeed but excel in trio form. He's a very talented musician and a dynamic performer, backed by a very solid rhythm section. This is high energy, guitar driven, power trio blues.” Albuquerque Blues Rag - July 1997 “Todd’s roots are evident, his playing is clean and streamlined, the intensity sneaks up then reaches out and grabs you. It makes you listen.” Chicagoland’s Chord On Blues News - October 1999 “Todd is a very accomplished guitar player and vocalist. From the first note to the last, he’s On Fire!!!”

Location Albuquerque, NM - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).