Artist description The Hitman Blues Band features Hitman, a veteran New York blues player. He's joined by Bobby Forrester, keyboardist and musical director for Ruth Brown for over 26 years. Johnny Gale, a noted force in music since the 60's (currently working with Little Isidore and the Inquisitors as musical director, guitarist and writer), is both producer and bassist. The legendary Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, renowned as "the world's most recorded drummer" (over 3000 recordings to his credit) lends his talents to the project, and special guest Ray Alexander, a veteran jazz vibist and international touring star is featured on two of the cuts.

Music Style Blues

Musical Influences Elmore James, Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray, BB King, Ray Alexander, Robert Johnson, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix

Similar Artists Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Elmore James, BB King

Artist History Formed in 1986, the Hitman Blues Band has toured extensively in Europe, the eastern United States, and Canada. The current performing band features Russell "Hitman" Alexander on guitar and vocals, "Clutch" Reiley on bass, Kevin Rymer keyboards, and Jay Sharkey on drums. They play good time boogie and white hot “grinding” blues. Drawing on material from the 1950’s to the present, the band appeals to a wide variety of audiences. The Hitman Blues Band is versatile enough to please traditionalist (Delta) blues lovers, as well as R&B fans and those who enjoy Texas, Chicago, and rockabilly styles.Although the lineup often changes due to touring demands (all members are veteran musicians, playing with top name acts throughout the world), the music is always exciting and the show is always entertaining.

Group Members Russell "Hitman" Alexander - vocals, guitar. Bobby Forrester - keyboards. Johnny Gale - bass, producer. Bernard "Pretty" Purdie - drums Ray Alexander - vibraphone

Instruments guitar, vocals, keyboards, bass, drums, vibes

Albums Blooztown

Press Reviews From the brightly colored, self-drawn cover art to the crisp guitar riffs this is a CD you can’t miss in a crowd. - Good Times Magazine (3/2000)If you aren’t hearing cuts off this CD on your favorite local blues show, call and ask “Why not?” - Backyard Blues (5/2000)"Russell 'Hitman' Alexander boogies with the best of them......solid playing by the bunch...pick this CD up!" -V.J. Calone, LIE Magazine (7/2000)"...style and class" - Blues News (7/2000)"A standout...first rate ensemble...Alexander proves himself a formidable slide guitarist" - The Island Ear (9/2000)

Location New York, NY - 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).