Artist description Here in the Windy City Anthony and his band are known for a steamy, hip-grindin', must-dance brand of blues that takes a sweat drenched Mississippi day and crosses it with the cold snap of a Chicago Winter.

Music Style Blues - high energy - funky - soul-drenched

Musical Influences BB King; Buddy Guy; Ray Charles; Aretha Franklin; Stevie Wonder

Similar Artists Stevie Ray Vaughn

Artist History Known for his searing guitar playing, soul-drenched vocals and dynamic live performances, Anthony Gomes has quickly established himself at the forefront of a new generation of blues artists. "Anthony Gomes puts it right in your face with a furious guitar and a high energy style," writes the Suncoast Blues Society, "…this is no wanna-be here." The Twin Cities Blues News echoed this sentiment when they reported that, "Gomes's showcase at B.B. King's Club on Beale St. left the hundreds in attendance shaking their heads in disbelief with what they saw and heard…this was the show to be at even with Buddy Guy appearing just down the street at another club. It is not often you find an artist that can play it, sing it, write it, and is a seasoned performer…he's the real deal." National success began for Gomes with his 1998 victory in Buddy Guy's Legends' Best Unsigned Blues Band competition. Buddy was on hand to congratulate the winner. "It was both a proud and humbling moment," recalls Gomes. "To be singled out as the best band in Chicago by such a prestigious club - what an honor!" This led to international media exposure as publications like Blues Revue and Downbeat reported the victory. Later that year, Gomes joined a select group of some of the world's most talented and respected artists by accepting an endorsement with Fender Musical Instruments. Currently, their Custom Shop is building an exclusive Telecaster designed by Gomes. Gomes released Blues In Technicolor (Urban Electric) in late 1998 to critical acclaim. Showcasing his trademark blend of infectious, funk-infused neo-Delta grooves, the disc earmed favorable reviews in Blues Revue, Fender Frontline, Real Blues, and GoodTimes Magazine, to name a few. Big City Blues predicted: "This debut release is destined to open more eyes to this new generation bluesman of incredible talent." A succession of interviews, live performances, and radio airplay on national and local blues programs has turned new fans on to the artist's energetic but soulful sound. He reinforces this success by touring steadily throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Gomes's band is rounded out by some of Chicago's finest seasoned professionals, including Dan "King" Kahn (rhythm guitar), Roger Femali (drums) and Roberto Augusto (bass).Recently, Gomes released his sophomore effort, Sweet Stringin' Soul (Urban Electric). This acoustic-based recording displays his deep love of blues and gospel music, imprinted with his own celebrated approach. "There is certainly a strong gospel influence on the record," notes the bluesman, "I hear that sound in my favorite artists like B.B. King, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin. This is something that will always be a part of my music." Sweet Stringin'Soul underscores Gomes' maturation into a more seasoned blues artist. "I think I have found my stride as an artist, performer and songwriter. There are some deeper lyrics and music on this release. I feel like I have finally found my voice."

Group Members Anthony Gomes, lead guitar and vocals, Dan Kahn, rhythm guitar, Roger Femali, drums and Roberto Augusto, bass.

Albums Blues in Technicolor; Sweet Stringin Soul

Press Reviews ""Gomes plays his Telecaster with fire and fury…This boy has soul." - Blues Revue""Proving himself more than just a student of the blues…Gomes's vocals and playing smolder with pure blues emotion.. Blues fans take note." - Fender Frontline"Future Legends" - Downbeat"Move over Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne, here comes another young blues contender with the skills to pay the bills." - Louisville Music News

Location Chicago, Illinois - USA

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