Artist description Wendy Rich & the Soulshakers are a blues oriented rock’n’groovin’ power quartet! Bringing their unique sound and versatile set lists of both original and cover material to night clubs and festivals throughout the Eastern United States as well as overseas!

Music Style Groovy Rock N Rhythm and Blues

Musical Influences Delbert McClinton,Led Zeppelin,Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Etta James,Billy Holiday,Bonnie Raitt & Lenny Kravitz

Similar Artists Wendy Rich

Artist History Wendy was born in Houston,Texas, and has been performing in bands since the age of 14. Relocated to Tampa Bay in 1990, Wendy soon joined forces with guitarist Steve "RED" Lasner to form their group, Wendy & the Soulshakers. The Soulshakers have earned several local & statewide awards for Best Blues Band & Best Female vocalist and have toured internationally, opening for such acts as Edgar Winter, Molly Hatchett,Ambrosia, Jefferson Starship and Little Ed & The Blues Imperials. The Soulshakers combine their blues with a healthy dose of 60’s style rock’n’roll. Lead vocalist Wendy Rich fronts the group with raw, unabashed energy and a thick, bluesy, broad-ranged vocal style all her own. Her powerful voice has got her up onstage singing with the likes of Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, James Cotton and Delbert McClinton. She has been referred to as “emotive and vulnerable onstage” as well as “commanding and authorative!” A native Texan herself, Wendy draws frequent comparisons to the late,great Janis Joplin. She feels this stems from her earthy vibe (usually performing barefoot) and wild hair , but feels her voice and style are much different. Her fans were not surprised, though, when she was recently invited to sing with Janis’ original band Big Brother & the Holding Company in Green Bay, WI. A prolific songwriter, Wendy co-wrote four songs with BBHC guitarist Sam Andrew during their brief time together. One of these songs, Dogs In The Rain, will be featured on the Soulshakers upcoming cd. Wendy is looking forward to working with Sam & BBHC again in the near future. The Soulshakers are currently working on their second cd and planning an extensive tour for 2001. Their current cd, Feels Like I’m Drowning, features eleven songs, ten of which were written by Wendy. ..To purchase this CD via mail order...www.wendyrich.com

Group Members Soulshakers founding member and lead guitarist is Steve “RED” Lasner. An outstanding blues guitar player, Red has played for over 30 years including touring with James Peterson. When Red formed the Soulshakers in 1990, he enlisted Stevie “Backbone” Way on bass guitar. Stevie hails from Denver, Colorado and also has over 30 years in the business. Together with drummer Duane Plikunas they form a tight, pocket ryhthm section. Duane is from Worcester, Mass and has played with Joanna Conners and Johnny Clyde Copeland. RECENTLY Wendy added keyboardist/vocalist DWIGHT CHAMPAGNE to the line-up....adding a very soulful R & B vibe!! Featured musicians on the album "Feels Like I'm Drowning" include members of the Soulshakers, Steve "Red" Lasner on guitar & Steve Way on bass. Other credits go to George Harris & Corey Wheeler on guitar, Ron Reinhardt,Pat Geoffrey & Gentleman John Street on keyboards, Dave Reinhardt & Glenn Evans on Drums, & Tim George on bass.

Instruments Guitar,keyboards,bass & drums

Albums Bloozy,Live & Groovy; Feels Like Im Drowning,LIVE AT THE RINGSIDE

Press Reviews "She's hotter than the leather seats of my car on a a sunny August afternoon!" Scott Barnett-Suburban Nightlife(Chicago)"Wendy's big, bluesy voice is full of emotion, really hitting the spot in my rock'n'roll heart!" Mark Wilson-Music Forum Mag (Tampa Bay)"...a MAJOR blues VOICE! :-) If you like the blues, check out her other songs too, she's a superstar waiting to happen!"..Chris Keller,WCKK all guitar station mgr.

Additional Info ORDER cds using PAYPAL on our homepage www.wendyrich.com

Location St. Petersburg, Florida - USA

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