Why would anyone call themselves    

Naughty Uncle Norman 

Blues bands are supposed to have names like "Blind Lemon Pledge and the House Dusters," or "Howlin' Raoul Rabinowitz," or even "The Flaming Watts Blues Inferno," aren't they?  Blues bands need authentic blues names.  C'mon... Naughty Uncle Norman?  The rest of the band claims the name was Norman's idea, although he now refuses to discuss it.  

Naughty Uncle Norman is a contemporary blues band.  As blues musicians have been doing since the early 1900's, we interpret each song through our own experiences.  

We call what we do "blues with an attitude."

The truth is we're just a bunch of middle-aged white guys who love the blues... Delta or Chicago, Texas or Piedmont, Country or Electric or Jump.  We've been equally influenced by Jelly Roll Morton and B.B. King.  Our personal favorites range from Son House, Bessie Smith, and Robert Johnson to Delbert McClinton, Jeff Healey, and Stevie Ray Vaughn.  

But another truth - blues is a state of mind.  So, with all the respect due the original artists, we'll continue to be moved by the music and to play with our own feeling.

We hope you enjoy listening... but even if you don't, we'll still be playing.

 

 

 

Current Lineup:

Maggie Vee - Sax and Vocals

She’s frequently compared to Janis Joplin.  When she’s emoting the resemblance is unmistakable.  When not making love to her microphone, Maggie is likely to be found behind the congas or doubling on sax.

Norman Rockswell - Bass and Vocals

Although he will occasionally pick up a harmonica, or banjo, or even slip behind a piano, Norman is most often holding down the bottom as the band’s bass player.

Ralph Balletta - Organ and Piano

Classically trained on French horn and trombone, Ralph has found his calling on blues organ.  Over the years he’s backed Little Anthony, LaVern Baker, Bobby Lewis, The Tokens, and Johnny Maestro. 

R.J. Valenzuela - Drums

  • He's recorded with John Fogerty and Bonnie Raitt.  R.J.'s musical heroes included Ginger Baker and John Bonham.  Anyone who's heard his acoustic guitar solo act knows that he must have worn out a set of Neil Young albums, too.    

Scott "Big" Johnson - Percussion

  • When everyone else is taking a coffee break, "Big" is playing paradiddles on the back of a chair.  And, even though he's an accomplished guitarist and keyboard player, he just can't stop thinking in rhythm.  The man even breathes in syncopated time.  

 

 

BLUE COLLAR BLUES Lineup:

Maggie Vee - Sax and Vocals

Mike James - Guitar and Vocals

Norman Rockswell - Bass and Vocals

Jerry Gibson - Piano, Organ, and Clavinet

Scott "Big" Johnson - Drums and Percussion

 

Tasty additional performances from our friends:

Dave Prather - Guitar

Bob Gonzalez - Guitar

 

 

 

 

USED BLUES Lineup:

Maggie Vee - Sax and Vocals

Eric Hice - Guitar and Vocals

Norman Rockswell - Bass and Vocals

Jerry Gibson - Keys

John Covington - Drums

 

With some fine playing by our friends:

Joe Ferraro - Guitar

Susan Johnson - Organ and Vocals

Scott "Big" Johnson - Percussion 

Eric Starling - Piano

 

 

 

Original Lineup:

Maggie Vee - Sax and Vocals

Eric Hice - Guitar and Vocals

Norman Rockswell - Bass and Vocals

Mister Blues Leshun - Piano and Vocals

John Covington - Drums

 


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