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The JP Blues Band set to represent Long Island in the 24th International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tn on 1/31 through 2/2
At 18 years old band leader John Pagano and band member John Young are the youngest musicians ever sent to represent Long Island in this prestigous world event.
The Long Island Blues Society has taken an uprecedented step in choosing “The JP Blues Band” to represent them in the 24th annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tn on January 31 through Feb 2. What makes this years choice so special is the fact that two of the three members of the band have just turned 18 years old, not exactly the age one would normally think of when you think of a seasoned blues musician. “We are very excited about sending such a young band to represent Long Island and the blues in Memphis this year. I know they are going to do well!” Says Charlie McKenna, Executive director of the Long Island Blues Society.
John Pagano (aka JP Blues) has been playing guitar on the Long Island Blues circuit since he was 11 years old. Performing with musicians like the legendary Bluesman and Long Island Music Hall of Famer, Sam Taylor, Kerry Kearney, Phil Grande(Joe Cocker) and many more. By age 12 he was working the festival circuit along the east coast where he has opened for such acts as Derek Trucks, Joe Craven, Robin Ford, Joe Bonamassa and Johnny Winter to name a few. While other kids his age were listening to Hip Hop, John Mayer and Britney, John Pagano was grooving to Muddy Waters, Luther Allision and BB King. Blues DJ Mark Klein describes JP Blues as “a 80 year old bluesman trapped in an 18 year old body”. A 2007 graduate of Smithtown High School, John Pagano is currently enrolled in Five Towns College working towards his Music Business degree.
John Young Bassist for the band is also a 2007 graduate of Smithtown High School and is currently enrolled in Farmingdale college for business. He has been a long time friend and bandmate of John Pagano. John Young’s experance includes performing on the Warped tour.
Rounding out this power blues trio is veteran drummer Pat Adkins. Though not any where near the age of 18, he brings a level of seasoned experience from his years as a touring and session musician with such artists as Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Gary US Bonds, BB King and many more. Pat Adkins adds the solid backbone to channel the energy and power of the young Johns. Together the JP Blues band is this combination of experience, showmanship and raw passion that was described by Joe Grandwilliams as “One formiable blues machine”.
The International Blues Challenge(IBC) was created in 1985 by the Blues Foundation to find and showcase the best Blues Musicians in the world. Since that time the event has grown to a be THE premiere blues event worldwide attracting agents, promoters, record companies and bands from all corners of the globe. From Japan to Austrailia, From South America to the Netherlands and throughout the United States, over 160 bands from all over the world desend on Memphis Tennessee all looking to take home one of the coverted honors such as Best Blues Band, Best Blues Solo Act and the Albert King Best Guitarist Award.
Historically Long Island and the NY area have faired well in this international event. In 2000 the NY Blues Society took top honors with Best Blues band going to the “Dave Keyes Band”, in 2002 Best Blues solo artist went to Long Island Blues Society entry “Little Toby Walker”. In 2006 Long Island was represented in the finals of both Best Blues Band and Best Solo artist by “Little Cliff and the Cliffhangers” and “Tommy Keys”.
The JP Blues Band represents a new generation of musicians that are not only marketable but still have their roots firmly in this important American music genre. From the Nissequogue River Delta to the Mississippi River JP Blues and his band will be standing at the crossroads in Memphis Tennessee to represent Long Island’s and it’s own brand of the Blues.
Press contact for the JP Blues Band – Richard L’Hommedieu 631-863-0519 jp@jpblues.com
Website: www.jpblues.com Myspace: www.myspace.com/jpbluesmusic
For More information on the Long Island Blues Society – Mark Gresser – President – 631-331-3338 www.liblues.org
For more information on the Blues Foundation – 901-527-2583 www.blues.org
Filed under: Long Island Music, original music, Press Release, Recommended Music
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