Newport KY/ Northside—The J.Dorsey Blues Band originated 3 years ago with Josh Dorsey (Heevahava, the Thirteens) and Adam Shelton (the Gordy Horn), a two man dirty Delta Blues Tribute with Josh on guitar(s) and vocals and Adam on a primitive drum kit. Through the past few years the band grew in and out of members as well as musical content bringing it to its current line up.
Kristen Kreft (Toulouse Fleausaise, back up singer for Kenny Smith and Pearlene) on the Wurlitzer electric piano, now shares vocals and songwriting with Josh adding a soulful almost R&B feel at times paying homage to legends such as Nina Simone, Otis Redding, and Memphis Minnie. Mike “Mugsy” Gregory (the Thirteens, the Thangs, the Cole Brothers) puts a straight ahead Rock n’ Roll bass to the line up, contrary to the “all too familiar modern smooth Blues”. Andrew Karas’s (Lab Jackets, Nati Kangs, Airwave) drums keep the Funk and Boogie alive with infectious rhythm and incredible energy.
All this sound was inspired by Josh Dorsey’s band in State College Pennsylvania, “Big Daddy’s Blues Revival”, with Josh on guitars and vocals, his brother Justin on bass, and his father (State College Blues Legend) Bobby D. on drums. After Bobby D’s bout with pancreatic cancer and untimely death, Josh is determined to pick up where he left off in State College and take the band to another level.
After 3 years as the J.Dorsey Blues Band, and two CEA nominations, the four members have decided to modify the band’s name as their music has evolved. The band is passionate about “reviving” the blues and bringing the much forgotten raw soul back to what we all have come to know as the Blues.
So in honor of Josh’s father, and the true heart of the music they create, we give you: The J.Dorsey Blues Revival.
In the upcoming months, expect the release of The J.Dorsey Blues Revival’s full length CD “Get Right Church” recorded at Ultra Suede Studios with Engineer Brian Niesz (Heartless Bastards, the Sundresses).
Wednesdays in February at Southgate House: Artist in Residence in Junie’s Lounge with special guests: Feb.4th Billy Catifsh , Feb.11th Jason Snell , and Paul Brumm (The Chocolate Horse) , Feb. 18th Matthew Shelton, and the Wishbone (featuring Kyle Knapp and other members of The Turkeys), Feb.25, Veronica Grim, and Forest Horn (The Mudpies) .
Valentine’s Day Massacre at Northside Tavern: February 14th with The Sundresses and the Prohibitionists.
