Roger Connelly & The Blues Merchants are a 4-5 piece Blues-Rock Band based in Southern California. They perform a variety of original and traditonal blues rock, (see "Song List" for details). It's not uncommon to see special guest stars like Spencer Davis (Spencer Davis Group), or Randy Meisner from The Eagles, join them on stage for a little fun. The Group is available to travel for Festivals, Clubs, Concerts, Corporate Parties and Private engagements worldwide.
Roger "The Rooster" Connelly
Singer-Songwriter-Guitar-Harmonica
Born in Chicago in 1954, Roger has witnessed firsthand many of the original blues Legends. He began playing at an early age and has performed with some of greatest names in the business. His unique approarch to the blues has earned him acclaim with audiences worldwide. Roger's influences include; Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Robert Johnson, Robin Trower and Jimi Hendrix. His electrifying style has often been compared to Eric Clapton.
Email: bluesman21@excite.com
Website: http://www.rogerconnelly.net
Freddie "Wild Child" Chambers
Bass-Vocals
Freddie a native of Arizona, is one of the most exciting performers you'll ever see. His wild stage costumes are only second to his masterful bass guitar performance. Freddie has been a professional musician ever since he was 18 years old.
Joe Caliva
Drums-Vocals
A veteran of the music scene, Joe is another Chicago native who has grown up with the blues. Joe is the glue that holds the band together with his solid backbeats and precise timing.
Email: jfcaliva@yahoo.com
Al Rappaport
Saxophone
Al is a Southern California native and has been working with the band since it's relocation to California in 2002. His searing solos can be heard floating on top of the bands driving rythmn section. His approach to his horn adds a unique flavor group.
Dave Siebels
B-3 Organ-Vocals
Dave is one of the most sought after keyboard players in the world. He has played, recorded and conducted for such artists as Rita Cooledge, Ray Charles, BB King, Rick Springfield, Taylor Dane and many others. He has arranged and produced over 25 albums and scored 35 films. Dave along with Joey Vieira is producing Roger's next CD "Freak Show in Corn Town".
Joey Vieira
Record Producer/Actor
Joey D. Vieira is a co-founder of the legendary, Sound City Recording Studios. The studio responsible for over three hundred million albums being sold worldwide.
As a producer, Joey has worked with Rick Springfield, Taylor Dane and Hank Williams Junior to name a few. He also co-created a three hour musical special for CBS called “Motown Returns to the Apollo Theater” which won the Emmy Award for “Best Variety Special of the Year.” As an actor, Joey has appeared in over three hundred television shows and eighteen movies, including co-starring with Mel Gibson in “The Patriot.”
Joey, along with Dave Siebels, is producing Roger’s current CD, “Freak Show in Corn Town.”
As a producer, Joey has worked with Rick Springfield, Taylor Dane and Hank Williams Junior to name a few. He also co-created a three hour musical special for CBS called “Motown Returns to the Apollo Theater” which won the Emmy Award for “Best Variety Special of the Year.” As an actor, Joey has appeared in over three hundred television shows and eighteen movies, including co-starring with Mel Gibson in “The Patriot.”
Joey, along with Dave Siebels, is producing Roger’s current CD, “Freak Show in Corn Town.”