What is it?

We Got Blues is the newest Blues Band in the Hammer. This is a special project that has been in the making for a long time. This is the best of the best. They all got Blues. They will introduce you to old school blues you have never heard and give you a lesson on where our new music gets its real roots. Don't expect to hear Cream or Stevie Ray all night, expect them to take you back to where it all began.

Want to know more? Want a press statement? Don't talk to them. What you need to know you will learn right here or on stage. These guys know how to bring it and once they have brought it, they will vanish into the shadows and live the Blues until next you see them.

Who is it?

We have lost one of the front men of the band, taking a family leave of absence, Dee Curtis will be back, but as we all know the show must go on. The core foundation of the band is Dan Thomas, Jason Colavecchia,  and Robin Houston. Sam DeRosa and Jay MacDonald add a new dimension during certain shows. Now you have our DYNAMITE new female lead who will knock the wind out of you!

Lead Vocals / Guitar ... Dan "No Ground" Thomas

Dan Thomas is a hard one to talk about. Dan is one of the most humble musicians you will ever meet and likes to fly under the radar. He was born and raised in Hamilton, and like most young guitar players started with Rock N Roll. At the age of 19, Dan got into the Blues and found the music he loves. Back in the day when The Gown & Gavel was more of a music venue than they are now, he met the who's who of Hamilton Blues and has continually impressed everyone he has ever played with, including the late King Biscuit Boy. A list of everyone Dan has played with would fill this page, but I can tell you, if you ask around, he is one of the best guitar players in the scene. Dan is co-founder of this band, and has done this to take music back to the Blues. All he wants to do is make great music and go everywhere the blues is not just played, but truly heard.

Lead Vocals / Rhythm Guitar ... Dee "Detroit" Curtis

Dee was born in Detroit and was raised in the Black Bottom District. Hastings Street runs north - south through Black Bottom and in the 1950's migration turned Hastings into one of the city's major African-American communities of black-owned business, social institutions and night clubs. It became nationally famous for its music scene: artists such as Duke Ellington, Billy Eckstine, Pearl Bailey, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie regularly performed in the bars and clubs on this strip. The Reverend C. L. Franklin, father of Aretha Franklin first opened his New Bethel Baptist Church on Hastings Street. So it is no surprise that Dee was born into a musical Family. He started singing at age 8 in his grandfather's church and in Elementary school. By the age of 12 Dee was singing in vocal groups in and around Detroit and never looked back. He retired from music in 2007, however, now living in Hamilton, he met James Anthony in 2010 who invited him to one of his open jams and that did it. End of retirement, blood boiling, guitar in hand and ready to get back out there
playing the blues. Big Joe Rhodes has been instrumental in introducing him to all the great musician in Hamilton. "My Grandfather is my Inspiration...The first music that I can remember was hearing grandpa play a T-bone Walker song on the piano." His grandfather would say, "Son, play the blues so they wont forget the music." ... so here he is. Dee has played with legends Robert Hooker and John Lee Hooker, and funk rock band Sonor Eclipse with Bill Laswell and Dennis Weeden. Dee is excited to be playing with the Hammer's finest Blues musicians and is ready to dig down into some classic blues to bring the soul back to Hamilton.

Lead Vocals ... She is Dynamite

Bass Guitar ... Jason "Sweet Grooves" Colavecchia

Jason was born in St. Catharines to a family of musicians and perfomers. He has been around music and the stage his entire life, but really got serious in high school. He loves the stage and performing for an enthusiastic crowd. Bass is all about finding the groove in the music, bridging the gap between melody and beat to create something larger than the sum of it's parts. He is excited about the opportunity to bring the true spirit of Blues & Roots back to Hamilton, exposing a whole new generation of music lovers to some of the sweetest music ever created.

Drums ... Robin Houston

Alan has moved on to bigger and better things. We wish him the best, but this left us with a void in the back. Robin Houston has stepped up and will be filling in for the time being ... hopefully we can talk him into staying with us.

Harmonica ... Sam "The Stache" DeRosa

Sam DeRosa was born in Hamilton, and has been jamming and playing since the 70's. He started played harp in 1971, discovered Little Walter while at Mohawk borrowing vintage blues albums from the library and learned electrified harp jamming with classmates. He discovered blues listening to early Zeppelin and Clapton. He found that there are several talented players around Hamilton and all can be found attending or hosting jams around town. The local talent inspires him and inspired him to become a versatile harp player. He has also been playing guitar for 35 years which has taught him when to play harp, and when to sit back. Thanks to Youtube and Galaxy Blues station for continuous supplies of awesome blues music. He jams with the radio or youtube when not at the local blues jams/venues honing his skills. He has played with various members of We Got Blues for 5 years at jams and the odd gigs. He is excited and cant wait to put the We Got Blues stamp on some old school tunes and create some originals. They play so well together already, and he can't wait to record some live Blues.

Keyboard ... Jay "Archie" MacDonald

Archibald Jay MacDonald was born across the bridge in Burlington and has been playing music for 35 years. Inspired by Herbie Hancock, John Coltrane, and Bill Evans. His most favourite moment was performing with the great Country Joe McDonald at the Festival of Friends in Hamilton. He doesn't have a single bad moment performing. He knows that We Got Blues is a great opportunity to work with some of the best musicians in the city and show their dedication to, and love of, the music.

Now Where?

Boon's House Every Wednesday

Bookings

Big Clubs, Small Clubs, All Size of Parties, Corporate Functions, Special Events, and More

As a 3 piece you will get Robin on Drums, Jason on Bass, and Dan on lead and vocals. When Dee is back, you may get Dee instead of Dan. Once we add our new lead she will be part of a 4 piece or more version of the band. Then we can add members according to your budget.

Songs By ...

Freddie King
Buddy Guy
Taj Mahal
Junior Wells
T-Bone Walker
Jonny Lang
Willie Dixon
Big Joe Turner
Wynonie Harris
Bobby Bland
John Lee Hooker
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Sonny Boy Williamson
Elmore James
Muddy Waters
Cream
Etta James
Janis Joplin
ZZ Top

We Got Blues

... and More.

Call 289-389-4242