J R Clark
Vocals, Guitar, Songwriter
J R Clark is a songwriter and recording artist who hails from Michigan. Just over a 100 miles from Chicago, J R found himself drawn to the big sound of Chicago Blues.
Growing up with divorced parents, J R would always look forward to the weekend when it was his fathers turn to have the kids. J R's father, was a musician in the country music genre. Growing up J R would fiddle around on his fathers guitar whenever getting a chance to visit. Years later, after recently getting married, J R took his new wife to meet his father. When the visit was over and they were getting ready to leave J R's father gifted him with J R's grandfathers old Gibson hollowbody guitar. That lit a fire under J R and he really decided to pursue playing music. Although country music was the staple most heard played on the records by his mother and the music his father loved, J R was drawn to the sounds of artists like Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and more modern artists like George Thorogood. J R Clark attended a George Thorogood concert at the Kalamazoo, MI with the opening act being Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials from Chicago, IL. Little did he know that the band that caught his eye that night during that opening show, the band leader would become his mentor in the Chicago blues sound and he and the band would become very good friends. J R honed his slide guitar skills after Lil' Ed Williams and learned how to be a showman under his tutlelage and has even toured the Blues Imperials Nationally when Rhythm player Michael Garrett had to take a leave a few times.
That being said J R has another side of him where he is also a double threat on standard guitar. Heavily influenced a host of blues greats such as Luther Allison, Albert Collins, BB King, Albert King, Freddie King, Michael Burks and Larry McCray. J R has become a prolific songwriter and is forging a sound of his own that is still an ever changing work in progress.
J R's original material can be anything from raw Chicago Blues, Soul, Funk even Southern Rock.
Johnny B. Gayden
Bass and Backup Vocals
Hailing from Chicago, IL. Chicago Blues Hall of Fame merber and Alligator Record recording artist, Johnny B. Gayden has been on the blues scene for many years. He has toured Internationally and has been named one of the most influential bass players in the blues. He toured and recorded with the late great "Master of the Telecaster-The Iceman" Texas bluesman Albert Collins for many years. Among other artists he has toured with: the Staples Singers, Son Seals, Larry McCray, Bill Perry, Johnny Dollar, Jimmy Dawkins.. Many more that can be listed. He has also recorded on countless Alligator Records releases such as Grammy winning album "Showdown" with Robert Cray, Johnny Clyde Copeland and Albert Collins. Johnny B. Gayden can be found on releases with Gary Moore, BB King, Johnny Winter, Junior Wells, Dave Hole, Lou Rawls....Johnny B Gayden's Discography is just to long to be listed. A true Chicago legend.
Randall Willis
Drummer and Back Up Vocals
Drummer, percussionist Randall Willis received his first drum kit at around the age of 3 and has had a passion for music ever since. Growing up in church as Randall father is a retired pastor, it was in him. As a self-taught drummer, it was his love of gospel, jazz, R&B and blues music that built the foundation of his playing. From there, listening to other drummers from all genres from fusion & alternative to rock & roll, has allowed for many opportunities in the music industry.
Whether on stage or in the studio, the challenge to "play what's right for the song" is what continues to develop his style and versatility as a musician.
Over the years, Randall’ experiences range from touring America and Canada to working as a session drummer in Chicago and Michigan. Artists include Tyrone Davis, Preston Love,JoJo Murray, Shirley King,Phil Guy,Artie Blues boy White, Doktu Muuzic formerly Roy Hytower, J.R Clark Band, Rocco, Head Honchos, LightHouse of All Nations Church, Gods House of All Nations, and many many more. Randall was given Master Drummer , during the 5th Annual black American Music award, by The Black American Blues Historical Society of Canada 2003.
Randall’ experience in the music industry has been much more than sitting behind a drum kit. From working as a sound engineer to co-owner of record label to owning a local recording studio, Randall has gained invaluable insight into the business side of things. Randall appreciates the amount of work it takes to be a successful independent musician and engineer .
Currently residing in Indiana outside of Chicago , Randall plays regularly at local venues, festivals, churches and picks up a variety of gigs along the way. When not playing music you can find Randall at Ford Motor company where he has worked 27 years. Randall is also probably spending time with his wife and grandchildren , camping, vacationing or enjoying life.
Willie "Styles" Phipps
Keyboards
Willie "Styles" Phipps originally from Florida found his love for music instilled in him at a young age by his late father. He grew up in Florida -- where as an infant he lost his sight to glaucoma -- taking up the piano before he was 10 and the flute a few years later. Basically self-taught on the keyboard, he learned much of what he knows by ear. WiIlie has been one of the most sought out keyboard players on the west side of Michigan where he now calls home in Kalamazoo. Willie has Through the years Willie has worked with several acts, The Annette Taborn Band, The Jah Kings, Zion Lion, The late Robert Ward and most recent the J R Clark Band.
Tom "McRockin" Eldred
Rhythm Guitar
Tom "McRockin' Eldred has been around the Kalamazoo scene for many years. One of his early stints was with the Band Marble Garden where he played Hammond B3 Organ. A talented musician, Tom has worked with several acts and would occasionally be the sub for WIllie Styles on Keyboards. One occasion he mentioned to J R that he also played guitar.They got together and jammed a little bit and Tom was an awesome fit so he was welcomed to the band on second guitar giving the band an even fuller sound.