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The Maynard Mills Blues Band
has evolved into a sweet-sounding music machine . . .
| Maynard Mills Lead
guitar and vocals.
Maynard learned the Blues the hard way in the tough industrial town of Gary, Indiana. He
has spent a lifetime immersing himself in the bitter-sweet sounds of Muddy Waters, Albert
King, Lightning Hopkins, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and a host of others too numerous to
mention. Once Maynard warms to his work, he captures his audience's rapt attention with an
infectious blend of soulful vocals, punctuated with searing guitar licks.
For over 30 years, Maynard has enjoyed the odd paradox of playing to packed houses
while remaining relatively obscure in Denver. He doesn't seem to mind, however, as he says
with a deep and down voice, "I feel very humble to carry on the tradition of these
great musicians."
His upbeat music has a contagious effect that gets even non-dancers up on their feet
and onto the dance floor. Fun is the name of the game when it comes to the Maynard Mills
Blues Band. Let's take a look at Maynard's current lineup of musicians. |
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Photo by Reuben Zeller |
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| Lonnie Moon Tenor
and alto sax, percussion, vocals.
Singer/Songwriter, Lonnie Moon is a self-taught Blues powerhouse with over 40 years of
playing experience. He has played with such notable musicians as The Drifters, Little
Willie John, and Bobby "Blue" Bland. When he's not playing for Maynard, he plays
for the Living Springs Church in Colorado Springs. Bet that's one rockin' church! |
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Photo by Reuben Zeller |
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| Tim Wilson Drums
and percussion.
That thunder you hear on the drums is none other than "Mr. Backbeat" - Tim
Wilson. Tim has been kickin' out the jams for over 30 years and has over ten years of
intensive musical training under his belt. He has backed up a number of excellent
musicians including the Blue City Five, Kathy Burns, and Harvey Mitchell. |
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Photo by Reuben Zeller |
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| Hooper Stiles Keyboard
and vocals.
Hooper has extensive training in classical, Blues, and jazz, with over 26 years of
experience. His versatile style combines smooth vocals and clever backing accompaniment
with thrilling solos. Stiles has performed live with "Medesky, Martin, and Wood"
and studied under Donald Brown of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. |
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Photo by David Brodie |
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| Bill 'The Mouse' Groh
Born in Chicago in 1951, Bill's first three chords were the
blues. As a self-taught player, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Bill has
shared concert billings with Albert Collins, Johnny Winters, the Temptations, Sam Lay, Joe
Kelly, and the New Riders of the Purple Sage.
Bill plays a vintage 1958 Dan Electro Longhorn fretless bass, which he
restyled for a unique sweetness and drive.
An infectious jammer, Bill says, "It's hard to follow rules - my
heart's not that way."
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Photo by Jon Randall |
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Brian
Mills
Having listened to the Blues since early
childhood, Brian has developed an ear and understanding about sound. He now
uses these skills during live performances and recordings to obtain just the
right mix for the audience as well as the musicians on stage.
Brian keeps busy as the sound engineer, equipment manager,
and guitar tech.
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Photo by Christine Mills |
All bio's except Bill Groh's and Brian Mills' are by Dale Josef
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