Unbeknownst to the HOUSE BAND, blues society president Mark Medina took the liberty of recording the BLUES VETERANS at Ollie's Bar on July 4th, 2009.  Although a relatively short set, "el prez" did not want to let the moment pass without some kind of memorialization.  So, what you hear are long time Las Vegas Blues Veterans united, and in some cases "reunited," for one very special evening.  This event was totally unrehearsed which is testimony to the depth of knowledge and major chops! 

Featured artists are as follows:

Robert Rosales, Drums:  Robert is a veteran of John Earl's Boogieman Band, the Huck Daniels Band as well as other renown artists.  He's played with virtually every major act in Las Vegas.  He can play anything on the drums!!!!!!!  No beat is too difficult for Bob! 

Tracy "T-Bird" Smolnik, Bass:   T-Bird has played with many major acts here in Las Vegas as well.  He is both respected and loved!  He has played with the Greg Petersen Band, the Smokin Crawdads, John Earl's Boogieman Band and many others too numerous to name.  He is on the "A" list for bassists.  T-Bird plays bass with "The West Coast Blues Conspiracy." 

Mark Foster, Hammond B-3 Organ and Vocals:  Mark is a relatively new arrival to the Vegas scene.  However he is a real road dog and the original item!  Mark has played with Bonnie Bramlet, Kevin Kostner, Sam & Dave, and many many more.  He has done it all including laying down keyboard tracks for the dreaded Sony Karioke machines (...we don't care if we misspelled the word...we hate them damned contraptions anyway).  Mark's B3 is a breath of fresh air in a world full of synthetics....no one can duplicate a B3's sound...try as they may...and there is no substitute for a player like Mark either!  Mark sings "Everyday I have the Blues."  Mark currently plays in "The West Coast Blues Conspiracy" and shares fronting the band with guitarist Mark Medina and bassist Tracy "T-Bird" Smolnik." 

Monk, Harmonica and Vocals:  Monk is the Godfather of the Blues in Las Vegas.  He has done it all here in the local scene.  He doubles as the jam coordinator because he literally knows every player in town!  Monk currently plays in the "Monk and Mazz" acoustic combo and also heads up his electric group, "Monk and the Po' Boys."  Monk sings "Wang Dang Doodle" and "The Weight." 

Mark Medina, Guitar and Vocals:  Mark is also a veteran of the local blues scene.  He has played with John Earl's Boogieman Band and many others.  He sings "The Sky is Crying."  He currently plays in "The West Coast Blues Conspiracy." 

Lady J Huston, Trumpet and Vocals:  Lady J Huston plays trumpet and sings "Mustang Sally."  Although she has not lived in Vegas for very long, she is certainly a veteran of the Blues!  Lady "J" Huston's accomplishments are many including musical director for the late, great Albert King!  She has her own band called "Lady "J" Huston and the Fireballs." 

So, this blog will just have to substitute for album "liner notes" and written just in case anyone is curious! 

Thanks for reading! 

LVBS