| Bill Sims, Jr. learned his lessons well while attending Ohio State, where he majored in music and had the privilege to play with many great Blues legends that performed at the University. He had the opportunity of sitting in the piano chair of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Freddy King, the Ojays, Jerry Butler and many more. Bill Sims, Jr. is currently considered one of the best musicians in the New York Blues scene. He tours both domestic and internationally.
In 1999 the 10 hour PBS special "American Love Story" (a story about Bill and his family) ran for four nights, and featured the music of Bill Sims Jr. at the end of each show.
Mark LaVoie is a master harmonica player, and is a protege of harmonica virtuoso Sonny Terry. He was Sonny's driver in the summer of 76 and performed with Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. Sonny said "Mark, take something from me, but play it the way 'You' feel it." Mark LaVoie has a style that is all his own.
Bill Sims Jr. and Mark LaVoie have been working together for 15 years now, mostly in Vermont. In the early 90s while working in Burlington, Vermont, Bill met Mark and they became fast friends after discovering their shared love of acoustic Blues. At the time they were working within an electric format, but that soon gave way to the acoustic duo. Since that time they have become a fan favorite at Blues venues throughout Vermont and are now ready to bring their special form of Blues to the world. |
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