Midtown Blues Band

Bio

 

Bob Naugler

Lead Vocals, Harmonica, Rhythm Guitar

Bob is an inspired bluesman! He is the lead vocalist, harmonica and guitar player with the Midtown Blues Band. He is moving on to the East Coast music scene with his nose to the grindstone, working diligently with his band. Over the past eight years, Bob picked up on various areas of the blues, which he loves with a passion! All does not come easy!  He studied guitar with Jimmy White, formerly of Peppertree; and harmonica with harp pro, Phil Potvin. They, along with others, provided him with instruction and support with this venture. He and his band will be playing the local bar scene in Halifax and surrounding areas, and they can also be found working hard on their craft at “Studio3829”. Bob has written several songs for the band and is a member of Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC), the East Coast Blues Society and Canadian Blues Organization, and their affiliates.  He is busy with members of the band playing, recording and producing these songs and others for the upcoming release of their initial CD. Bob performed with local great Blues artists Theresa Malenfant & The Instigators (here in Halifax at Bearly’s, in Moncton at O’Brien’s Pub, and in Truro at Roadside Willies); Shirley Jackson, Carter Chaplin, Morrow Scott-Brown and Mike Woodford (Rock Island Cafe, Halifax).  In April 2008, Bob and his band performed live at the Halifax Biker Bash.  In 2009, he and his band performed live at The Halifax Biker Bash with special guests Shirley Jackson and Garrie Cook. And again in 2010, he and his band performed live at The Halifax Biker Bash with special guests Kim O’Brien and Garrie Cook.

Bob MacDonald

Vocals, Bass Guitar

Bob has been playing music in the Halifax area for more than 25 years. He began as a founding member of the Macdonald Brothers Band, then as a long time member of the Silver Dollar Band. Since then he has performed as a freelance drummer and bass player, working with artists such as Jimmy White, Carl James and Andrew Kent. He is equally at ease singing lead or back-up vocals in country, blues, jazz and maritime music, and has provided back-up vocals on many recordings. He brings to the band his expertise on bass guitar, vocals and arrangements.

Darren Pardy

Lead Guitar

Darren traded in his flat top for a Blues Axe after a walk down New Orleans’ Bourbon Street in 2001.  Ever since, it’s been a steady diet of the Blues, new and old.  Favourite artists include Muddy Waters, Tab Benoit and Clapton.

Darrell Flemming

Vocals, Lead and Rhythm Guitar

As a boy, seeing a guitar standing in the corner at my grandparents home intrigued me. My early influences were old-time country and fiddle music at my grandparents cottage. At 18, work brought money and my first cheque bought me a flat top guitar so I could play down-east fiddle music with my aunt, uncles and grandfather. Twenty-one brought a girlfriend and different priorities. At 40, I’m back with a vengeance playing everyday, even during my lunch break. And my latest endeavour is blues, with the Midtown Blues Band. Newer influences: Beatles, surf music and blues – Roy Buchanan, Stevie Ray, Muddy … hell, all of ‘em! That’s for sure! Blues Forever!

John Dwinell

Drums and Vocals

John started playing drums 25 years ago, as the understudy of drummer, Bruce Murray, and also with Dave Skinner, both of whom have passed along great advice and knowledge to him. He first started playing with various country bands, but had no difficulty taking on new drum styles such as Jazz, Blues, and Rock. He enjoys the challenge of each new style. Blues music has great emotion, and it shows in his passion for learning new material for the Midtown Blues Band, in which John can really show his stuff. John will be rehearsing at “Studio3829” or behind his drum kit at your nearest Blues Bar. Keep those drums a drummin!

Kim O’Brien

Keyboards and Vocals

Kim has been playing keyboards since he was a kid. When he was a young teen, his brother came back from Toronto with a B.B. King album. As soon as the needle hit the vinyl and “The Thrill Is Gone” filled the air, Kim was hooked on the blues. Years later, he left Canada to pursue a career as an actor, but that was mostly an excuse to see the world. He made his way by pounding out blues standards for tips in pubs across Britain and Europe. Back in Canada, he wrote songs, and appeared in comedy revues while playing in any music club he could find. In Toronto, he fronted the blues-rock band No Shame then co-founded Second Hand Blues. Kim left Toronto for Montreal where he became the front man for Rough Edges. Arriving in Nova Scotia, he co-founded a blues/rock band, and has played solo gigs and with various local musicians. Kim still juggles several projects, but is very pleased to playing with the Midtown Blues Band. “I like their sound, and I like their work ethic. And it’s fun.”