The Blues DeLuxe Band has survived some changes through the years, and has kept many of its core players for long stretches of time. You can't swing for decades, like this band has, without friendship, respect and major league talent. Living that "Blues Life" takes its toll on some, but the guys who can hang really get it done! See Joe's bio here.
Billy "Blues Boy" Holt, Bass & VocalsBill is the longest continuosly active member of the band...except for Joe, of course.
His vocals and rock-solid bass guitar playing are a joy to behold. Whether it's an Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson song, or an original rocking blues, Billy just "gets it".
And when Bill gets to singing the blues, he's got everybody's attention.
When you come out, ask for some "Blues Boy" singin'.
You'll get what you came for, no doubt about it. Maybe some Allman Brothers, a little Freddie King, either way it'll be swingin' and wailin'.
Angelo DiBriaccio, Saxophones & KeyboardWith Joe Zook almost from the beginning, soulful sax man Angelo DiBraccio has been one player who's helped formulate the distinctive horn sound that accents the Blues DeLuxe live show.
A touring musician—and a studio talent who's worked with national recording artists, including the incredible Roberta Flack—Angelo brings first-rate technical "chops", combined with a feel you just know when you hear it.
And, look for Ange to also add some piano to the mix— lately, he's been in demand as much for keyboards as for his horn.
Steve "Barry Sacks" Kaplan, Saxophones, Clarinet & FluteEqually at home on all saxes, clarinet and flute, Steve is a true lover of the growl of the baritone. Citing influences such as jazzmen Coleman Hawkins, Roland Kirk, Cannonball Adderly and Gerry Mulligan, he also favors the funky Junior Walker and Maceo Parker of James Brown fame.
Steve's playing experience includes the Monday Blues Band, Midnight Sun and the Lamplighters, as well as three years with the salsa band of Tony Maldonado "La Decision".
Steve directs his own big band, Swing Street, and arranges when not teaching band at Middle School.
Rick Lawton, DrumsA talented drummer with a history of handling various styles and working the rhythm section to perfection, Rick's an accomplished player, teacher, author and recording artist.
Hailing from Lexington, Virginia, Rick's spent years studying with giants of the percussion education field, including Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, Joe Morello, and the Ambassador of the Drums, Dom Famularo. He's threatening to finish the 2nd edition of his popular drum book any day now.
Rick is all about getting just the right "swing", whether it's rock, funk, jazz or blues. And Rick can really lay down that swing when he's on stage with Joe Zook and Blues Deluxe.
James Cheadle, KeyboardsSparkling, funky, jazzy, honky-tonk...all these things describe the great keyboard work of pianist, writer, producer and recording studio owner Jim Cheadle.
His signature blues piano style has become part of the Blues Deluxe Sound.
A professor of music, and player who's been signed and recorded on Columbia Records, Jim still teaches, operates 9 South Productions, and helps other artists, including his talented family, make an impact on the entertainment industry.
John Sopko, KeyboardsDepending on Joe's plan, you may also see John Sopko on stage with Blues DeLuxe.
John's played with many local and regional acts, and brings a stellar "feel" to the live show.
We've had the luxury of having John with the band for local club dates, last season's big Trenton Musicians Foundation summer benefit concert, and many more to come.
Organ, piano, synthesizer...John's all that.
Other Invited Players
You might also see any of these guys when you come out to hear Joe Zook and Blues DeLuxe.
They're not subs, they're icing on the cake!
Steve Guyger, harmonica (site): One of the great players in the history of the instrument, Steve's who you hear on our CD's
Tony Buford, harmonica: Designer, harp player. Member of the "DeLuxeVersion" of Blues Deluxe for 20+ years.
Danny Tobias, trumpet: You don't know how good the saxes sound 'til you add a little trumpet!
Paul Cippon, trumpet: Or, a lot of trumpet!
