SMALL BLIND JOHNNY

The music of Small Blind Johnny has been over 100 years in the making. The music of field hollers and barn dances. Juke joints, freight trains and hobo jungles. Small Blind Johnny, the band, has been in the making since their teens. Milwaukee was fertile ground. Pollinated by the folk and electrified blues traveling up Highway 41 from Chicago, they were inspired by the Blues greats and the Brew Town musicians who learned from the best. Many great players have passed through Small Blind Johnny's ranks, and some have passed on, but the band endeavors on their quest to pay homage to, and capture as best they can, the heartbeat and soul of the roots music they love.

Mark Shanahan (guitar and vocals) channels the alchemy of wood, steel strings and vacuum tubes into nuanced lead guitar, balanced with the colors and textures of rhythm guitar and bottleneck slide. Mark's distinctive vocal style may evoke more John Lennon than Muddy Waters, but it's heartfelt, and he does the most with what he's got.

Sammy Lee Nichols (harmonica and vocals) “The Man with the Prescription for the Blues” conjures the best elements of Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson and other greats with a powerful command of the vocal quality and expression of the Mississippi Saxophone. His unique vocal style brings new interpretations to the blues repertoire.

Fabulously Fantastic Freddy Matt Jr. (bass and vocals) lays down the steady melodic bass groove, getting “deep down in the note” as we say. With the drums he keeps the pocket tight. The solid bottom allows the other members of the band to be inspired and soar. He'll step in on vocals, as well, for a double threat.