Memphis Blood This super group of Memphis-based songwriters, singers, and musicians has collectively performed or written on approximately 75 million record sales, 50 gold or platinum albums, 30 major hit songs, 25 major artist record releases, 20 major artist tours, 15 major motion pictures, and 10 major television shows. Some of the television appearances include Baywatch, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, the Super Bowl, the CMA Awards, Crook and Chase, the American Music Awards, Good Morning America and Dick Clark Productions programs. Memphis Blood’s lead vocalist, Jimi Jamison has had numerous hits of his own. As the front man of Survivor he enjoyed five singles on the Top Ten Charts as well as four gold and double platinum albums. His renditions of "Eye of the Tiger" from Rocky III and "Burning Heart" from Rocky IV still thrill concert audiences to this day. Other fan favorites include "High On You", "The Search is Over" and "I Can’t Hold Back". Memphis Blood is currently performing many of the hit songs they are associated with. Their show also includes new original songs that will appear on the debut Memphis Blood CD release! These are REAL songwriters, singers and musicians making REAL MUSIC! You never know when some major artist with whom this band is associated with will sit in during a live show! Jimi Jamison Tony Black Song List Jack Holder Continuously acclaimed as one of the Top Ten Male Vocalists in the World. Jimi Jamison delivers a strong and powerful performance. His recently released song, "I`m Always Here", which he wrote and performed for the #1 TV show worldwide, Baywatch, is certain to solidify his standing as one of the premier performers in the music industry today. From humble beginnings in rural Mississippi to established superstar in Memphis, Tennessee, his achievements call to mind the other Memphis Rock and Roll Legend, whom Jimi met as a young boy while Elvis was on one of his famous shopping sprees. Like Elvis, Jimi has never forgotten from whence he came, and continues to be dedicated to benefits assisting St. Jude Children`s Hospital, The Special Olympics and the ARF Foundation, with Tony LaRussa of the St. Louis Cardinals. Beginning with the nationally acclaimed band Target in the 1970`s, Jimi continued his rise to stardom with Cobra through the early 1980`s. In 1983, he joined Survivor as the group was to go on to enjoy five singles in the Top Ten, four gold, and double platinum albums and multiple movie soundtracks. His renditions of "Eye of the Tiger" from Rocky and "Burning Heart" from Rocky IV thrill concert audiences to this day. Other fan favorites include "High On You","The Search is Over" and "I Can`t Hold Back", all delivered with crisp, clean live band backup for the strong voiced Jamison. The explosive "Rock Hard" from Jimi`s 1991 solo album, "When Love Comes Down", also features the unmistakable power of Jamison`s voice. In addition to his career as a lead vocalist, he has also made six music videos and has made multiple television appearances. He has served on the Grammy Awards Committee and is a member of AFTRA, SAG, and NARAS. He has performed back up vocals for recordings by ZZ top, Krokus, Jeff Healy Band, and numerous other recording artists. Jimi has co-written songs with musicians such as Joe Walsh. Billy Gibbons refers to Jimi as the fourth member of ZZ Top . He has been recognized by the Governors of Tennessee, Ohio and Arkansas for his work on and off the stage and he commands a loyal and dedicated following appearing at each of his concerts. Tony D. Black is an accomplished keyboardist from the Memphis, TN area. He has recorded with Isaac Hayes, Jonny Lang, Denise Lasalle, Sanne (Denmark), Carl Sims and performed live with B.B. King, Jimi Jamison (Survivor), Bobby Kimball (TOTO), Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Diane Schuur, Billy Preston, Steven Seagal as well as STAX alumni Rufus Thomas Jr., Mavis Staples, and the Bar-Kays. He was formerly a recording artist with both the MOTOWN and RCA record labels. He also did a long stint as keyboardist for songwriter/producer Kevin Paige. He is currently Director of Event Operations as well as a staff producer/musician for Kevin Stewart Productions. He is also the staff musician (as well as a proud member) of Washington Chapel C.M.E Church in Memphis, TN. Peter Mendillo Dave Smith Neal Bowen Pete Mendillo was born and raised in Auburn New York and is a seasoned drummer of nearly 30 years. Pete started playing drums around the age of 4 and then playing professionally in Upstate New York around 1978. But it wasn’t until 1986 when Pete joined Mad Jack a local original southern style rock band that shared the stage with, Molly Hatchet , The Outlaws, The Marshall Tucker Band and Black foot. After a few years of slugging it out on tours and eluding record deals Pete decided to branch out into other areas of playing instead of just one band. Pete then joined forces with Mad Jack members Lou Kaplan and Rick Jewett as well as Guitarist Andrew “Duck” Mac Donald (BLUE CHEER) and Vocalist Shmoulik Avigal ( Picture , The Rods, Harpo) to round out the band AVIGAL. The band recorded some demos to shop to New York and Los Angeles. labels , but with the surge of Seattle grunge movement Avigal called it a day. Then Pete received a phone call from Mad Jack Bassist Lou Kaplan that he had joined British Boogie Blues band Savoy Brown and that they need a drummer and soon. It was then in 1989 that pete joined Savoy Brown and sped off on his first world tour After touring All of North America and Europe Pete needed a break and went back home to recharge the old batteries . With a few small tours with Albert King and other artist Pete then received a call from Gary “Scruff” Davenport to join him in Memphis TN to play in a local Original band called CIVIL WAR. Pete packed his bags and reluctantly headed south. Civil War was a band that was comprised of Two Northerners and Two Southerners…hence the name Civil War. After a few showcases, the band called it quits. Pete then found himself playing on world famous BEALE STREET and after a few months Bassist Jeff Adams from Jimi Jamisons’ SURVIVOR called to see if Pete was interested in playing …this one was a no brainer. And for four years Pete toured North, South and Central America , Japan , and Europe as well as playing drums for Toto lead singer Bobby Kimball. With the Release of Empires and I’m Always Here, a few more tours followed and then the news that Jimi was to rejoin the original members of Survivor. 1n 2002, Pete then accepted a short European tour with Ann Peebles and a CD to follow entitled Brand New Classics that was released in 2006 . Pete now resides in a new project proudly called "Memphis Blood". With a band that reads like a who’s who of Memphis musicians Pete stands (or sits should we say) proud with some of the greatest musicians of all time: Jimi Jamison, Jack Holder, Dave Smith, Steve Potts , Tony Black, and Kevin Stewart who is also the management team of kevin Stewart Productions. It is a sure bet to place when this band takes the stage, the music and soulfulness will not to be forgotten Pete Has Toured and recorded with : Savoy Brown, Jimi Jamison (Survivor, Cobra, Target), John Roth, Jimmy Davis , Anthony Corder, Hal Macormick, Jeff Adams, Bobby Kimball (Toto), Albert King, Reba Russell Band, Jimmy Thackery, Ann Peebles, Don Bryant, Bobby Rush, Willie Foster, Scott Sudbury , Kirk Smithhart, Blind Mississippi Morris, James Cotton, Corey Osborn, James Govan, Don Cook., Gina Moore, Don McMinn, and Joe Norman. Pete has also toured all of North America, Central America, South America, Asia, and the whole of Europe. Pete’s goal is to be the first Lounge drummer on the moon ..If ZZ Top doesn’t beat him to it. The most recent that have been making some "noise" nationwide are...."The Greatest" by Cat Power and "Reflection of Something" by Contemporary Christian Artist, Todd Agnew. (I also played on Todd`s debut, "Grace Like Rain," which did really well in that market) "Lie To Me"....Jonny Lang (Blues/Rock) "Wander This World"....Jonny Lang (Blues/Rock) "Ledbetter Heights"...Kenny Wayne Shepherd (Blues/Rock) "Heavy Love"....Buddy Guy (Blues) "Along For The Ride"...John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers (Blues) "Soul Fixin` Man"...Luther Allison (Blues) "Blue Streak"....Luther Allison (Blues) "Reckless"....Luther Allison (Blues) "Live In Montreaux"...Luther Allison (Blues) "Standing In My Shoes"....Leo Kottke (Folk) "Evergreen Boy".....Steve Forbert (Folk/Rock) "Live In Memphis"....Carla Thomas (R&B) "The Edge Of The World"...Billy Bob Thornton (Rock) "Dust For Life".....Degrees Of Black (Rock) "Love God (And Everyone Else)".....Al Green (track on the soundtrack of the movie "Michael") (Gospel/Soul) 4 of the "This Ain`t No Tribute" series on the House Of Blues label...songs of The Rolling Stones..Bob Dylan..Eric Clapton...Led Zeppelin.....by various Blues and R&B artists (I played bass, some guitar, co-produced and arranged a few tracks) (Blues/Rock) "Blue Haze" (Songs Of Jimi Hendrix)....Tracks with Eric Gales & Trudy Lynn..and Alvin Youngblood Hart (Blues/Rock) "Going Down (The Songs Of Don Nix)"....Don Nix (Blues/Rock) "Brand New Me".....Jerry Butler (Soul/Pop) "Kingpin".....Tinsley Ellis (Blues) "Get Your Glow On"....Adam Levy (Norah Jones guitarist solo Cd....Norah sings "Love Me Tender") "Soul Days".....Dobie Gray (Soul/Pop) "Roadhouse Rules"....Lonnie Brooks (Blues) "Soft Place To Fall".....Deborah Coleman (Blues/Rock) "Hush"......Ana Popovic (Blues/Rock) "Comfort To The Soul"....Ana Popovic (Blues/Rock) "Storms Of Life".....Bernard Allison (Blues/Rock) "Blue Collar Blues".....Billy Lee Riley (Rockabilly/Blues) "Wendy Moten".....Wendy Moten (R&B) "Memory In The Making"....John Kilzer (Rock) "Fried Glass Onion/Memphis Meets The Beatles" Volumes I & II.....Various Artists (Co-Produced, Arranged, Guitar, Bass, Background Vocals on several tracks) (R&B/Rock) "Love, Union, Peace"...Vargas Blues Band (Blues/Rock) "Susan Marshall Is Honeymouth"....Susan Marshall "Show You A Good Time"....Ruby Wilson (R&B) "Campfire Songs".....Jimmy Davis (Country/Rock) "The Strangest Day".....Jonah 33 (Contemporary Christian Rock) I`m in the PBS series called "The Blues" that Martin Scorsese did....I`m playing with the "Sun Records Blues Artists" Reunion.....BB King, Ike Turner, Little Milton, Roscoe Gordon. I won the NARAS Memphis Premier Player award, for Bass, five times....was inducted into The Hall Of Fame. Neal Bowen Neal Bowen, professional bassist, has played and recorded with a number of artists with styles ranging from pop/rock and funk to straight ahead jazz and country. Neal, an active studio musician, church musician, bandleader, and private instructor in the mid-south metro area has worked with artists such as guitarists Shawn Lane, Marlon Branch, Buddy Davis, bassist Oteil Burbridge of the Allman Brothers, bassist/producer John DiModica, Saxophonist Carl Wolfe, Holy Soldier vocalist Stephen Patrick, vocalist Jon “Bowzer” Bauman of Sha-na-na, Led Zeppelin Tribute Band “Dazed and Confused”, Resurrection Band guitarist Glenn Kaiser, The Six Million Dollar Band, Rod Stewart Tribute Artist Rob Caudill, vocalist/songwriter Jamie Baker, Ardent Recording Artist Brother’s Keeper, teen pop idol Aaron Carter, and Memphis Jam Band The Gamble Brothers. Neal’s credits also include film score contributions and compositions to a number of independent films from production house Creative Forces. Currently, Neal holds the bass chair for Memphis-based R&B/Top 40 band, The Memphis Sound featuring vocalist Memphis’ premier vocalist Jackie Johnson. At age 19 Neal studied with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones bassist Victor Wooten, and later with bassist Tim Goodwin (Diane Price, Mose Alison). When his schedule permits, Neal fronts his own jazz trio, “The Neal Bowen Trio” aka NB3. Neal Bowen Partial Discography: The Six Million Dollar Band–Huge-Bassist Sideman Syndicate–Sideman Syndicate 1998-Bassist Soundtrack-from the movie “Workers Compensation”-Guitar Soundtrack-from the animated feature “Paper Clips” 2002–Bass, Piano Soundtrack-from the feature film “Streaker” Double Bass, Music Supervisor(post production) Jamie Baker and Smallworld–Smallworld-Bass, Piano Aaron Carter–"I Just Can’t Wait To Be King”–Disneymania-Bassist Memphis Meets The Beatles Vol.2-Upright bass on "Martha, My Dear" Bill Marshall Steve Potts John Wiles III Song List Bill Marshall began his musical career in Memphis, TN. in 1965 with a group named The Venturas. He worked with many other local and regional groups including the Uncle Jam Band who toured with Z.Z. Top on their Rio Grande Mud Tour in 1972, and later with Larry Raspberry and the High Steppers, recording two albums and filming the movie, Jive Assp in 1975. Next he worked with the rock group Target from 1977 to 1980. In June of 1980 he was contacted by the Aucoin Management Company in New York to be considered for the replacement of Peter Criss, drummer for the rock group Kiss. Also that year he received his first gold record, co-writing "Dixie Diner" on the Jimmy Buffett live album "You Had To Be There." He also recorded the movie soundtrack with Buffett "Rancho Deluxe." In August 1980, bill relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and began studio session work. While there he had the opportunity to record with Bertie Higgins. This resulted in the No. 1 single "Key Largo," which also went gold. He returned to Memphis in 1981 and joined Hank Williams, Jr. and the Bama Band. Between 1982 and 1989 he had the opportunity to back up Dicky Betts of the Allman Brothers Band and co-wrote a song with Hank on the "Montana Cafe" album. 17 Gold and Platinum Records, 3 Emmy Awards, a Super bowl halftime performance, 2 European Independent Artist of The Year Awards, 5 American Entertainer of The Year Awards, 2 CMA Drummer of The Year Nominations, performed the video introduction for the MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL television program for ABC, headlined the 50Years of Rock and Roll Celebration at the world famous Cavern Club in Liverpool England, and a Lifetime Achievement Award . Other network performances by members include the CMT network special with Kid Rock and Hank Williams Jr., Dick Clarks American Bandstand, Don Kirshner`s Rock Concert, Showtime Special with Hank Williams JR. and Friends on the USS Constellation Aircraft Carrier, Showtime special The Beach Boys and Friends, Showtime Special Live from Washington DC with Ringo Starr of the Beatles, The C.M.A.(Country Music Awards), The A.M.C. (Academy of Country Music Awards ), The Grammy Awards, TNN Network special, An Evening with Hank Williams Jr. Members of Almost Famous have performed on stage / television with Kid Rock, Hank Williams Jr., Ringo Starr of the Beatles, Sammy Hagar of Van Halen, B.B. King, Tina Turner, Jimmy Buffett, The Allman Bros. Band , The Beach Boys, Reba Mc Entire, Robbie Krieger of The Doors, Waylon Jennings, Muddy Waters, Mott The Hoople, Trace Atkins, Travis Tritt, Howlin Wolf, Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple, Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac , Alan Jackson, ZZ Top , Survivor, Saliva, and the list goes on and on. Shared billing with Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews, Greenday, John Mayer, The Doobie Bros, Cheap Trick, Ozzy Osbourne, Faith Hill, Bonnie Raitt, Nickleback, Sister Hazel, Lifehouse, Vertical Horizon, Edwin McCain, The Outfield, Rick Springfield, Blues Travler, Paula Cole, The Rolling Stones Bill Wyman,John Waite, and many more Steve Potts is one of the world`s most acclaimed percussionists and drummers. He has toured with many major groups and recorded hundreds of albums. John A. Wiles III, KSP Business Manager / Purchasing Manager / Audio Design Expert / Electronic Repairs He grew up in Germany where his father was an opera singer and attended German schools for 7 years before his family returned to the US. During high school in Michigan and Texas, he was involved in school choirs, plays and musicals. This is where he first got interested in sound recording and sound reinforcement, and had the opportunity for some hands on experience. 1977 Bachelor of Arts Degree, Cum Laude, Southeastern Louisiana University. Major: Speech Broadcasting. Minor: Theater. Elective courses in basic electronics. Experience: Student Worker SLU Music Department. Responsible for recording recitals, concerts, and operas and maintenance of equipment. While at SLU, held positions of Music Director, Program Director and Station Manager of University radio station KSLU-FM. Also had part time job at Electronics/Stereo Store and after graduation full time job, being promoted to sales manager in March of 1978. Live Sound Engineer for several Louisiana based bands in the early 1980’s including the Kevin Stewart Band. Briefly employed by Morrison Brothers Audio in Jackson MS. Worked shows for George Jones, John Anderson and Ray Charles. 1/1985 – 12/1998: Independent recording engineer in Nashville TN. Started work in the spring of 1985 at a 24 track recording studio, 1030 Sound that later became Syncro Sound and then 615 Studios. Engineered demo sessions for various publishing companies and album sessions for both major and independent record labels. For 615 Productions he has worked on projects for all of the major networks including, ABC, CBS, NBC, NBC Europe, TNN, CMT, The Weather Channel, HGTV, A&E, The History Channel and others. He has also worked on 615 Productions music packages/libraries licensed to TV stations across the US, and recorded and mixed jingles, post scores and promos, such as the promo for the launch of the Rosie O’Donnell Show, and a Clio Award winning jingle for Dominoes Pizza featuring acapella group Take 6. Various 615 projects he worked on won awards over the years, including local and regional Emmy and Addy awards. For Kristy Productions he recorded and mixed a large number of jingles and post scores as well a several music library CD’s. Other Nashville studios he has worked in include the Music Mill, Mastermix, Warner Brothers, 16th Avenue Sound, County Q, Quad, Creative Workshop, Treasure Isle, Music Emporium, Music Row Audio and Eastside Studio. He has done live sound work for several bands, showcases, and performances at Summer Lights in downtown Nashville. During the early to late 90’s he mixed the Fanfare Arts Festival Jazz Concerts at SLU. Maintenance/Repair Technician: While in Nashville, he also did maintenance, repair and installation work for several studios. This started in the spring of 1985 at 1030 Sound, where he installed a new Studer A-80 24 track recorder and rewired the existing MCI Console and outboard racks. He also performed regular maintenance and small repairs. In the fall of 1987 the studio owners built a larger facility, renamed Syncro Sound, on the premises. He did the wiring and installed a new console and outboard racks and eventually a new Otari MTR-90II 24 track recorder. Over the years he performed regular maintenance, repairs and upgrades to this studio including the installation in 92 of a new automated Otari Series 54 console. He has also wired several midi keyboard/programming studios including Kristy Productions, wired several keyboard and electronics road cases, and installed and wired several audio/protools edit rooms at Archer Productions, a voice-over, jingle and spoken book studio and production company. In the fall of 97 Syncro Sound studios, now owned by 615 Productions, were expanded and completely rebuilt. He did most of the wiring in the main control room including the console, new outboard racks and machine room, as well as the wiring in the Sadie edit suite including patch bays. 1/1999 – Present: Audio engineer for Kevin Stewart Production Company providing entertainment services to the casino industry. Responsibilities include installation, maintenance and repair of sound systems and musical equipment used at casinos, setting up portable sound systems for corporate events, mixing front of house and monitors (including inner ear monitor systems) in casino ballrooms and showrooms, as well as demo recordings. During the summer of 2002 was the live sound engineer for B.B. Kings on Beale Street in Memphis TN. In 2007 and 2008 mixed concerts in the event center of the Majestic Star Casino in Gary Indiana. Co designed the event center’s stage layout, electrical requirements, lighting and audio company switches, front of house location and audio and lighting cabling. Designed and installed audio distribution to tie together 2 Majestic Star gambling boats and on shore sound systems to allow KSP “Majestic Radio” non stop music and promo announcements to play throughout property. Also repaired and maintained existing pa systems. Since 2008 has also been the business manager among other things or KSP based out of the home office. Copyright ©2011. Kevin Stewart Productions . All rights reserved.