Delta Sonics in Memphis
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The Delta Sonics have been playing in Colorado since 1992, and have established themselves as one of the finest blues acts in the area with their solid musicianship and exciting live performances. Their musical stylings include Chicago Blues, West Coast Swing, New Orleans R&B, and some early Rock n' Roll.
Besides averaging 120 gigs a year, the band was featured at notable regional festivals like the Mile High Blues Festival (2009), Blues From the Top (2006 & 2007) Greeley Blues Fest ( 2006 & 2009)Belvedere Blues Fest ( 2008) , Pearl St. Brews and Blues Fest (2007 & 2009) and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival Main Stage( 2009) to name a few.
Al Chesis was one of the only local harmonica players to be featured at the SPAH Convention held in Denver in 2006 and also appeared on Mark Hummel's Harmonica Blowout with harp heavyweights Magic Dick, Kim Wilson, Jason Ricci, and Mark Hummel himself in Denver and Colorado Springs in October 2008.
The band was featured at the 1997, 1998, and 2001 Denver Blues & Bones Festival, the Boulder/Lyons Blues Festival five times, the Yellowstone Jazz Festival, and the Westword Music Showcase in 1996 and 1997. They have opened for many nationally known blues artists, including Koko Taylor, Junior Wells, Taj Mahal, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, The Radiators, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tommy Castro, and Charlie Musselwhite.. In 1999 and 2004, the band brought blues piano legend Pinetop Perkins to Colorado for two successful tours. Most recently, The Delta Sonics have also backed Steadyrollin Bob Margolin , Big Bill Morganfield, Bo Diddley (2004), and Pinetop Perkins on their recent club and festival performances in Colorado. They are a sought after back-up band for national blues artists.
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Al has played in Colorado since the mid-1980's after moving to Denver from Washington, D.C. There he played in the Mojo-Matics for five years, opening shows for Albert Collins, Elvin Bishop, and others. Al has shared the stage with Canned Heat, Tommy Castro, and Homesick James.
He has also done studio work for two PBS movie soundtracks and Denver area radio stations, including KBCO, KUVO and the FOX. Al has toured locally and nationally with Muddy Waters' son Big Bill Morganfield, appearing at venues in Colorado, Utah, and Wisconsin, as well as at the prestigious Chicago Blues Festival in 2002.
Recently, Al has toured regionally with Pinetop Perkins, Steadyrollin' Bob Margolin, and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. Al has been endorsed by Hohner Harmonicas since 1992. |
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Al Chesis ~ Harmonica/Vocals
Photo by: Rob Stuehrk / Agile Imaging |
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In 1990, Bob received national attention when he opened for, and backed up, famed Detroit blues artist Eddie "The Energy Man" Kirkland. With Kirkland, Pellegrino recorded a segment for Ruth Brown's nationally broadcast "Blues Stage" at Manny's Car Wash in New York City. Bob opened for Koko Taylor at the Grand Emporium in Kansas City as well as for Duke Robillard and James Cotton.
Although Pellegrino has been a mainstay blues player in the Rocky Mountain region for more than 20 years, he has played all over the country including Kansas City's Grand Emporium, Manny's Car Wash in New York, the Hard Rock Cafe in Dallas, Antoine's "Home of the Blues" in Austin and Denver's Swallow Hill Music Hall. Bob has also been featured at the Swallow Hill Folk Festival and the 2006 Montery Bay Blues Festival. |
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Bob Pelligrino ~ Guitar / Vocals |
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John began his music career in the Midwest over 40 years ago. Starting as a drummer at age 8, he switched to bass at age 13.
After moving to Colorado in the early seventies John was "Big Al" of "Big Al & the Hi-Fi's", a national touring oldies act.
John has also played in some of Colorado's top blues bands including "The Homewreckers," "Chicago Skinny," and "Blues Tonic."
He has played many of the Colorado blues festivals and has opened shows for national blues acts such as Kim Wilson, Albert Collins, and Delbert McClinton.
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John Butler ~ Bass/ Vocals
Photo by Rob Stuehrk / Agile Imaging |
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Kyle Roberts has played an active roll in the Colorado music scene for years. Name a blues band from the area and chances are he has either performed or recorded with them. His relationship with Al Chesis and The Delta Sonics goes back to the early days of the group. As a full time member he brings his years of experience and blues pedigree to the band. Kyle has performed with many blues legends including Bo Diddley, Rufus Thomas, Pinetop Perkins, A.C. Reed, and Dr. John. He has of course been on shows and festivals with a large number of great artists including Albert Collins, Delbert McClinton, Dereck Trucks, The Neville Brothers, Sonny Landreth and many many more.
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Kyle "Big Chief" Roberts ~Drums
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