BluesHammer Evolution
BluesHammer started in the San Francisco Bay Area as a collaboration between two very experienced Blues Guitarists with totally disparate styles. They formed the foundation of BluesHammer and added a solid rhythm section to round out their distinctive sound. COVID-19 affected the entire music scene and including BluesHammer. In 2021, Jerry Cash, left California and settled in the DFW area of Texas. As life started returning to normal, Jerry decided to revive BluesHammer, but with an even bigger sound. The musicians in the new BluesHammer came together from all over the country to the DFW area and have been building this new sound to revive the Texas Blues scene. They have come from a different musical backgrounds but with a shared passion for the Blues. BluesHammer, now with it's 9 members, creates a sound bigger than the stages they play on. Each member brings a unique musical experience to the band and have produced a huge sound that is more than the sum of the parts.
Lead Guitar/Vocals
Jerry is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. He moved to California and began playing professionally in the mid-60’s at clubs, concerts, and on TV and radio. He has shared the stage with Santana, Iron Butterfly, Tommy Castro, Daniel Castro, Magic Slim and the Teardrops, Curtis Salgado, Sista Monica, Mark Hummel, Tinsley Ellis, Guitar Shorty, Jimmy Burns and Gary Smith amongst others. His bands have included The Fourth Street Exit, Blue Ash, Big Daddy Blu Allstars, Martha's Hot Flash, The Cash and Carry Blues Band, The Little George Band, Blues Cadillac, and BluesHammer. Has played at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago, the 411 club in Kalamazoo, BB Kings in Los Angeles, JJ's Blues, and the Woodham's Lounge in San Jose, Henflings, Moe's Alley, and the Moss Landing Inn in the Santa Cruz and Monterey areas, The Saloon, The Sausalito Cruising Club, Bay View Boat Club and Amante's in San Francisco, and Chaser's Lounge in Anaheim. Major Influences: B.B. King, Freddie King, Albert King and Chris Cain. His CD's have included "Love is the Answer" by The Cash and Carry Blues Band, "Little George Live at JJ's Blues" and "Silicon Valley Games", "We've Got It All" by Blues Cadillac, and "Set One" by BluesHammer. He moved from California to Texas in 2021 and continues to play the Blues.
Trombone
James McNair is a versatile trombonist who has performed professionally with symphony orchestras, concert, jazz, rock, funk, and blues bands around the country for the past 30+ years. Hailing from Rowlett, Texas, he attended East Texas State University where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree and a Master of Music Performance degree. Mr. McNair is a former member of the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C. where he performed regularly at the White House, on national tours, and on many recordings. Since his return to the DFW area, he has performed with the following groups: Richardson Symphony Orchestra, East Texas Symphony Orchestra, Garland/Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Irving Symphony Orchestra, Plano Symphony Orchestra, Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, Lewisville Lake Symphony Orchestra, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Opera, Dallas Wind Symphony, Imperial Brass, James Hinkle Band, and Chris Watson Band. In addition to his career as a professional musician, Mr. McNair has been a music educator in the following public-school districts: Richardson ISD, Grapevine/Colleyville ISD, Lewisville ISD, and Argyle ISD where he currently teaches middle school and high school band. Previous to his arrival in Argyle, he was the Coordinator of Instrumental Music Education and Assistant Director of Bands at Texas Christian University.
Rhythm Guitar/Slide Guitar/Harmonica/Vocals
Don has almost 5 decades of guitar playing across several genres (Rock, Pop, Country, Americana and Alternative Originals).
Produced and recorded Deep 6 compilation series in the late 90’s with nearly 50 local bands on 6 releases) including Ronnie Dawson and Funland). Opened for Pat Green and Peter Tork (Monkees). Played in the Laughing Rudy’s in the 90’s with Dale Baker (drummer on Six Pence None the Richer’s #1 hit Kiss Me). Played guitar for a full-up Blues Brothers act at Mayor of Tampa’s pregame party for first ever USFL championship (early 80’s). Refocused on blues when learning harmonica, a dozen years ago. Don has played locally at House of Blues, Glass Cactus, Poor David’s, Grapefest, local bars and wineries.
Trumpet
Vernon has been playing trumpet since 1977. His diverse experience in musical groups include pit orchestra musicals, jazz groups, rock band, smooth jazz, solo work, orchestras, brass ensembles, clown bands, and general freelance work. His love of blues and jazz has existed since before he began playing the trumpet at the age of 11 by listening to trumpet legends Maynard Ferguson, Doc Severinsen, Wynton Marsalis, Chuck Mangione, Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Chase and Louis Armstrong. In 1984, he began his pursuit of a Music Performance degree at East Texas State University, currently Texas A&M Commerce. Vernon is a Bach Artist since 2017 and is a highly sought-after adjudicator in the local school districts. He has been teaching privately for over 20 years and has a studio of over 70 students. He resides in Lake Dallas with his wife, Dana, of 31 years and border collie pup, Sadie.
Keyboards
Jay is a native of Cortland, Ohio and has been playing piano since he was 5. He took 14 years of classical training before he went to college to gain a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. Played in garage rock band in high school and
continued in college. About 15 years ago after his career as a EE and owner of an Engineering company he founded, Jay re-discovered his passion for playing music in a band setting and has played in the Dallas area with several talented bands such as Dave Anderson, Bandolero Band, Legendary 360 Band, and others, he is currently also playing with Texas Wildfire. Jay also is a certified Hammond and Leslie speaker technician in high demand for repairs in churches and touring bands. So look for him to bring a real B3 for larger venue performances.
Drums
Robert is a native of Bethesda, MD and has been playing drums from the age of 12 with interests in rock, blues, funk and jazz. Early on in MD, Robert played in various clubs, and high school events (proms, homecomings). After locating to Dallas in 1979, Robert played in rock/blues bands performing in nightclubs such as The Rhythm Room, On The Rocks, House of Blues, Froggy Bottoms, Outback Pub, etc., as well as various restaurants (light rock and jazz), parties, and wedding receptions.
Lead Vocals
Vlad is a native of San Angelo Texas. Vlad is a singer songwriter that has numerous studio recordings from various rocknroll groups most notably Valentino - Wretched Boyz , the Bands Rawhide, Black Armored Locust, Rednek Atomic Cowboys, Christian Power Trio, Hos Heirs Of Salvation and Colour Me Blind From Laddiebatla.Co. Vlad is a prolific songwriter guitarist and bassist lead vocalist currently singing the rocknroll Blues and pursuing rocknroll salvation.
Alto Saxophone
Chris is a native of Texas and has been playing since 1993. His major influences are David Sanborn, Paul Desmond, Michael Brecker, John Coltrane, Eric Marienthal, Rob Rose, Lou Marini, and Clown Core.
Bass Guitar
Chris has over 40 years musical experience, performing live in orchestra pits as well as many venues up and down the east coast covering standards from the 1920’s to today. He has recorded with many artists in Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey and Nashville to name a few. Chris moved to Texas in 2017 and has found fantastic opportunities with the music community, including country and western and now blues!
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