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PHIL ROBINS
Lead Guitar, Slide Guitar, Vocals
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Born in Delaware, the son of a Country Rock musician,
Phil has been playing guitar since he was eight years old.
He is a self-taught guitarist with influences from his father and
other guitar masters. In 1987, he toured throughout the south with his father’s band, "Second Sun"
and worked as a studio session guitarist. His blues band Mr. Blue was formed
in 1989 and toured extensively up and down the east coast in support of major CD releases.
Phil has been invited onto stages of such blues greats as Albert Collins, Buddy Guy,
Johnny Copeland, and Otis Rush. Currently, Venom Blues is Phil’s hottest new act, playing and
recording original blues.
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KEVIN SMITH
Vocals, Bass Guitar
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A Delaware native, Kevin Smith (no, not the director) joined the band at its inception. He has been creating and playing
music in the Delaware area since 1978. Cutting his teeth as a self taught guitarist and vocalist
pounding out blues and rock classics in his first band, he developed an interest in the
blues cornerstone that helped build today's music. As the songwriter/lyricist for an all original band in the 80's,
he found an appreciation for the stories told by musicians of the past and how their message has been carried across generations.
The last 20 years has been devoted to session work on this original music with well over 50 original works completed.
Switching to playing bass with Venom Blues offers new musical challenges;
an opportunity to delve into true blues styles, expand on the idea of original music and still
have the ability to pass on some powerful history using the words and music of some of the world's greatest blues pioneers
while writing some new history along the way...
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STORMIN' NORMAN THOMAS
Percussion, Vocals
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"Stormin' Norman" has had an ear for music his whole life. Starting in school playing with the band to
doing the Ole' Blues Thang with us on the weekends - he's got a groove that put the whole thing in
proper perspective. With a list of toys too numerous to mention, Norman adds a layer of complexity that
just rounds out the show in a way few could anticipate.
Norman does not only handle our percussion needs, he can belt out some series baritone vocals. The
kind that really makes Da Blues stand up and say something. His renditions of Stormy Monday and Dukes Place
receive raves from our listeners, so make sure to give a listen when you can - you won't be disappointed!
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STEVE LONG
Percussion
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Steve Long offers up a percussion style that truly adds to Venom Blues' edge. A musical professional, Steve has been playing
in Delaware and surrounding areas for decades with a variety of bands. Deciding to hang his hat in the Venom Blues
Studios, Steve is a great addition and helps add that "bite" to Da Blues!
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JOE MAROCCO
Saxophone
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Joe's DA MAN! Poundin' out some sweet riffs on the plumbing, Joe can stand alongside the best in the business!
From the seductive to the insane, Joe can really light up the audience! With decades of performance experience with
major players in the region, Joe brings a new and inspiring dynamic to the band! Don't be surprised when he jumps up on the
PA system and belts out something that will melt your skull!
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JERRY PEETE
Keyboard, Harmonica and Vocals
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A man of all instruments, Jerry is the latest wildcat to grace the member list! Smokin' keyboards and howlin' harmonica is
a trademark that will be with us for a long time! His energy is boundless and his antics are
ridiculous
but he means every note he plays and he plays for keeps! Watch out!
This boy has DA BLUES!
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Friends and Memories
DAN DiREDA
Harmonicas, Vocals
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Dan, DA MAN, DiRida - hope the world finds you soon! Da harmonicat is missed!
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JOHN REDA
Saxophones, Vocals
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We will miss an old friend...
John Reda, at age 55, son of Louise DiTomasso and the late Michael Reda, passed away peacefully at his home on September 16, 2009.
John Reda was the true veteran in this band. With over 40 years of performing under his belt, he knew how to kick up the crowd.
Belting out some unbelievable solos, he brought an enormous wealth of musical knowledge to the band.
John played with dozens of bands in the Northeast including Charlie Murray, Earl Rice, Joe Allegro and Melissa Martin.
He has also performed in the pit band for the Everett Theater Orchestra for Nunsense and Jesus Christ Superstar.
John excelled in other areas as well. He was able to rattle off some serious big band vocals and caress the skins...
Frank Sinatra is gone, and now, alas, John has gone to join him. May we hope that John has found the band he deserves
rocking around the Pearly Gates. Rest in peace, John.
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PAUL MORÉ
Percussion
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Paul has moved on to other projects and we wish him well in his future endeavours.
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FRANKIE GRAY
Saxophone
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Frankie has moved on to other projects and we wish him well in his future endeavours.
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ARAM PILIGIAN
Saxophone
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Aram is one talented musician but lives way cross country! We wish him well and that gasoline prices come down some day!
You'll be hearing more from this guy real soon!
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Some more pics
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