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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. As a studio owner and producer for his own record label, Red Moon Recordings,
Phil has just released his fourth solo production, "Sin Talk", by Buckwheat Shaker.
Phil is also the Founder and President of The Delaware Blues Society, Inc which focuses on
Blues related events, promotions and history in the State of Delaware.
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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 "Outland", he developed an interest in the
blues cornerstone that helped build today's music. As the songwriter/lyracist for an all original band "Bagg of Pennies" 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.
With the release of their single "It Must Be" in 1985, Bagg of Pennies focused on recording a new genre of music
which has its roots in the blues but carries a unique sound all its own.
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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PAUL MORÉ
Percussion
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"I’ve been playing drums most of my life" says Paul, "with my grandfather as my initial influence".
Paul started out with rock and roll, then gravitated towards jazz and blues, as these are what his parents listened to on a daily basis.
Paul started with his first band, “Monkey House” at age 18 performing in Philadelphia and has also
been a member of the Victory Christian Fellowship House Band since 1991, playing a variety of gospel/contemporary Christian material.
I have studied with Mr. Carl Motola in Philadelphia, and continued to be involved in as many different musical opportunities
to further my passion and love for this wonderful thing called music.
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DAN DiREDA
Harmonicas, Vocals
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Dan made a decision back in 1993 to get himself on stage to play some serious music. "I'm not sure why", he says,
but he knew he wanted to be there. He picked up a harmonica and never looked back. Since that day he's reached what he terms
"journeyman status" and has had the opportunity to play with some of the greats in the Philadelphia and Delaware music scenes.
Names like Dan Burns, Kate Daffney, Kisha Brown and Montana Wildaxe just to drop a few...
Most of his influences have been the well heard names of the heavy rock blues
area of the 60's to the 80's like Zeppelin, Floyd and Yes but he became seriously interested in joining up with Venom Blues
because it offered a new challenge and because, "I think I just want to enjoy the ride..."
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FRANKIE GRAY
Saxophone
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Frankie Gray is a professional saxophonist, singer, pianist and composer
who grew up in New York City and studied jazz improvisation and
composing at Long Island University. Frankie has appeared in many clubs
and hotels including The Iridium Jazz club, The Plaza Hotel and Madison
Square Garden. He also worked as a session player in many New York City recording
studios.
Currently residing in Elkton, Maryland, Frankie stepped in to fill the very
large shoes of our last Saxophonist, John Reda. While Frankie is not John,
he can definately kick out the notes - 'specially them high ones! Keep you're
ears on this one, he'll melt your brain...
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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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Friends and Memories
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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Some more pics
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