Biography
About Siegel-Schwall
Along with the first-wave British Invasion bands like The Rolling Stones, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, and stateside groups like The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Siegel-Schwall Band were instrumental in The Great Blues Revival of the 1960’s. Serving as the house band at the famed Pepper’s Lounge, they earned their spurs backing greats like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and Willie Dixon who came to jam with them.
From 1966 until they disbanded in 1974, they ranked among the most important forces in reaching the baby boomer audience that sustains the blues to this day. The Siegel-Schwall Band also pioneered the cross-fertilization of the blues with other forms, performing Bill Russo’s “Three Pieces For Blues Band and Symphony Orchestra” in 1968 with the San Francisco Symphony and major symphony orchestras including Chicago and Boston. Corky Siegel has continued this expansion of the blues with more symphonic blues compositions and well as his Chamber Blues project.
The latest band included two other genuine notables, bassist Rollo Radford and drummer Sam Lay. Radford’s resume stretches from Martha & The Vandellas to Sun Ra, giving him the artistic range to follow wherever Siegel and Schwall want to take the blues. Lay’s credentials are extensive. His stellar work with Muddy Waters, Little Walter and The Paul Butterfield Band earned him entry in both The Blues and The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
Source & Links to individual band member biographies here: About Siegel-Schwall
Website: The Siegel-Schwall Band
Also on Last.fm as Siegel-Schwall Band
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